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Pioneer Valley
Retirement Living In Pioneer Valley - Massachusetts
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Area Description
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The pioneer valley, part of the Connecticut Valley, expands over 70 towns all across western Massachusetts. Operating at lower costs, accessing one of the nation's leading skilled workforces and enjoying an affordable, high standard of living within urban, suburban, rural or college town settings.
The Pioneer Valley is known for its scenery and as a vacation destination. The Holyoke Range, Mount Tom Range, and numerous rolling hills, bluffs, and meadows feature New England's longest and largest river, the Connecticut River, which flows through the region.
Includes Cities/Towns: Amherst, Springfield.
Region Characteristics
Urban / City
Rural
Nearby military base
Suburban / Large Community
College Town
Lively downtown business center
Commuter Town
Coastal community
Area Amenities
Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness
Access To Green Space
Fairs & Festivals
Outdoor Concerts
Bike Paths
Fishing
Running Paths
Beach
Golf Course
Shopping
Boating
Hiking
Skiing
Bowling
Hunting
Sporting Events
Casino
Indoor Swim Facilities
Tennis
Continuing Education
Lake
State Park
Dining/Nightlife
Movie Cinemas
Walking Paths
Exercise Facilities
National Park
Less than two miles south of Springfield, Six Flags New England amusement park is located in Agawam; and on mile west of Springfield, The Big E—the collective state fairgrounds of all six New England States—is located in West Springfield. North of Springfield, the U.S. Westover Air Force Base is located in the resurgent, former industrial city of Chicopee. The Chicopee River, although only 18.0 miles long, has the largest water basin in Massachusetts—and along the Connecticut River—at 741 square miles. Across from Chicopee, on the west side of the Connecticut River, the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside (one of the largest malls in New England). Holyoke is also home to the Mount Tom Range of mountains, the Holyoke Canal System, and the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
The city of Westfield features Westfield State University. Many outdoor activities are available, such as alpine skiing at Blandford Ski Area and the United States's oldest white-water rafting races on the 78.1 mile Westfield River, the longest Connecticut River tributary in Massachusetts.
Cultural Activities
Arts
Lectures
Museums
Ballet
Library
Symphony
Concerts
Live music series
Theater
Films
There are over a dozen colleges, universities and community colleges in the area. In Springfield, Springfield Symphony Hall serves as the major focal point for classical music, Broadway tours, concerts and stand-up comedy shows in the Valley.
Public transportation
Bus
Rental cars
Train
Nearby major airport
Subway
VA transportation
Nearby cruise terminal
Taxi
The buses during the College semesters are free. Run all night and all day. All different routes. The international airport that serves the Pioneer Valley is Bradley International Airport, which is located 12 miles south of Springfield in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
Medical Facilities
Major Hospital
Wellness center
VA Hospital
Cooley Dickinson
What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts?
For those of you that retire in Pioneer Valley, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!
Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the mid 20's and highs in the mid 30's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 10's. You may have a few days below 0°. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume a few days of snow with a lot of days with snow remaining on the ground so you can enjoy some winter skiing!
If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Pioneer Valley such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the mid 40's and highs in the upper 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 30's. Expect a lot of rainy days in the Spring, great for a day of shopping in Pioneer Valley!
Summertime in Pioneer Valley is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the upper 60's and highs in the low 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the upper 50's. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect a lot of rainy days in the Summer.
If you retire in Pioneer Valley, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
Month
Low
Avg
High
Jan
13
F°
23
F°
33
F°
Feb
15
F°
26
F°
37
F°
Mar
24
F°
34
F°
45
F°
Apr
34
F°
46
F°
58
F°
May
45
F°
57
F°
69
F°
Jun
54
F°
66
F°
78
F°
Jul
59
F°
70
F°
82
F°
Aug
57
F°
69
F°
81
F°
Sep
49
F°
61
F°
73
F°
Oct
38
F°
49
F°
61
F°
Nov
30
F°
39
F°
49
F°
Dec
20
F°
29
F°
38
F°
Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days
Month
Days Greater Than 90 F°
Days Less Than 32 F°
Days Less Than 0 F°
Jan
0
30
5
Feb
0
27
2
Mar
0
26
1
Apr
0
12
0
May
0
2
0
Jun
1
0
0
Jul
3
0
0
Aug
2
0
0
Sep
0
1
0
Oct
0
10
0
Nov
0
19
0
Dec
0
28
1
Rain & Humidity
Month
Rainfall
Rainy Days
Humidity
Jan
3
"
10
14
%
Feb
3
"
9
16
%
Mar
4
"
10
22
%
Apr
4
"
11
32
%
May
4
"
12
44
%
Jun
4
"
12
55
%
Jul
4
"
10
60
%
Aug
4
"
10
60
%
Sep
4
"
9
53
%
Oct
5
"
10
40
%
Nov
4
"
11
31
%
Dec
4
"
10
21
%
Snow
Month
Snowfall
Snow On Ground Days
Snowy Days
Jan
13
"
21
6
Feb
10
"
19
4
Mar
8
"
11
3
Apr
2
"
1
1
May
0
"
0
0
Jun
0
"
0
0
Jul
0
"
0
0
Aug
0
"
0
0
Sep
0
"
0
0
Oct
0
"
0
0
Nov
3
"
2
1
Dec
10
"
13
4
Natural Disaster Areas
Earthquakes
Hurricanes
Wildfires
Floods
Tornadoes
Volcanoes
Cost of Living for
Pioneer Valley, MA
Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:
Demographics
Race
Religion
Political Party
Age
Senior Housing Options
Adult communities
Gated communities
Rental units
Affordable Housing
Group homes
Residential care facility
Apartments
Houses
RV Parks
Assisted Living
Nursing homes
State veteran home
Condos
Over 50 Communities
Senior Assistance in
Pioneer Valley, MA
Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts offers the following assistance for seniors:
Elder-care facilities
Meals on Wheels
Van services for seniors
Home care
Senior center
Visiting nurses
What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Pioneer Valley Offer For Retirees?
Jobs are all around the Amherst Area as well as the surrounding tons. With Amherst, Northampton, Springfield and many more all so close there is thousands of different work options.
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