Living in Western Massachusetts | Pros and Cons
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- Опубликовано: 15 апр 2021
- Western Mass! In today's video, Matt goes over all the pros and cons of moving, living and renting in Western Massachusetts! Want to move to Massachusetts? Living in Massachusetts has all sorts of advantages; the coast, city life of living in Boston. But theres a lot more to Living in Massachusetts that just metro-Boston and the shores. Western Massachusetts is a fantastic area to think about when considering a move or relocation to Massachusetts. From the scenic hills, to lush foliage and winding rivers, theres a lot in store when it comes to Western Mass. Many people consider Western Mass one of the best places to live when it comes to Massachusetts. Matt goes into all the nitty gritty of moving to Western Mass.
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I live in NYC and and recently semi-retired. Loved vising the Berkshires over the years and decided to buy a second home to live part-time in retirement there. Absolutely love it all year round!
Seriously though western MA is really nice.
Agreed! Thanks for watching.
A quick comment about western Mass winter weather. The higher elevations can get "hammered", as you say, but the CT river valley allows warm air to flow in from the south so that zone often get less snow than Boston and much less than Worcester. Plus some of those coastal storms don't reach this far inland. I live in the Northampton area. Thanks for this video
Very great point! Thank you so much for such an insightful addition!
Thank you! Good to know this!
My hometown is Whoville and I still live there which is Easthampton.
Belchertown here
Northampton is great!
I just stumbled on your videos. Very interesting and thank you. My spouse and I just sold our South Florida home to relocate to Northampton. We are originally from DC but spent 12 years in Fort Lauderdale. We are ready to leave full-time Florida living and the insane insurance costs, traffic and crime.
Matt loves Florida, but home is Massachusetts for a reason! If you need anything, let us know.
I live in the quaint town of Westhampton MA, just west of Northampton and yes there are pros and cons. I feel fortunate to live in my town, it's one of the nicest but forget about moving to this town, nothing for sale. Property values skyrocketed like mad this past year. My town has excellent award winning school, farms and forests, but 10 min to nearest town for gas, grocery shopping, pharmacy, etc. Half hour drive to major shopping areas like Costco, Khols, Marshalls, Home Depot. LOTS of old folks out here (and they drive SLOW), not many young families can afford to buy. We have wildlife here, lots of forests and hills. Called hilltowns. 1.5 hr drive to hammonassett beach in CT, 1 hr drive to Butternut ski in Great Barington, 2+ hr drive to ski VT and 2 hr drive to Boston. People somewhat friendly here but closed off, busy and it's very hard to make friends. The major negative here is lack of work. You had better be a college professor, Dr or nurse, cause that's about it for jobs. Everyone VERY educated, myself included and even with my masters in education I couldn't find a teaching job. Way way too competitive. Lots of dumpy towns/cities out here like springfield, holyoke and pittsfield. Not pretty or nice there. Ghetto and high crime/drug. Berkshires are nicest of all but owned as second homes by elderly rich New Yorkers. Those homes go for millions. Very rural and scenic out there, has Tanglewood, skiiing, B&Bs, hiking, and Jacobs Pillow Dance summer festival. Northampton, more centrally located is a gay town and has lots of shops but many restaurants closed during covid. The town is going downhill due to homeless/drug population. Home to ivy league Smith college which makes it a very expensive town to live in even though it's becoming dumpy. Wish they would clean up the drug/homeless scene. Another big neg is it can get BORING out here. The loss of restaurants was harsh, that's all we really had for going out. Now we have to travel. The most up and coming town is Easthampton. Use to be blue collar town but boy are they fixing it nice. Brand new school, new parks, some new good restaurants (where we go now to eat out now), bars, cafes, and currently redoing the roads (so traffic bad right now). Taxes went way up in the town to pay for all these changes and some angry about it. Property taxes high in western MA but CT is double what we pay. Don't ever move to CT, taxes are worst in the country.
WOW, this has to be one of the top comments ever. Thank you for the detailed insight about tour town!
