Springfield is one of the top 100 cities in the United States to live and work, according to US News & World Report magazine, and has a wide variety of amenities, attractions, and green spaces. Known affectionately as the “City of Firsts,” Springfield, Massachusetts, is the birthplace of basketball and was the site of America’s first military arsenal. It’s also the birthplace of Dr. Seuss and Theodor Geisel and is where America’s first car was made. If you’re moving to Springfield soon, or you’ve just arrived and want to know where to go and what to do, the information below will be extremely helpful. It’s the complete guide to moving to Springfield, Massachusetts, brought to you by Moove In Self Storage!
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Top 8 Things to Do in Springfield
1. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
It’s hard to imagine that a physical education teacher named James Naismith created basketball just two weeks back in 1891. His celebrated game gets the Hall of Fame treatment here in Springfield.
2. George Walter Vincent Smith Museum
One of the most beautiful museums in the United States. This palatial neo-renaissance design features ancient Greek, Roman, and many other fascinating artworks.
3. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
If you love Dr. Seuss, you’re going to be thrilled by the national memorial sculpture garden designed by his stepdaughter!
4. Six Flags New England
Few places in this part of New England will give you the types of thrills you find at Six Flags, New England!
5. Springfield’s Club Quarter
Party the night away in the city’s most exciting 10-block area!
6. Springfield Armory National Historic Site
For almost 200 years, the Springfield Armory manufactured firearms for the United States military.
7. Springfield Science Museum
Housed in another neo-classical building, the Springfield Science Museum was founded over 120 years ago and has many unique historical artifacts.
8. Springfield Symphony Orchestra
President Taft dedicated this impressive symphony hall in 1913, featuring works from Sinatra to Shubert.
How is the Job Market in Springfield, MA?
While job growth in Springfield has been positive over the last few years and increased by nearly 4% in 2020, there’s no denying it’s a tough place to find a job. There’s no better example than Springfield’s unemployment rate, which is 11.2%, more than 5% higher than the US average.
How is the Weather in Springfield?
The best way to explain the weather in Springfield is to look at the comfort index, which shows how comfortable a place is in summer and winter. Springfield’s comfort index in summer is 9.1 out of 10, which is spectacular and means you’ll have fantastic weather most of the summer.
Unfortunately, the comfort index in winter is 4.8 out of 10 because Springfield’s winters are long, cold, and usually full of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. One thing to note is that the summer season in Springfield only lasts about 4 months, while winter often feels like it will drag on forever.
How is the Education System in Springfield?
There’s good news and bad news about Springfield regarding its education system. The good news is that Springfield is the home of 4 4-year colleges (plus several others) and is known as the New England Knowledge Corridor. The bad news is that according to Niche, Springfield public schools leave much to be desired.
For example, while there are 88 public schools in Springfield, less than half a dozen get an A grade or an A+. One of the best is the Academy of Aerospace & Engineering, Connecticut’s #31 best public high school. One thing is certain; if you have children still in school, finding a Springfield neighborhood with the best schools is imperative.
Top 10 Neighborhoods in Springfield, MA
Springfield, Massachusetts, has 19 distinct neighborhoods, and most of them are quite nice, safe, and livable. The 10 neighborhoods below are considered to be the “best” in the city, but your mileage on each one might vary. Our suggestion is to take a look at everyone before deciding.
- Pelham- Some of the best public schools are found in Pelham.
- Longmeadow- A warm and welcoming bedroom community.
- Northampton- A fun and friendly college town with many activities and events.
- Hadley- Beautiful, quiet, and a great place for outdoor lovers and kayakers.
- Wilbraham- Welcoming and beautiful, especially in the fall.
- South Amhurst- Another vibrant college town with students from UMass and Amherst College.
- South Hadley- They say there’s something for everyone in South Hadley.
- North Amhurst- Attractive, safe, and connected with good schools.
- Granby- Good schools and safe for families, although a little dull at night.
- Belchertown- An attractive bedroom community that, like Granby, is quiet at night.
Store Your Belongings Safely with Moove In Self Storage
If you’ve just arrived in Springfield, welcome! Here at Moove In Self Storage, we have safe, clean, and affordable storage units in Springfield, MA! People come from all over the country to live here, and many store their things with us while they search for a new home and community to raise their families. If you need a storage unit in Springfield, we have several different kinds, including convenient drive-up storage units, indoor storage units, vehicle storage units, and parking spaces.
Not sure what size storage unit you need? Our storage unit size guide will give you a better idea so that you can choose the right one for your needs. Also, our FAQ page can be very helpful and answer many of your questions quickly and easily. When you’re ready, click the link and reserve your storage units in Springfield, MA, today!