I am from Springfield, Massachusetts and you seem to only find the worst areas within the city. There are many beautiful homes in many neighborhoods throughout the city. However, the city is not as nice as it was in the 70s and 80s.
Right... I live in the Hilltowns(Chester, which is right next to Beckett) now but go to Springfield or Holyoke to do all my shopping... Im very comfortable around the area and Im and implant to Mass😅
If you keep to yourself, trouble usually doesn’t find you. I will admit, the city does need a lot of work to fix it up. We need to hold property owners to a high standard of keeping their properties clean. There are many gorgeous homes in Forest Park, East Forest Park and 16 acres. Springfield has a lot going for it. The cost of living is very affordable, compared most of the state. Where can you buy a 2-4,000 square foot house for less than 300k.
Its incredible how to my eyes, this looks totally normal and even nice...coming from Latin America, any street of this city would pass as middle class, from Mexico to Argentina, any poor person would give their lives to live in Springfield.
All cities here are built the same way, even our most ghetto places have excellent streets / infrastructure in general. Doesn't mean you want to live here.
we in USA live like kings as per world standards..... there are US people who think they're poor because they cant afford cable. 1/3 of the world population has no running water or electricity. no wonder everyone wants to come here
the buildings , roads and basic amenities are okay compared with most third world countries; it's what goes on within these areas are the problems; its just not a good environment to raise a family.
I lived in Springfield for 6 years and can honestly say it's not that bad of a city. Especially when compared to some of the other ghetto's you've visited on your channel. It's a great place to buy a house if you want to live in ultra expensive Massachusetts. Like any city it has really nice sections and others you wouldn't want your worst enemy to live in. I live closer to Boston now but wouldn't rule out living in Springfield again.
I agree to an extent. It has a bad reputation for good reason. The violent crime rate each year always ranks amongst the highest in the state. The city is so big and diversified tho that you can escape it depending on where you live. I’d say Brockton, Lawrence, Lowell, Fall River, New Bedford, Lynn, Worcester, and Haverhill are also some bad ones. Boston obv has bad areas too.
@@dimitarmargaritov I lived on the Spanish coastline (up in the north of Spain) for a year, when I was at a loose end. It was an interesting experience but perhaps overrated. Or perhaps I just had an unfounded positive impression of Spanish culture when I arrived.
@@EastSide-qc5oy I get my truth from 65 years living in a blue city and prior Democrat for 35 years. As a retired union mechanic one of the truths that I am certain is ''The progressive woke left destroys everything they touch''...Everything...
I've lived in a lot of the places that I've seen you put on your channel this is one of the few times that I live right outside and am currently in that area while you made the video. I've been watching you for years and I travel a lot and I'm a firm believer that life is meant to be lived everywhere else other than where you were born.
I moved to Springfield 4 years ago. It definitely needs some TLC in places but it definitely does not live up to its reputation. I have a dog and walk him all through the city. I’ve never had a problem anywhere I’ve gone. Most people I’ve met are nice, friendly people.
@@maticbukovac6966 yes they have a few older " historic victorians" bit if u look close one of the clips he showed wasn't even sold it was the highlands which is the parade area....the south end is ish hole but trying to be cleaned uo there a casino near there now but this guy did go to any hood blocks, he drove in morning ...forest park n McKnight r the historic areas ,u can't knock them down so there converted to apartments, the been there since Victorian times but seeing a drive by.......if u want true spfld watch springfield ma gang 60 minutes on UA-cam
I lived in Springfield for many years, and my major complaints were lack of jobs and summer heat. But you cannot separate Springfield from Longmeadow, West Springfield and East Longmeadow. It is just like parts of a big town. And some areas are great to live.
No, in these videos, the worst block is the only block that matters. Lowest common denominator. Anything more, would require actual research and analysis.
I worked in some of those projects you showed as a social worker. It was very interesting work. I saw a lot. I saw worse things in NYC as a social worker. My most memorable case was an old fellow who was a victim of crimes against humanity. He was the sweetest man you will ever meet. Always super happy to get a visitor and always beaming. Only, he had not bathed in 40 years due to pure fear of past abuse. I really loved working in Springfield I met the best people. Downtown is much better now and safer than it was 6 years ago. I remember taking walks with another client in her neighborhood and we would pass houses with pit-bull's posted on the roofs. That was crazy to see.
Glad you mentioned the truth about Florida. I don't know about property taxes, but home prices are going up all around the state. Home insurance has gone up. A lot of domestic crime. I think Florida is the 3rd largest state after Texas & California in population. And there's no job market. Very difficult to get a good job in Florida.
@@blackcherry6877It's not like that anymore anywhere in the U.S. That's how it was from 1900-1990. People got good jobs without an education or experience. Things have changed. It depends if you have a skill, something specific you're good at, with a certification or experience. If not, the big city isn't going to help you. And if you can find a good job, it's very expensive to live in big "blue" cities.