I love this video I’m in Florida now but I want to live in the Berkshires it’s sooo beautiful there I lived there fir 6 months with my daughter I would have never left ! But she moved I had to relocate but my dream is too but a house in the countryside 🙌 great video
Thank you so much for watching! Reach out and let's get you a plan to get back there.
Your view of western Massachusetts around the one minute mark was hilariously accurate. It makes me think of the old poster, a Bostonian's view of America
Lol, everyone thinks Boston is the center of the universe...until you go out and see all the other beautiful spots in MA
Dudeeeeeeee my grandpa has the poster your talking about lol I know EXACTLY what U mean
Northampton, Easthampton, & Greenfield are very nice cities in Western Massachusetts. The Hampshire/Franklin District!!!
Great tip to our viewers, thanks!
Agreed. If you like the nice, artsy parts of Manhattan, then you'll love Northampton.
About to make the move to Western Mass from NorCal! Fell in love with the area on a road trip but are undecided as of yet on exactly where. We plan to bounce around some short term rentals for a few months to check out the different towns and villages.
Go north and west of Springfield or north central worscter county 👍.
Worcester
@@johnknowlton3998 that’s actually where we’re looking! Basically Cummington, Pittsfield and North Adams make a triangle around the area we’re focusing on.
Great info., thank you so much. +1
Thank you so much for watching! Let us know if you ever have any questions!
I love western mass
Top 3 things out there...go!
We moved out of Mass to SC because of the cost and cold, but it's really not worth it. We are looking to move back so hopefully Western Mass would be more affordable for us.
Matt's Mom just moved to SC. Reach out when it's time to head back! We'd be happy to help. We even do virtual open house tours!
We moved out of ma and to sc. Lived in sc for 3 years and couldn't wait to move Back home to ma!
@@Sean-jd9rp Is it me or did you find the people were rude, very passive aggressive?
@@saxahainerz4148 yes. They hate northerners. They are very intimidated by us and still butthurt over the Civil War. All the northerners I knew down there either moved back north or are in works of moving back.
It's really good to see that Tom Arnold is doing well.
Lived there 6 years from NYC. Hated the winters. People not particularly interested in deep friendships if you’re an outsider. But summer and fall are pretty
Thanks for leaving a new perspective, Pippa! Keep watching the channel!
Yea ppl here is diiiifferent ... It get annoying tho not gonna lie. I just zone them out
Sometimes you just have to do you
Hey dude, thanks for reviewing my neck of the woods. Have you had the chance to drive up the Mohawk Trail? The views from Whitcomb summit and the top of the hill going down to North Adams are just spectacular. For food, go to the Freight Yard and Pedrins for the best places to grab some grub.
Great suggestions here! I personally have not been over to the Mohawk Trail (this is Tyler), but I think you just gave me a date idea for my wife!
@@livinginmassachusetts25 Thank you for the reply. There are a lot of great hidden treasures out in the Berkshires that no one in Boston seems to know about. Pelham Lake, Zoar Outdoors, Berkshire East, The Clark, Jiminy Peak, Shelburne Falls, the Yankee Candle, Poet Seat Tower, Mount Sugerloaf, and plenty more.
Im from Springfield, and ill tell you 1st hand, if you aren't from Mass, the people are NOT overtly friendly!! BUT, the saying goes "if you make a friend in Mass you'll have a friend for life." Another "con" of Western Mass is the opoid crisis, not to mention the gang and homeless problems it has.
You'll definitely have a friend for life. We just celebrated my Uncle after his passing, his best friend came and told stories...they were best friends for over 40 years. They liked each other more than their wives. Also, agreed about the drug and homeless problems in certain areas for sure.
@Jody Berube ^^^^Definitely a valid Statement
Jody, the thing is just go farther west and the opioid problem is solved (get rid of Pittsfield)
Winters aren't necessarily terrible. I'm located very close to I-90 in the western part of the state and the past several winters have been more cold than snowy. Most of our snow falls between January and March, and 9 times out of 10, it melts before the next snowfall
Yeah, we've had the same experience in the middle of the state. Keep in mind, they are not bad for us because we are used fo it loo, speak with someone for South Carolina and they are still going to be overwhelmed by it. You raise a good point though, winters have been getting milder
I was born and raised in Framingham. I never knew anyone considered us Western Mass lol.
