Relocating to Pioneer Valley?

[Lowerdeck]

That and Mohegan Sun wants to build a casino right near Exit 8 off the Turnpike. So if casinos are ever legalized in Mass., and it's a matter of time considering how much this state likes money from everyone, Palmer would be the first to land one.

Great that'd be good for jobs, and bad for just about everything else.

[joyo1966]

My advice, don't move at all. I lived in western ma and feel eastern ma is WAY more friendly

[ScituateAl]

As far as western vs. eastern mass goes, we're all new englanders, so don't plan on getting tons of smiles from strangers. Communities can always be too close-knit or people too snobbish, however, the Pioneer Valley is unique in that the college atmosphere does rub off on the local flavor. As a Berkshires native who went to UMass and is now here in eastern Mass, I would definately advocate that folks were more friendly in the Pioneer Valley. I think this was mostly due to the fact that everyone was in college vs. now our 'peers' are adults who may be a bit more snobbish.

[theh]

I've lived in both parts of the state...the valley is 1000X more friendly and laid-back than eastern mass... I honestly haven't met anyone who lived in both places for extensive periods who didn't feel that way. It's nicknamed the "Happy Valley" for a reason.

[Pioneer Valley Girl]

I've lived in both Eastern MA and Western MA and I have to agree with Al and theh.