[chicagonick]

Hi All -

We (my wife and 4 sons) are relocating from Chicago in the next 90 days. I have secured employment at Westover A.F.B. in Springfield, MA. Does anyone make the commute from Brattleboro to Springfield? Does that seem crazy? I drive at least 1 hour each way in Chicago, so 1 hour doesn't seem to bad from VT to MA - any suggestions on better places along that corridor?

Thanks -

[GypsySoul22]

One good thing is the southern part of 91 in VT is not crowded. It's a relief to get on it once you get back to VT.

The MA part, well, you will probably hit a lot of traffic.

I am not sure how doable a Springfield to Bratt daily commute is but according to mapquest it's an hour so ??

[mustmove]

Why pay the VT premium? Houses and taxes are likely to cheaper in MA. Plenty of pretty places to choose from on I-91. Visit Brattleboro whenever you want whatever Brattleboro has. Plenty of lefty funk throughout that area of MA. FYI there is an expensive belt of real estate around the colleges on I-91 Northampton area.

[chicagonick]

Any recommendations in MA? I am completely ignorant to the east coast and have no idea where to live...just picked Bratt because of the scenery/small town look.

[Sherylcatmom]

I think you'd really need to visit and see which areas are a fit for you. I'd choose Brattleboro over many Massachusetts towns. But that's me -- doesn't mean that Brat is "better" or those towns are "worse."

[mustmove]

Originally Posted by chicagonick

Any recommendations in MA? I am completely ignorant to the east coast and have no idea where to live...just picked Bratt because of the scenery/small town look.

Google map and Earth your way around the area then ask on the MA section.

[GypsySoul22]

I am not 100% sure but Springfield, itself is not a good place to live...I know we researched it awhile before moving to VT...I think it had crime issues..

There are probably smaller towns that are far safer, but I am not very familiar with that part of MA.

mustmove--do you really think houses and taxes are cheaper in MA than VT?? I was just wondering...?
The OP may also like to check out car insurance...isn't MA very high for insurance?

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

The OP may also like to check out car insurance...isn't MA very high for insurance?

My sister and her family in MA pay higher property taxes and much higher car insurance and homeowners insurance premiums than we do in VT.

[mustmove]

Car insurance was just deregulated a bit in MA and prices are not outrageous anymore (1,000 a year for us total, old truck liability only and full coverage on a new car). Tax rates are higher in VT, actual taxes paid vary because of difference in property values and VT's property tax being income sensitized. Also having decent sized business in your MA town will lower your tax bill. Living in Bratt they would be paying income tax to MA and VT so they would pay the higher rate regardless. Springfield has a bad reputation, probably deserved, same as everywhere else with a bad section you usually don't have to go far to get a nice place to live. And there are a lot of places to live between Springfield and Brattleboro.

[leggo]

you will have to pay state income tax to BOTH Mass. and VT if you live in VT. There are plenty of nice spots in Mass. Check the small towns around the Quabbin reservoir. You will be close to work and close to North Hampton, Holyoke, Springfield for entertaiment and shopping.