Springfield, MA Area Guide

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Family friendly Public transit is accessible Walkable to grocery stores Yards are well-kept Lots of parks Walkable to restaurants Friendly neighbors Safe at night Pet friendly Streets have sidewalks A quiet area Sense of community

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Springfield, MA

Springfield, Massachusetts is a unique place in the New England area. It is located at a number of major man-made and natural crossroads, including the intersection of I-90 and I-91, and the confluence of four major rivers; the Connecticut River, the Westfield River, the Mill River, and the Chicopee River. It lies just 24 miles from Hartford, Connecticut and lies roughly between the major cities of New York City and Boston. Visitors to the city will find numerous unique attractions, including the Basketball Hall of Fame, the 386-acre Forest Park, and Six Flags New England (located in the adjacent city of Agawam). Springfield's historical significance and prime location relative to other cities and locations make it a prime destination.

Founded in 1636 by Puritan settlers, Springfield quickly became one of the most important cities in the Northeastern colonies. In 1777, George Washington chose Springfield to be the location of the National Armory, and subsequently, the first American-made musket was made there in 1794. As time went on, however, Springfield became more known as a place of learning. It is the geographic center of the "Knowledge Corridor", an area ranging along the Connecticut River from Western Massachusetts into central Connecticut. This area is home to 32 colleges and universities, including UMass Amherst, the flagship school of the Massachusetts state collegiate system and the largest public university in New England.

As far as living in Springfield goes, the mean rent there is far lower than many nearby cities, including Boston, Providence, Hartford, and Worcester. With that in mind, however, the mean income in Springfield is far lower than nearly every city and town in Massachusetts, ranking 350th out of 351. There are many distinct and diverse neighborhoods to live in in Springfield, including Sixteen Acres (home to Western New England University), the Metro Center, (home to the downtown area and other cultural neighborhoods), and the McKnight Historic District, which features distinctive Victorian homes and was the first planned neighborhood in the United States.

Public transportation is a viable option in Springfield, with Amtrak lines going from Springfield to Hartford and New Haven, along with lines going to Washington D.C., Chicago, Vermont, and Boston. Additionally, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority operates buses which can connect you to surrounding cities such as Agawam, Longmeadow, and Chicopee, with connecting services also going to Amherst, Northampton, and other parts of the northern Pioneer Valley region.

Those who move to Springfield will find a city bursting with historical character and potential, along with convenient access to all that the rest of the New England region has to offer. Additionally, the quieter Western Massachusetts area makes for a good counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the Metro Boston area. In Springfield, you will find a city with the best to offer of the New England region, without the high costs and general aloofness of the Metro Boston area. It's the perfect combination.