Springfield : Massachusetts
Living a College Town Lifestyle in Springfield, Massachusetts
The city of Springfield is home to three different colleges: Springfield College, Western New England College, and American International College. The charming college towns of Northampton, Amherst and South Hadley are just up the road, as are the ski resorts and mountains of southern Vermont.
Springfield is the largest town on the Connecticut River with a population of over 150,000. Located in western Massachusetts, it is said that it has more in common with Hartford, CT than it does with Boston. This old town has a great history. George Washington chose it as the National Armory. The "Springfield" Rifle was a legend and is a testament to the area as an arms manufacturer. James Naismith invented basketball here in 1891 - the Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the area attractions. Theodor Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, was born here.
On the downside, parts of Springfield are industrial and scruffy. You will want to pick where you live.
Photos courtesy of Wikipedia. The skyline photo originally posted on Flickr, the Springfield Quadrangle Photo of the Dr. Suess monument created by MMZach.
Where to Retire in Springfield and Home Prices
The National Association of Realtors reports the median price of a home during the 1st quarter of 2022 was $288,300.
What Is Special about Springfield
Rich history as industrial city. Home to the Basketball Hall of Fame, 3 colleges, and the Dr. Seuss Memorial. Lower than average home costs.
What Is Not Special about Springfield
It is an old city, gritty in some sections. Two Interstates run through the center of town, I 91 and I 90, a mixed blessing. In 2004 the city's fiscal health was so poor that it was taken over for a few years by the state.
Climate and Physical Environment
Springfield is located on the Connecticut River in southwestern Mass. The average July high temperature is 85 and the average January high is 36 (the average low is 18). The wettest month is November (4").
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Springfield is home to many fine museums at The Quadrangle along with its main library. The collection includes the first planetarium in the country and the Dr Suess National Memorial at the Museum of Fine Arts. Springfield also has its own orchestra. Greater Springfield is also home to the Eastern States Exposition, also known as the "Big E" - basically a very large county fair for the entire region. CityStage and Symphony Hall offer concerts, off-Broadway productions, and more. Nearby Hartford has more cultural attractions.
Crime
Crime rate is above average.
Medical Facilities
Bay State Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center
Transportation
Bradley International Airport is an excellent airport located midway between Hartford and Springfield. Amtrak offer service from Springfield to the rest of the country. I 91 and I 90 make it convenient to drive just about anywhere.
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