Hellobee Boards

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!

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

Northampton is really beautiful, great restaurants, cute downtown area. Awesome community for raising kids, too.

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?

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.