What is the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts like in terms of culture and friendliness?

[Anonymous]

And how realistic is it to visit places like Boston and NYC if actually a student there?

[Anonymous]

It's New England, so it's going to feel pretty unfriendly to a Southerner used to more effusive displays of emotion and politeness. It's quite liberal and there are a lot of LGBTQ people (especially many two-women couples) but also much whiter than most of the US. It's possible to get a bus or train to big cities but it's not close by; definitely not something you should expect to do most weekends.

[Anonymous]

how is it in terms of opiates?

[Anonymous]

It’s a lovely area. Very friendly, lots to do. A great mix of urbanish (Northampton and Amherst are both great) and rural. Has everything you need -Target, Trader Joe’s, etc. It’s a bit isolated though. You can get to NYC easily via the train, but you have to take a bus or car to Boston.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a lovely area. Very friendly, lots to do. A great mix of urbanish (Northampton and Amherst are both great) and rural. Has everything you need -Target, Trader Joe’s, etc. It’s a bit isolated though. You can get to NYC easily via the train, but you have to take a bus or car to Boston.

Agree with those. I believe some of the colleges have Zip Car (or at least they used to) and some kids have cars. Otherwise, Boston is a bus trip with an infrequent schedule or a on e a day train. NYC is easier to get to by train. As far as flights, Hartford is the most convenient airport.

Overall, my kid had a great 4 years there and always found something to do. As far as opiates, it did not seem bad to me. I noticed nothing that impacts my college student. There did not seem to be a lot of rehab advertisements or things like that, which I have seen other places.

[Anonymous]

It's fine until Samhain, and then the villagers might decide to burn you alive inside a wicker man.

[Anonymous]

Carhartts, lesbians, subarus, rainbow flags in church windows. Very friendly but in a low-key way.

The area's definitely not immune from the opioid crisis, but the problems tend to be something a student would observe more than participate in -- they'll see Narcan signs around, etc., and there are a lot of supports.

There is an Amtrak station in northampton, which helps with accessibility. I'd agree that New York is easier unless a friend has a car, which they might.

[Anonymous]

New York and Boston are a haul. It's very doable for a weekend trip or to catch a flight, there are buses and the train, as others mentioned. But it would take the better part of a day to get door to door. So not something you'd want to do to, say, attend a single event.

[Anonymous]

It is New England. People aren't in your face and keep to themselves. But friendships are more genuine once you get to know them.

Very progressive and LGBTQ friendly. Intellectual atmosphere so lots of bookstores, academics, and cultural events.

I personally didn't get to Boston or NYC more than 1-2 times a semester. There was plenty going on at school. You can take the bus. However, the train isn't that convenient from western Mass to NYC.

[Anonymous]

My kid is at UMass. There is a bus that goes to Boston (and I assume NYC). Some kids go to concerts, etc., but you have to be sure to plan your ride back (as in, ensure you have a bus ticket) or plan to Uber, which will be expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:how is it in terms of opiates?

There’s a ton, and the communities are awful to live in. Most people don’t confront these issues, because their kids are going to Amherst, but there’s serious issues in those communities. Otherwise, classic New England community: people keep to themselves and it has a bit of a grimey feel in the winter, but it’s nice.

[Anonymous]

Love it. Went to college there. I think it's idyllic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:how is it in terms of opiates?

There’s a ton, and the communities are awful to live in. Most people don’t confront these issues, because their kids are going to Amherst, but there’s serious issues in those communities. Otherwise, classic New England community: people keep to themselves and it has a bit of a grimey feel in the winter, but it’s nice.

There are a lot of opioids everywhere, including a lot of college towns and cities. There are still plenty of non-drug things to do in the pioneer valley.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:how is it in terms of opiates?

There’s a ton, and the communities are awful to live in. Most people don’t confront these issues, because their kids are going to Amherst, but there’s serious issues in those communities. Otherwise, classic New England community: people keep to themselves and it has a bit of a grimey feel in the winter, but it’s nice.

There are a lot of opioids everywhere, including a lot of college towns and cities. There are still plenty of non-drug things to do in the pioneer valley.

I’m well aware. My parents were Smith college profs until recently. It’s lovely for a college student who isn’t going anywhere but the main blocks of Northampton and South Hadley.