The county seat of Hampshire County, Northampton is a small city of about 29,000 people known for its thriving art scene and variety of outdoor spaces. Near downtown, Smith College is part of the Five College Consortium with Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. “The combination of natural beauty and the educational and cultural institutions are quite appealing to people who want more space but still want the concerts and lectures and art exhibits,” says Julie Held, an associate broker with Delap Real Estate who’s lived in the area for over 30 years. She adds that while the city has a lot to do, it’s not too packed. “People are nicer here because you’re not bumping into each other all the time,” Held says. “You don’t have to wait in line to get into a concert or struggle to find a parking space.” Northampton has also long been known for its strong LGBTQ+ culture, and it hosts the county’s pride celebration every summer. “There’s a big emphasis on trans health care, so there’s a big population of trans folks here,” Held says.
Northampton is located near the Berkshire Mountains which brings gorgeous scenery and weather.
Smith College is a private women's liberal arts college in Northampton.
The Northampton Public Library has a section dedicated to a rotating gallery of local artists.
Northampton has a strong LGBTQ pride engrained in its culture and seen in the city's art.
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Local restaurants and boutiques downtown
Downtown Northampton has a collection of eateries and businesses in renovated historic buildings. "Most of the shops are locally owned; the owner will be behind the counter serving you. We have very few chain stores, especially downtown," says Mark Carmien, a Realtor with Brick & Mortar who's lived in the area for decades. Residents pop into bakeries, sit-down restaurants and breweries or shop for apparel, books and home goods at boutiques. "Between the art galleries and restaurant scene, the town stays alive past 5:00 p.m. You'll see people out during any night of the week," Carmien says. Main Street in the city’s Florence village has more shopping plazas with small businesses and restaurants. The city has a couple of natural food stores, as well as supermarkets like Stop & Shop and Aldi.
Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton is a casual bakery with a rotating selection of fresh bread.
Herrell's Ice Cream & Bakery in Northampton makes and sells their ice cream and pastries.
There's a strong cafe culture in Northampton with different cafes around every corner.
Folks in Northampton can shop at big box stores like Aldi, located on King Street.
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Art shows, galleries and concerts
Many are drawn to the area because of Northampton’s active art scene. “Artists have studios in old mill buildings all over town. Right now, I’m taking a ceramics class in one of them downtown,” Held says. On the second Friday of every month, folks check out local and visiting artists’ galleries at downtown studios during the Arts Night Out event. Daily, people can wander around the exhibits at the Smith College Museum of Art, which always has free admission. During the summer, the city blocks off Strong Avenue for a summer-long block party; live bands play in the evening from Wednesday through Sunday as locals shop and dine. Downtown concert venues host performances throughout the year. “We’re a well-known spot in the folk and American roots music scene,” Carmien says. “A lot of bigger artists will stop in to test out material at small venues since we’re about halfway between New York and Boston."
Art studios, galleries and supply stores dot the streets of Northampton.
The Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton boasts a diverse collection spanning centuries and styles.
Northampton residents can visit R. Michelson Galleries featuring nationally and regionally prominent artists.
The Calvin Theatre in Northampton puts on theatrical plays and hosts live music events.
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Condos and Colonial Revivals around Northampton
Classic homes dominate the landscape in Northampton, mainly those built from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. There are many older homes, Held says, “and some developments of newer homes from the 1950s to current. And then some beautiful, one-of-a-kind high-end houses tucked here and there.” Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods make up much of the inventory, while homes further from downtown tend to be ranch-style properties and new Colonial Revivals. Condo buildings are also around the downtown area and Florence neighborhood. Held adds that housing has gotten more expensive as more people moved to the area during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Currently, the median listing price is $550,000, which is higher than the national median of $430,000 but lower than the Massachusetts median of $700,000.
A colonial revival style home in Northampton has a green shutters, yellow portico and beige clapboard siding.
The average home value in Northampton is $544,944, which is $200,000 lower than the Massachusetts average.
There are several condominium communities in Northampton, each offering its own unique style and amenities.
A round house in Northampton is a unique residential form with reputed therapeutic qualities.
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A well-rated school district and five colleges nearby
Children are zoned to the Northampton Public School district, which serves about 2,500 students across four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Niche rates the district an A-minus, and the town’s only public high school scores an A rating. Smith College, a private women’s college that’s part of the Five College Consortium, is also in Northampton. The college has about 2,500 students, but the consortium has 31,000 students across five campuses.
Jackson Street Elementary School in Northampton has about 305 students in grades K-5.
Tri-County Schools, near Northampton is a private elementary, middle and high school.
Northampton High School is a public high school with over 1,300 students.
Smith College in Northampton, a private women's college borders the downtown streets.
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Greenways, gardens and river frontage in Northampton
Outdoor recreation is a focal point in Northampton. “People moving here are very outdoorsy. Hiking, long-distance biking, swimming, you name it. They want to get into nature while still having town amenities,” Held says. Throughout the town are parks with playgrounds and blooming gardens, along with greenways for long runs or bike rides. Elwell State Park, which is on the banks of the Connecticut River, has waterfront trails with places to picnic, fish and launch boats onto the river.
The Connecticut River graces the Eastern boundary of Northampton.
The Norwottuck Rail Trail's 10.0-mile point-to-point trail in Northampton is perfecting for biking and running.
The Northampton Dog Park offers a fenced-in area and trails where dogs can run.
The Agnes Fox Playground in Northampton has swings, play set and large open field.
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Buses, trains and interstates take locals out of the city
The city has some walkable areas, particularly around downtown Northampton and the village of Florence, but most of the area is car-dependent. Buses operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority also traverse the town, headed to nearby towns like Easthampton, Amherst and Holyoke. Interstate 91 slices through the eastern section of the city, taking drivers 20 miles south to Springfield. The highway quickly links with Interstate 90, which heads about 100 miles east to Boston. Downtown Northampton has a train station with Amtrak trains that go throughout Pioneer Valley, and nearby, there’s a municipal airport with a flight school. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport, located 40 miles south in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
The schools of the Five College Consortium are major employers in the area, as are medical facilities. Transhealth is a clinic that offers gender-affirming health care in Northampton, while Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a wider range of medical services. Some commuters with hybrid schedules make the trek to Boston a couple of days a week.
Average crime rates and cold winters
According to FBI statistics, violent crime rates in Northampton are on par with the national average, while property crime rates trend lower than the national average. Northampton experiences all four seasons, including warm summers and cold winters, when snow and ice storms are common.
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