Looking to retire in Western Mass or Equivalent in NY State (Worcester: apartment, to rent)

[JoyRose]

I'm single, straight, 66, female, well-educated, and liberal. I enjoy nature, culture, music. I'm looking to move to Western Mass or an area like it in NY that's not insanely cold in the winter and has an actual summer. NoHo looked great - things to do, walkable, intellectually stimulating, and a good size, but I read that it's over 50% LG and probably too young for me. I'm fine with LG and young, but in a balance where I can find a niche too.

Does an affordable place like I'm looking for even exist? I would be pleased to be convinced that NoHo would work for me. If not, where??

Any thoughts?

Thanks for any help out there!

[tovarisch]

Not everyone calls it NoHo; those of us who have lived here for a while refer to it as Hamp. I am fine with LG (have LG relatives), but the "over 50%" business sounds like an exaggeration. There are plenty of straight people here, living regular lives, same as the LG folks. It can be very family-oriented. (Though I wouldn't move here if you're trying to find a husband!)

[GeoffD]

Please define "insanely cold". Subzero temperatures are not unusual in Western Mass.

[Shrewsburried]

While western MA often feels like upstate NY, it would not significantly improve one's winter misery.

Stick with the coastal areas if you want to avoid harsh winters - Portsmouth, Providence, Cape, etc. Of course, your dollar is likely to buy you less in these regions.

Without defining budget, it's hard (impossible) for posters to make informed suggestions.

[JoyRose]

Thanks for your replies. I'm looking for an apartment or condo in a downtown somewhere for $1500 or less. I'm not looking for a husband. Male and female friends would be nice.

[in_newengland]

You could try Newburyport which is a vibrant, interesting place on the North Shore. It's not quite as cold in winter or as hot in summer as Northampton (Hamp, please, not noho.)

As soon as you head inland, you get those extremely icy cold winters and those hot, muggy summers with ozone warnings. Much as I loved Northampton and lived in that area most of my life, I don't think I'd want to return. However, there are plenty of retirees there and lots to do.

[western mass and love it]

What the hell is an ozone warning? And the Worcester area gets much more snow than the Pioneer Valley towns.

[JoyRose]

I read about Newburyport. It looks great but expensive. would I be able to find an apartment downtown for under $1500? The weather could be doable, thouggh 80's would be preferable. Is it a liberal community? Does it have a decent sized older population? Are the folks there well-educated? Thanks.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by JoyRose

I read about Newburyport. It looks great but expensive. would I be able to find an apartment downtown for under $1500? The weather could be doable, thouggh 80's would be preferable. Is it a liberal community? Does it have a decent sized older population? Are the folks there well-educated? Thanks.

Lowell would fit the bill and a nicer loft in downtown Lowell should still be under $1500. Roughly 18 months ago I was able to rent 1,400 sqft of Loft space for approx. $1,250 + $80-150 in utilities ... included parking and decent gym facilities. Lowell has a fairly prominent bohemian/artist vibe going on and continues to gain positive redevelopment.

[Boston_Burbs]

Winter in the pioneer valley is tamer than central Mass to the east and the hilltowns/berkshires to the west and upstate NY.