Lol those Bostonians are wild!
Right?! I grew up in Milford Ma, we considered ourselves a suburb of Boston
Moving to Springfield MA from San Diego CA in March. I’m born and raised SoCal so everything will definitely be a shock! Excited though!
That's quite a big change, exciting though! Get ready for the snow...you may still see some even after March! Reach out when it's time to move and we'd be happy to help!
Jessica Brown, did you move? How has it been if you already moved?
Ooooh boy will you see the difference ... for sure
@@lilylovesmusic7 Hi, I just saw this! It’s definitely different than the west coast, but i love being surrounded by the other states to visit! I don’t see myself staying here forever, but an awesome experience!
@@Brazil_Benghazi15 i have definitely seen the difference 😅
Pittsfield, where I live in the Berkshires would be a nice place to have a vacation home, or maybe retire. In fact there are a lot of “snow birds” around here. People who have 2nd homes they live in for the summer months, then fly back down south to Florida or similar for the winter.
For younger college graduates like myself however, its terrible. As you alluded to, the job market is horrible. Most people I know out here work retail, in hospitality or tourism jobs. Cost of living is among the lowest you will find in the state out here, but you get what you pay for as they say.
It definitely can be rough for a younger more active person. You're spot on though, it makes a lot of sense for a person who may want a slower lifestyle after they retire. Thanks for watching!
One of the biggest cons, maybe also a pro depending on your perspective, is after moving to Pennsylvania when I tell people I'm from Massachusetts they think I mean Boston, then I clarify "western Massachusetts", they get confused and disappointed. I've also heard "but you don't have the accent" a few times as well. The irony is, I now live in a part of Pennsylvania that I never thought much about. To me, Pennsylvania was Pittsburgh, Philly, State College/Penn State, some rust belt towns, and a bunch of Amish farmland.
I live in Westport and it’s really nice
Maybe we will have to do a vlog there soon?!
I live in Franklin County and wouldn't live any where else than Western Mass. The prices have gotten pretty crazy and it is tricky finding work. If you are handy with carpentry and can build to code there seems to be endless work because the housing stock is old and hasn't been kept up due to the many recessions that have impacted the area. On the other hand almost every one has some college and the natural beauty and arts scenes are great.
I am really missing Berkshire, Springfield, Pittsfield including Worcester. Missing the atmosphere every corner the places I was there in 2016-2017. Greeting from Indonesia.
Beautiful areas out there!
Agawam in the house!
Raise the roof! Thanks for watching.
Lower price of housing vs Boston area. Autumn and that's it. Former East Longmeadow resident of forty years.
Much lower than Boston! Especially these days!
I can tell you one big con. Terrible area for work even with a degee. It’s the first area to crash and last to recover. Took me 7 years out of school to find a career. All my friends back home near Boston already moved up the latter and were making six figures, invested heavily, had fun traveling living care free and most importantly had impressive resumes and many opportunities to grow their wealth. Out here you have to claw and climb your way to a level were you can live like that but once you do the low cost of living makes life extremely stress free.
I'm sorry to hear about the struggles, Dan. I'm glad you're the type of person who perseveres regardless of what others around you are doing!
Haha thank you. Sorry to talk so much trash on your channel. In all honestly right now there are opportunities out here right so western ma is actually a smart move for the right person it’s only in recession this area is not ideal because there will only be 100 jobs too apply to and 63837382 applicants.
I waved back at the lady in the back😅
Haha! Fun fact: That is actually Matt's wife and CEO of our office.
I live in Sauthamton Mass 49 year's
Wow, that's quite a long time! How do you like it?
I'm not going to give anybody the pros and cons. Born in Waltham, lived in Springfield, West Springfield, and now Chicopee. If you loves your kids stay away from Holyoke, if you love your husband or wife stay away from Springfield and West Springfield. If you hate your Mother-in-Law or Father-in-Law, drop them off in Holyoke.
