Southern Hampden is cheaper than Windsor Locks area.
If you want that area, look for Agwam, Southwick, if you can tolerate a longer commute look at Hadley area.
Keep in mind what the property taxes are in the two areas - most towns in Western MA are pretty reasonable, MA has excise tax on the cars, CT does not, but I don't think that really is enough of a repellant to tell you to steer clear of MA.
I would recommend steering away from Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke. Sometimes your car insurance actually triples when you live in those areas and the schools leave much to be desired. Higher crime too. I think you will find Southwick and Agawam have really low crime, the schools are good and they really do a good job of keeping the roads open in MA during the winter. There were times I WISHED I could use the snowy weather as an excuse not to go in to work, but those darn people had the roads clear and driveable in all but the worst blizzard.
BTW- many people live up in Southern Hampden ct and commute all the way to Hartford. Windsor Locks is not very far at all, just a hop, skip and a jump down 91.
People speed like crazy, you have to keep your eye out for morons, but hey, that is New England for you!
If you want more info, ask away.
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