https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 02:09:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352562 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 11:19:46 +0000 LAGS 352562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chrispygal: Good idea. If our Plan A of New York doesn't work out, I think we'll be doing just that! It's nice to have a list of potential cities/towns that everyone is recommending so we can make good use of our time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352560 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 11:18:22 +0000 LAGS 352560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes: We're used to that after living in Central Maine for the past couple years lol. I can't imagine it being a step backwards, although I'm not sure a lateral move into another desolate area is really our #1 priority either.</p> <p>With DH's work, we'd probably try having him work in on of the cities and us live somewhere in a safer, outlying area. Unfortunately, with his line of work, tired, rougher cities = job security for him.</p> <p>I appreciate all the honest feedback! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352557 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 11:13:41 +0000 chrispygal 352557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's been a while since I've spent a significant amount of time in Western, MA but I will say that Northampton and Amherst are great areas to be in and around because of all the colleges. Of course you have to deal with all the kids, but the communities, shops and attitude is just great. Deerfield and South Deerfield are pretty great too. I would recommend taking a vacation out there and maybe driving around to and exploring little towns. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352542 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:56:42 +0000 rachiecakes 352542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LAGS: the 'cities' aren't much of cities, they're pretty depressed areas. Lots of vacant run-down buildings. We go out there to see a hockey team play but it's hard to even find a decent place to eat.<br /> Northampton has a lot going on, lots of business, entertainment, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352520 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:20:18 +0000 JoJoGirl 352520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've heard good things about the North Adams area as well, and ditto what the others said about Springfield and Pittsfield being rough towns. I wonder if somewhere a little remote in the Berkshires might be a good fit? Like near Kripalu or something? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352027 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:39:55 +0000 LAGS 352027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks ladies! We figured the cities themselves wouldn't be super family friendly, but fortunately are more burbs or rural people ourselves.</p> <p>Bumping for more feedback :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-352022 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:36:51 +0000 rachiecakes 352022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Northampton is really beautiful, great restaurants, cute downtown area. Awesome community for raising kids, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-351883 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:09:15 +0000 knittylady 351883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a friend who works and lives in Dalton, MA which is right there. It's really safe, residential and nice. He has said that Pittsfield is a little rough, fyi. Good luck on the move! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-351879 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:06:44 +0000 hellobeeboston 351879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only familiar with Northampton and its super cute! My aunt and uncle have lived there for a long time and they love it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-351858 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:47:17 +0000 mjane 351858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Originally from Eastern MA but have spent a lot of time in the Western part of the state. Northampton and Amherst are LOVELY and seem like they would be great places to have kids. North Adams is quite a bit cheaper and grittier, but is changing a lot and has a cool arts scene and some great restaurants--I think it would be an interesting place to live. Greenfield (further north) is also really nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-351767 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 14:20:22 +0000 bpcmarj 351767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, Springfield is pretty dangerous, but there are lots of suburbs that are much nicer. I went to college out there, in Longmeadow. That town specifically is really expensive, but I liked living out there (even though it was just for a year). Chicopee and Springfield are much more urban feeling than Pittsfield. But either one is close to shopping and such (the Holyoke mall is pretty huge). I wish I could tell you more, but I am somewhat limited in my knowledge! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/western-mass#post-351758 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 14:06:48 +0000 LAGS 351758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Calling all ladies who live in or know about Western Mass. What's this part of the state like? Specifically the Chicopee/Springfield area and/or Pittsfield. Is one area better than the other?</p> <p>My husband and I will be making a move next year and if plan A fails, we're considering Western Mass to be closer to family. Are there good areas, areas to avoid? Is housing reasonable? We have family near Albany, NY so for that reason alone Pittsfield is preferred, are there any neighboring cities that are worth while?</p> <p>Any and all opinions welcomed! </p>