Haha this was incredible. Thank you for this.
Do you like Chicopee?? I live in lawrence i want to get out of here😂😂😂
Maria, reach out to the number in the description or intro of the video. You'd be surprised with how many options you may have. Let's start game planning a move for you.
Try living in the 5 College area which is Northampton or Amherst.
Where are the best k-12 schools in western mass?
Springfield is not western mass. Springfield is central mass. The Berkshires is Western Mass.
Springfield is definitely Western Ma.
I live in Pittsfield 👍🏼
Thanks for watching the videos. Feel free to leave your insider tips for anyone thinking of moving to Pitsfield.
Gurl I saw you! Heeeeey! 😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂
413 Forest Park + Grass is legal here
Good additional points! Thanks for watching.
I am gonna have to contact you because my husband and I are planning to purchase a home in 2023 and we are interesting in western part of MA.
Hey im from the south shore too! When i think of Western mass i think of the boonies lol I'd like to move out there one day
I’m from north shore wassup
@@waspwrap1235 the second best shore in mass lol jk
@@CrystalBbyUSA north shore is the best shore. South shore just has to accept this fact
In the far future I’d love to live in Western Mass. I am 16 years old and from Queens NY and I never been to western Mass but when I think of the region I think of it as very rural filled with a very older population that are some of the most liberally minded people in the world; ( meaning pragmatists and open minded people). Some of these counties or towns are losing population and I think it will be wonderful in the future and very preserved. If I was to live in Western Mass I want to go somewhere that fits my description; very rural and not much of a town with an older population that is extremely college educated, any places in mind that fits this filter?
According to world population review dot com: Following Nantucket County as the county with the fewest residents in Massachusetts are Dukes County (17,352), Franklin County (70,963), and Berkshire County (126,348).
@@livinginmassachusetts25 Thanks for your reply, although Dukes is not in Western Mass I’ve been looking at Franklin County. Do you know of any predominantly rural parts of this County that is majority older college educated people or are you sort of unfamiliar with this area since you said you are from the Boston area. My family is pretty wealthy and I will probably be no different… my family is moving to Blount County Tennessee by the mid 2020’s because New York is going to hell and our next mayor Eric Adams will drive my city to be further dammed. When I am older though I want to return to the Northeast and where else better to than Western Massachusetts with some of the most eldest and liberal people in the world. Western Mass is also beautiful in all seasons from what I head and I am practically immune to the cold. So can you give me your best knowledge about Franklin County to the best of your ability; keep in mind my filters which is mostly rural and older highly college educated persons.
Hey feel free to send an email to info@legacystar.us and they will get you some more specific information!
Lenox (and anywhere near it) and Great Barrington are quite expensive though, just so you know. I love the area but it can be very pricey.
That may be true but when comparing to Greater Boston, it's still a much more affordable option.
So compromise...move to Florida, Mass!
HAHA!
Is western mass tiny house friendly?
Depending on the town. Some municipalities have strict building codes...but there's a lot of empty land just waiting for a custom tiny home. Reach out to Matt!
Florida is too hot, Mass weather is nicer.
I like the weather better in Massachusetts. Granted I'm in a t-shirt at 40 degrees.
I agree trying to get out of Florida
@@kdog1713 same.. I can’t stand this heat. I’m from Tennessee , moved here to the pan handle 3 years ago . I hate the humidity there and here . I want to try to move to mass I’m not sure about the winter , the snow is pretty not sure if I could handle the winter .
A lot less snow here nowadays, Jada! Reach out to Matt if you want to get some specific resources or questions answered!
@@livinginmassachusetts25 okay thank you I will . I know you said there are a lot of medical care there , is there plenty of alternative and holistic medicine places as well?
Cost of living is not that bad in Western Mass. It is way lower then Texas.
Cost of living out there is much better than many places. Vacationing in Charlotte shocked me at how expensive even the south is.
especially the north adams area
It’s difficult to find jobs unless you are a medical person. And the winter season is extremely harsh to the 10th power, you experience 8-9 months of winter depending on if it starts in October.
