Is Westfield, MA, a Good Place to Dwell? Professionals and Cons

Nestled by the Berkshire mountains close to the Connecticut River, Westfield, MA, is a small suburb of Springfield with a wealthy historical past. Referred to as Whip City, the world is house to greater than 40,500 residents who benefit from the considerable nature and neighborhood spirit town affords. 

So when you’re questioning if Westfield, MA, is an effective place to stay, we’ve acquired you lined. Whether or not you’re taking a look at houses on the market in Westfield, residences for lease, or are simply inquisitive about what the world has to supply, this Redfin information is for you. To offer you a style, listed below are 10 professionals and cons to contemplate earlier than transferring to Westfield, MA. 

5 professionals of residing in Westfield, MA

There’s quite a bit to like about residing in Westfield, from wealthy historical past to quick access to nature. Listed here are 5 of the very best causes to make the transfer. 

1. Inexpensive value of residing

An ideal purpose to maneuver to Westfield, MA, is its low value of residing in comparison with different US cities, particularly close by metros like Boston and Worcester. For instance, the median sale value for a house in Westfield is $330,000, properly 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.

The town affords a variety of housing choices, from historic houses downtown to small houses and residences for lease all through town. Property taxes and utility prices are usually decrease than the nationwide common, making Westfield a lovely possibility for these seeking to relocate.

2. Leisure actions

Located within the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains and inside Pioneer Valley, Westfield affords considerable out of doors actions all 12 months. You possibly can take pleasure in mountain climbing, biking, or snowboarding, relying on the season and your desire. In style day journey places embody Robinson State Park, Shatterack Mountain, and C.M Gardner State Park. 

If you happen to’re in search of parks inside the metropolis, Stanley Park is a good all-purpose alternative, that includes over 300-acres of house, together with gardens, athletic fields, trails, and a wildlife sanctuary.

3. Group occasions

Westfield fosters a powerful sense of neighborhood by its annual occasions just like the Westfield Honest and the Style of the World Competition, which characteristic native agricultural displays, craft reveals, stay music, and extra. The town’s largest neighborhood occasion group, Westfield on Weekends, additionally affords occasions all year long, together with pumpkin carvings, summer season recitals, vacation pop-up markets, and far more. Whip City Brewfest can be a preferred occasion throughout the summers. Regardless of your desire, you’re certain to search out one thing to like in Westfield. 

4. Historic appeal

Based in 1669, Westfield is among the oldest cities in Massachusetts and is steeped in historical past that’s seen all through town. That is particularly outstanding downtown, the place there are dozens of superbly preserved 18th-century buildings housing native companies and eating places. Residing right here lets you be part of that historical past and benefit from the distinctive architectural magnificence. 

The town can be house to notable historic landmarks, together with the Dewey House, which dates again to 1735, and the Old Burying Ground, 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 similar to Springfield and Hartford, making it attainable to commute for work or entry wider facilities, leisure choices, and transportation networks not out there in Westfield itself. This implies you possibly can take pleasure in the advantages of a suburban way of life and a energetic city nightlife with out driving for hours. 

5 cons of residing in Westfield, MA

Whereas Westfield has loads of positives, there are just a few downsides as properly. Listed here are 5 to bear in mind earlier than making the transfer. 

1. Winter climate

Like many elements of New England, Westfield experiences longer winter seasons with common snowfall, largely from mid-December by February. January is the coldest month of the 12 months, with excessive temperatures averaging round 33 levels Fahrenheit. If you happen to’re not a fan of chilly climate otherwise you discover snow inconvenient, you might discover the winters in Westfield difficult. This climate can have an effect on commuting, out of doors actions, and general consolation ranges.

2. Restricted nightlife

For many who thrive on nightlife and late-night leisure, Westfield may really feel quiet. As a comparatively small metropolis, it lacks the variability and vibrancy of nightlife you’d discover in bigger cities with a larger collection 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. 

If you’re within the temper for a neighborhood night time on the bar, nevertheless, you continue to have just a few choices, together with Hutghi’s at 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 provide easy access to Springfield, Holyoke, and Westfield State College. If you happen to don’t have a private automobile, this might make commuting for errands or work more difficult, because the bus routes don’t attain a lot of town.

Fortunately, Westfield could be very walkable, with a Walk Score of 76, which means you possibly can accomplish many errands on foot. Nonetheless, for longer journeys, you’ll possible want a automotive or bike. 

4. Job alternatives

Many individuals stay in Westfield and commute to close by cities like Springfield and Hartford. As such, the native job market in Westfield may not be as considerable or various as in bigger cities. Relying in your occupation or trade, you may need to commute to a close-by metropolis for work, otherwise you may discover job looking in your particular subject extra aggressive and difficult.

5. Restricted progress and growth

Whereas some individuals recognize the small-town appeal of Westfield, others may view the slower tempo of progress and growth as a detrimental. Actually, town declined in population 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 purchasing and eating experiences.