Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Southwick, Massachusetts
What It Is Like to Retire in Southwick
Southwick, Massachusetts, is a rural, farming, business, and residential community with a population of about 9,500. It is the southernmost town in western Massachusetts, approximately 10 miles from Springfield and 25 miles from Hartford, Connecticut. It's close proximity to these cities has generated significant demand for new housing. Southwick has an interesting history that dates back to the 17th century when English explorers moved in while looking for farmland. However, early on it became known as "Povery Plain", as the land was thought to be infertile. In the early 1800's a canal was built that went through Southwick, connecting New Haven, Connecticut, to Northampton, Massachusetts, at which point the developers nick-named Southwick the "Port of the World". But due to winter freezing and summer drought, the canal was soon replaced by the railroad. Along with the railroad came ornate hotels, dance halls and an amusement park around the Congamond Lake which allowed Southwick to become a very popular tourist resort. Today, although the dance halls and amusement park are gone, the town enjoys its status as a major recreational center due to Congamond Lake and Moto Cross 338. Photo of Southwick Congregational Church courtesy of Wikipedia and John Phelan, photo of View from Provin Mountain over the Southwick countryside (along the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail), courtesy of Wikipedia and 5ju989nfhs50, atLicensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Southwick and Home Prices
Zillow reports the median home value was $303,798 in mid-2021.
What Is Special about Southwick
Southwick is a small New England town with a history and an original town square, yet it is an easy commute to Springfield, Boston, or Hartford. Southwick is home to Moto Cross 338 and hosts national racing events. Six miles of Rails to Trails pass through Southwick.
What Is Not Special about Southwick
Southwick is small and rural, and does experience winter.
Who Will Like Retirement in Southwick
Retirees who want a small town, yet can enjoy all that large cities have to offer nearby.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Construction, tourism
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature is 26 degrees, with the average July temperature 74 degrees. October is the wettest month.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The citizens of Southwick strive to preserve the town's heritage. The original Town Square still has the Congregational Church, a gift shop and the Inn, which are still in use and have retained their original appearance. Festivals are held throughout the year. There is a boat parade on the 4th of July, and an ice fishing derby held in February.
Crime
Southwick has a very low crime rate.
Medical facilities
Noble Hospital in Westfield is just a few miles away.
Transportation
Amtrak is 10 miles away in Springfield; Bradley International airport is 15 miles away outside of Hartford, Connecticut. Southwick is not considered a walkable community.
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