Thanks for the input, Terry. We always appreciate the additional perspective.
@@livinginmassachusetts25 Terry has exaggerated in an extreme way.
Bull. Unless you are from Florida and consider sixty degree weather to be winter.
Question is - if you are looking at the west, why limit yourself to MA when you've got NY state right over the border...
You don't have to limit yourself, but there's plenty of people who love living in Western MA!
@@livinginmassachusetts25 Dated a West Springfield gal and a MA lassie who went to UMass Amherst back in my younger days...😁 I remember that the former always stressed that she was from >West> Springfield, not Springfield...🤔
Haha that's a real thing! Can't confuse them or else...wrath.
@@livinginmassachusetts25they are very different though, to be fair. Much less crime in West Springfield.
Birthplace of volleyball and basketball. !!!
That's a good point! Often overlooked!
Pioneer Valley, home of Yankee Candle, Dr Seuss and the Big E(xpo). Plus the five college area of Amherst/Northampton (Amherst College, Smith College, Mt Holyoke, Hampshire College and UMASS).
Also the birthplace of Penn Jillette from Penn & Teller.
Also the birthplaces of Dr. Seuss and Penn Jillett from Penn & Teller.
Before you buy in MA look this group up if you don't you could be VERY SORRY Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Concrete Group
True, that particular type of concrete is actually very prevalent in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Ohio as well.
visit devils den in williamsburg and chesterfield gorge in west chesterfield i grew up in that area
Thanks for the tip! We will definitely explore.
I grew up in Chesterfield, the gorge is beautiful. Now, stop telling people about it.
Edit - Just saw your last name. I spent so much time fishing at Bisbee pond and the yearly derby was always a highlight growing up. Mrs. Bisbee(Lillian?) was my swim teacher when I was little.
@@CODYORMOE Haha "Stop telling people about it"... a common theme I keep hearing from you Westerners.
Im moving from Las Vegas to Enfield CT. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Mass is beautiful but very expensive and cold. My city is open 24/7 but super hot. Boston is unaffordable
I have 5 days to think about it
Reach out to Matt! He can give you some advice. (978) 602-2816
@@livinginmassachusetts25 ok
Grown up in the Berkshire’s my whole life. Crap hole in every meaning of the phrase.
Come join me in the North Shore -Tyler
@@livinginmassachusetts25 Would love to honestly. But the houses on the NS are laughably overpriced at the moment.
You're not wrong!
Thanks for the input, Anthos and thanks for watching!
No we don't all want to go to Florida. Now Arizona is another subject. Go west young man not south!
Get a new shirt man
He has 17 copies of the same shirt, we promise. 😉
Florida is boring
I live in the panhandle of Florida. I'm from New Jersey. Florida sucks
@@kdog1713 I like Florida, I don't think it sucks, I love to visit. But to me, I would be bored after a few weeks of living there. But that's just me
I like snow too much to be down there...but I'm weird.
@@kdog1713 boring full of mosquitos, high humidity and smiling gators--does any of this stuff exist in MA?
Florida native here - it’s the worst. Looking at you western mass for the next phase of my life!
We in Western Mass understand the rest of the State ... The Berkshires is Western Mass the rest isn't
Noted
Stay Stoned and get your Campus fixed
@@livinginmassachusetts25 The Berkshires are the Best and Thank God it's far enough away from Boston many not have all that you like but it has plenty for me and I own my own home Free and Clear with no crippling Mortgage hagging over me , try that in Boston
Western Massachusetts - Connecticut River Valley and points west.
Yeah move to Massachusetts if you can afford 300,000 for a1000 sqft house.If it's so great then why you clog all the surrounding states amenities!
We like it here, but you know what, it's not for everyone! Also, that pricepoint is true for many areas, you're right...but start looking towards central MA and western MA and you will see a better ratio there.
Im surprised the plethora of liberals wasn't on the list😮
Nice scenery, but EXTREMELY corrupt democrat politicians
Nice scenery near The Book Mill in Montague.