Indian River Colony Club
Melbourne, Florida
Springfield, Massachusetts
What It Is Like to Retire in Springfield
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. 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. On the downside, parts of Springfield are industrial and scruffy. You will want to pick where you live. Photo of Springfield City Hall and its campanile, built in the Classical Revival style, completed in 1913, courtesy of Wikipedia and Daderot ; photo of The grand front entrance of the Springfield City Library designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton and built in 1912, courtesy of Wikipedia and John Margolies, both photos in the public domain. Watch this short Youtube video prepared by City of Springfield MA Mayors Office
Where to Retire in Springfield and Home Prices
The National Association of Realtors reports the median price of a home during the 3rd quarter of 2023 was $355,100.
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.
Who Will Like Retirement in Springfield
People who want to remain in New England in an interesting old city or its suburbs might like it. From Springfield it is easy to get to the rural attractions of Vermont of the cities of Boston or New York.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Springfield is home to many large corporations (big Y, Baystate Health, Mass Mutual) as well as being the commercial center of western Mass. The 3 colleges, and being the county seat, add to the economy.
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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