Where to move in Pioneer Valley? (Springfield, Amherst: home, movie theater, YMCA)

[linnea10]

Hello!
Me, my husband and our one-year-old daughter (and our dog) will move from Germany to Massachusetts next February. My husband has got a job in the Springfield area (limited for 3 years) and now we are thingking about where to move in this area. Should be somewhere between Brattleboro, NH and Agawam, MA. What about Northampton or Amherst? Probably I will be a stay at home mom during this 3 years (don´t know, if I will get work permission) so I´d really like to have some activity opportunities around (like mom´s clubs, gyms, etc.).
Thanks in advance!
Greetings from Germany

[thenewtexan]

Nothampton and Amherst are both great towns with excellent schools. They are two of the most liberal towns in the state with plenty of colleges nearby. The surrounding areas are slightly less expensive, but are worth a look also. Easthampton, the Hadleys, Hatfield, Deerfield are also among the many towns in the area where you just can't go wrong. Places farther north like Greenfield and Turners Falls are even less expensive, but I'm not sure about the schools.

[gf2020]

I say South Hadley or Longmeadow.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by gf2020

I say South Hadley or Longmeadow.

Probably Northampton or the surrounding areas. Not Longmeadow.

[thenewtexan]

Ah yes, the Longmeadows anad Wilbraham. How could I forget? The most affluent towns in W Mass. Great schools, the whole nine yards. I prefer Hamp and Amherst, though.

[FCMA]

Definitely look at Greenfield for affordability and range of activities. Close to the more metropolitan Northampton, within commuting distance of Springfield. Established downtown full of small businesses, like a book store, a movie theater, restaurants, music venues, a great YMCA, lots of community events in town and Franklin County in general. The schools in that area are not the best for the long term, but just fine for a young child. Greenfield has the advantage of affordability - Northampton lost that a while ago. You may want to look closer to Springfield, though, as it would be a long drive for your husband.