info on Springfield, MA (Greenfield, Longmeadow: homes, neighborhood, to buy)

[Noodle]

Originally Posted by WestMass79

As someone who has both lived in the suburbs and now in Springfield, I can say I really enjoy living in Springfield. I liked living in the suburbs too, it's all about what neighborhood you live in and the home you pick, no matter what city or town you go to. But posts like "toilet full of turds" should be ignored and deleted.

So, only your viewpoint is to be posted here???? Typical of the hypocrisy of the left wingers that seem to dominate this board. At least I don't have my head in the sand. And as far as me making my comments only on a forum like this anonamysously, I tell people all day long, in person. Where would you like to meet???

[WestMass79]

I don't think anyone said anything about you posting "anonamysously" (nice try on the spelling, kiddo.

Just saying I wouldn't take anyone seriously that blankets an entire city with a phrase like that. Just like if I said the town you live in is full of illiterate hillbillies.

And, I have no interest in meeting you, but thanks for the offer. You are exactly the kind of person I wouldn't want living in my community.

[miss]

I just recently relocated to Springfield. So far it has been a miserable experience. Even the residents I ask for suggestions on where to go and what to do here acknowledge its lack of redeeming qualities. I told an elected city official that I had seen an assault on my street (the 2nd in a month) in which a man was attacked with a knife and she laughed. I think efforts to revitalize the area are in effect but a long way off from materializing. I certainly would not choose this area if I was moving with children.

[Massquatch]

Ok, perhaps toilet full of turds was a bit harsh, but I can't say that its not accurate. When you have alot of bad areas in a city, it seems to color the whole city with a negative look. My wife was transferred out to Sprinfield a few years ago, and I would go out there quite often to pick her up after work. I would drive by some nice park areas, kids playing, the whole deal, a very nice spot. Then I'd turn the corner, and I'd see homeless people sleeping in doorways, people living out of shopping carts, and then there was tent-city. That kinda stuff ruined it for me. There aren't many places that don't have some bad areas, but when the bad well outweighs the good, it ruins the whole thing. I hear all the time "But there are nice areas" ok, fine, but a nice area surrounded by ghetto isnt all that nice anymore is it?
By the way its spelled anonymously.

[WestMass79]

Miss: You should have researched before you moved. I wouldn't blindly move to Longmeadow or Agawam and then complain that I paid too much for my house and I'll never get a return. You have to know what you are getting into is what you want, if not you have nobody to blame but yourself.

Massquatch: The tent city was a highly publicized thing that ended years ago. It, by the way, was supported by feel-good do-gooders from the Amhersts and Northhamptons of the world who like to fight for the rights of homeless and downtrodden (as long as they don't go and be homeless in their communities). It's interesting, I read somewhere that 80% of the homeless in Springfield aren't from Springfield, but from other communities around here. But the other communities won't step up and deal with them. This part of the state needs regional answers, not dump all of its problems on Springfield and run.

[Massquatch]

I hear what your saying West. Yup, I know tent city is gone, my wife left Springfield about 2 or 3 years ago.
Wanna hear something completely tacky? Here in town they are having a funding drive for the homeless. Know how they are going to do it? They are going to have people pay to build a shelter out of cardboard, and sleep in it for the night on the front lawn of a local church. Cute huh?

[07trendsetta]

Ya just to let ya'll know the wolves is out at dark if you feel unsafe don't go outside theres alot of knuckle heads out at night that won't do you no good
hold ya head up

[Filby]

Well, I've lived here in Springfield all my life. I do like it here -- Indian Orchard is a decent place to live, with nice homes and its own Main Street, sort of an enclave off the city as a whole. Forest Park is a nice place to visit, and we have an impeccable library system and museums.

That said, I wouldn't recommend moving here. As countless others have noted, we've got an extremely high crime rate and our economy is pretty poor. Try some of the more rural communities in Hamden County, like Longmeadow, Agawam, Ludlow, or Wilbraham. If liberal politics is really your thing, maybe Amherst or Northampton. There's lots of New England charm all over the county.

There are people trying to make Springfield a better place, but it's a very slow, uphill process, and no city can change overnight. It's not hell, but if you're looking for a place to settle down, Springfield isn't it.

Be sure to visit the Smith fine art museum at the Quadrangle, though. Great collection of Greek statuary and Japanese relics.

[RAY OF HOPE]

wELL AS FAR AS THE SCHOOLS GO. THERE YOUR TYPICAL URBAN-CENTRIC SCHOOLS . aT oNE TIME THE CITY SCHOOLS ESPICIALLY THE HIGH SCHOOLS WERE TOP NOTCH YOU COULD'NT GO TO A BETTER H.S. THEN TECH OR CLASSICAL. COMMERECE IS THE BUSINESS SCHOOL HAS GOOD REP. iF YOU MAKE THE LEAP TO SPRINGFIELD BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE 1.5 HRS FROM EITHER BOSTON OR NEW YORK CITY.THERES TANGLEWOOD IN NTHE BERSHIRE. THERE A LOT TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A MOVE BUT THIS CITY HAS BEEN ON IT'S KNEES FOR SO LONG THAT WITH THE CITY BUDGET GETTER BETTER IT WILL BE ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE LAND AND HOMES WILL BE GOING FOR A PREIMUIM.

[WestMass79]

This country is a more diverse country everyday. You can either bring your kids up in an environment like that, or you can keep them in a segregated atmosphere and let them find out how to cope when they are 18.

That said, as much as I love living in Springfield, the public schools are tough. I'd have no problem sending a kid through elementry schools in the public system here, but I'd probably go to private after that. While I think diversity is important, the level of achievement is too and that just isn't happening today in the high schools of Springfield.