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Retirement Living In Pioneer Valley - Massachusetts


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Area Description

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



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    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


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


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


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


Cost of Living for Pioneer Valley, MA

Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options


Senior Assistance in Pioneer Valley, MA

Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts offers the following assistance for seniors:

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.

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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