Nestled by the Berkshire mountains close to the Connecticut River, Westfield, MA, is a small suburb of Springfield with a wealthy historical past. Often called Whip Metropolis, the realm is residence to greater than 40,500 residents who benefit from the plentiful nature and neighborhood spirit the town gives.
So in case you’re questioning if Westfield, MA, is an effective place to reside, we’ve bought you coated. Whether or not you’re taking a look at properties on the market in Westfield, flats for lease, or are simply interested in what the realm has to supply, this Redfin information is for you. To provide you a style, listed below are 10 professionals and cons to contemplate earlier than shifting to Westfield, MA.
5 professionals of dwelling in Westfield, MA
There’s so much to like about dwelling in Westfield, from wealthy historical past to easy accessibility to nature. Listed below are 5 of one of the best causes to make the transfer.
1. Inexpensive price of dwelling
An awesome motive to maneuver to Westfield, MA, is its low price of dwelling in comparison with different US cities, particularly close by metros like Boston and Worcester. For instance, the median sale worth for a house in Westfield is $330,000, effectively under the nationwide median and much under costs in Boston ($810,000) and Worcester ($422,000). Residences are additionally cheaper than common, with the usual one-bedroom unit costing round $1,892.
Town gives a variety of housing choices, from historic properties downtown to small properties and flats for lease all through the town. Property taxes and utility prices are typically decrease than the nationwide common, making Westfield a horny choice for these seeking to relocate.
2. Leisure actions
Located within the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains and inside Pioneer Valley, Westfield gives plentiful outside actions all yr. You may take pleasure in mountaineering, biking, or snowboarding, relying on the season and your choice. Widespread day journey places embrace Robinson State Park, Shatterack Mountain, and C.M Gardner State Park.
When you’re searching for parks inside the metropolis, Stanley Park is a superb all-purpose alternative, that includes over 300-acres of area, together with gardens, athletic fields, trails, and a wildlife sanctuary.
3. Neighborhood occasions
Westfield fosters a powerful sense of neighborhood by its annual occasions just like the Westfield Truthful and the Style of the World Pageant, which function native agricultural reveals, craft exhibits, reside music, and extra. Town’s largest neighborhood occasion group, Westfield on Weekends, additionally gives occasions all year long, together with pumpkin carvings, summer season recitals, vacation pop-up markets, and far more. Whip Metropolis Brewfest can also be a preferred occasion throughout the summers. Regardless of your choice, you’re positive to seek out one thing to like in Westfield.
4. Historic allure
Based in 1669, Westfield is without doubt one of the oldest cities in Massachusetts and is steeped in historical past that’s seen all through the town. That is particularly outstanding downtown, the place there are dozens of fantastically preserved 18th-century buildings housing native companies and eating places. Residing right here means that you can be part of that historical past and benefit from the distinctive architectural magnificence.
Town can also be residence to notable historic landmarks, together with the Dewey Home, which dates again to 1735, and the Outdated Burying Floor, which has gravestones relationship again to 1686.
5. Proximity to bigger cities
Westfield’s location is a big benefit. It’s close to bigger cities comparable to Springfield and Hartford, making it doable to commute for work or entry wider facilities, leisure choices, and transportation networks not out there in Westfield itself. This implies you may take pleasure in the advantages of a suburban life-style and a vigorous city nightlife with out driving for hours.
5 cons of dwelling in Westfield, MA
Whereas Westfield has loads of positives, there are a couple of downsides as effectively. Listed below are 5 to remember earlier than making the transfer.
1. Winter climate
Like many components of New England, Westfield experiences longer winter seasons with common snowfall, principally from mid-December by February. January is the coldest month of the yr, with excessive temperatures averaging round 33 levels Fahrenheit. When you’re not a fan of chilly climate otherwise you discover snow inconvenient, chances are you’ll discover the winters in Westfield difficult. This climate can have an effect on commuting, outside actions, and general consolation ranges.
2. Restricted nightlife
For individuals who thrive on nightlife and late-night leisure, Westfield would possibly really feel quiet. As a comparatively small metropolis, it lacks the variability and vibrancy of nightlife you’ll discover in bigger cities with a better number of golf equipment, late-night eating places, and leisure venues. Fortunately, there are alternatives in close by Springfield and Hartford that are nice for weekend journeys or an extended night time out.
In case you are within the temper for an area night time on the bar, nevertheless, you continue to have a couple of choices, together with Hutghi’s on the Nook and The Whip.
3. Public transportation
Served by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), Westfield, MA has comparatively restricted public transit choices, particularly in comparison with bigger cities like Boston. Nonetheless, it does present easy accessibility to Springfield, Holyoke, and Westfield State College. When you don’t have a private automobile, this might make commuting for errands or work tougher, because the bus routes don’t attain a lot of the town.
Fortunately, Westfield may be very walkable, with a Stroll Rating of 76, that means you may accomplish many errands on foot. Nonetheless, for longer journeys, you’ll possible want a automobile or bike.
4. Job alternatives
Many individuals reside in Westfield and commute to close by cities like Springfield and Hartford. As such, the native job market in Westfield may not be as plentiful or diversified as in bigger cities. Relying in your occupation or trade, you might need to commute to a close-by metropolis for work, otherwise you would possibly discover job looking in your particular area extra aggressive and difficult.
5. Restricted development and improvement
Whereas some individuals recognize the small-town allure of Westfield, others would possibly view the slower tempo of development and improvement as a unfavourable. In actual fact, the town declined in inhabitants from 2010 to 2020. And in comparison with bigger cities, there could also be fewer new companies, industries, or housing developments. This will restrict alternatives for funding, socializing, and buying and eating experiences.
