Northampton

Living in Northampton: An Overview

Northampton is a medium-sized city known for its artistic activity and liberal vibe. It’s a great place to live if you love music, art, and eclectic neighborhoods. Northampton is also home to some stellar schools, including Smith College. The town is located in the Pioneer Valley along the Connecticut River, meaning you can find some gorgeous walks and views not far from downtown.

Arts and Music in Northampton

Northampton is home to dozens of art galleries, making its downtown a wonderful place to stroll around on a weekend afternoon. It’s also host to the twice-yearly Paradise City Arts Festival, which celebrates fine art and contemporary crafts. Music lovers will be able to choose from shows at a number of venues, including Iron Horse Music Hall, Pearl Street Nightclub, and the Academy of Music.

The Great Outdoors around Northampton

Northampton is a great hub from which to enjoy sites along the Connecticut River and in the Pioneer Valley. One of the most popular spots for time outside is the Northampton Rail Trail System, a network of paved trails that spans 52 miles – perfect for a bike ride, a jog, or a walk. It includes a particularly scenic stretch over the Connecticut River. You can also visit Fitzgerald Lake, famous for its views and its wildlife. Or if you’re after a hike, head to nearby Mount Tom.

Schools in Northampton

In Northampton, you’ll find Smith College, an elite liberal arts college for women. The town is also home to the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, as well as over a dozen public and private schools. These include:

    ·  P. K. Finn Ryan Road School: Kindergarten -> 5th Grade

    ·  Leeds Street School: Pre-K -> 5th Grade

    ·  Bridge Street School: Pre-K – 5th Grade

    ·  Jackson Street School: Kindergarten -> 5th Grade

    ·  The Montessori School of Northampton: Pre-K -> 6th Grade

    ·  Larder Grinspoon Academy: Kindergarten -> 6th Grade

Dining in Northampton

For a medium-sized town, Northampton has a great range of fantastic restaurants, from vegetarian food, to sushi, to craft cocktails. For a fantastic lunch or brunch, stop into popular Jake’s Restaurant, or try the famous breakfast at Sylvester’s Restaurant. If you’re in the mood for Indian food, your top options are Bombay Royale and India House Restaurant. Or for a classy Italian dinner, try Mulino’s Trattoria. To round off your night, stop for a beer at Northampton Brewery or a cocktail at Fitzwilly’s.