Your guest in this video seems like a very thoughtful, polite, civic-minded young man, and it's nice to see that there are still youth that can partake in smart and meaningful conversations. It was nice to hear his take on this city.
I lived here for many years. its actually QUITE safe, and your near major cities (boston 1.5hrs, NYC- 2hrs) without paying the heavy $. Safety wise, you want to mind your business (generally), get cool with your neighbors and you will more than likely not have any problems. This is a city that if you want problems you will find it- quickly..
My mother was born in Springfield in 1926 part of the many french canadian families that had gone all over New England over the previous decades. They moved back to Canada during the great depression, she was proud of telling us her memories of growing up there, She went back on a trip in her early 80's and was devastated by what the city had become and mainly by the street where they lived, I got the feeling that she regretted going back.
@@collentreefelling9142 yes but the bigger problem are the demographics. You can't expect the city to maintain itself when you replace the population with people from the 3rd world.
Same happened with lawrence beautiful working city many mills etc they had irish part french part italian part then hispanics came over now crime ridden drug infested majority of city is section 8 and unemployed. Sorry if city of hundred of thousand are all unemployed it's a cultural thing corruption runs deep in police and local politics look up former mayor lantigua. Current police chief being investigated and feds had to take over school system
@@HairyPixels Isn't it time for you to feel how difficult it is to survive in a 3rd world country? It's like people choose to live in third world countries?
@@rnsteve2265’m from Socal, I currently live in Boston, my advice stay away from January to march. There’s many things to do and see north end, to seaport, keep in mind the city is viving in June there’s going to be a ton of traffic, but overall is great if you’re planning to walk, it’s the most walkable city in the U.S, you could rent city bikes, and enjoy it better that way.
I worked in Springfield on the ambulance for several years, we had lots of calls relating to gang violence around the downtown area and southern neighborhoods. Overall not horrible, majority of days were just quiet. As soon as you leave downtown it's quite decrepit but the further out you go the better it gets. The area isn't overly violent just poor, lots of homeless and people living on social services. Unfortunately you missed the sketchiest drug den streets of school, high, and temple. As well as the street of the shelters- Worthington. Worst streets, open drug dens and tweakers
I went to Six Flags in Springfield and met a couple nice kids from the area years ago. Their dreams were to try out all the amusement parks in the nation/world. One aspired to be a carpenter, the other wanted to do something with tech/computer. I hope they’re doing well.
@@nicolesanborn3744 I spent the first eight years of my life in Everett. The homes were similar in style. I really love the architecture in Massachusetts.
Springfield Massachusetts was once called and is still known as "the city of homes", there are so many beautiful old homes in Springfield and it's sad to see when they're going downhill and many have been torn down since probably the early 1970's. I lived in Springfield into different neighborhoods in my time. I went to college in Springfield I practically lived in downtown Springfield. I recognize many of the areas you traveled... St James Avenue would have been a great road to travel on if you haven't been there there's a lot of gorgeous homes right off of St James. I will always love Springfield no matter what...
New homes are being built, at prices 2-3x more than average homes in the area. Locals get suckered into loans they never pay off, ending up in foreclosure.
It's deceiving because the houses and buildings there, give or take the few boarded up, still look really nice. And compared to the poorest parts of the UK and Europe it looks wealthy by comparison. I like the Massachusetts style of architecture.
They built some of the first Victorian style houses in the United States early on, many are still standing and are beautiful. Unfortunately they are usually in crummy neighborhoods now and sold for pennies on the dollar unless renovated/used for something.
I was brought up in feeding hills and Springfield was the big city (according to me)after graduating that was the place to go for work ,and the joke was on me - nothing, Saturday night-dead, boring city and it’s been that way for years now. And that’s why I moved to BOSTON and it’s been great ever since--But Springfield ( and surrounding areas ) will always have a special place in my heart,because that’s where I was born and brought up - its home.
Eversource, the electric company here keeps raising their rates, and many of us still have oil heating. A bunch of people have their houses literally falling apart out of disrepair, and they are struggling to stay warm! Don't move here, it is ridiculously expensive for utilities, and to stay warm and comfortable. Thanks for this video! We've only been in MA for 3 years, been trying to leave for 2
I honestly do not think Springfield looks all that horrible. There are no homeless, no tents and human waste on the streets, no litter, the streets are all clean. Compared to most of the dumps you show and the slums and terrible conditions, just from this short video I don't feel sick looking at the place. Even the homes do not look as bad and run down as so many other cities. I realize people are hurting and poverty is all over the place but c'mon there are absolutely many worse places.
I agree. It didn't look all that bad to me at all. It actually looked clean relatively speaking. I've seen a lot of places that are heck of a lot worse. That's for sure.
Have you ever been to Springfield. It’s got good and bad parts. I own a bunch of rental property there and it’s actually kind of a cool little city. It has tons of history and some really amazing museums, and a casino. I’m in a love-hate relationship with it tons of beautiful old homes at very affordable rates.
Springfield is my birthplace where I spent my childhood, and in this way, Springfield will always have a very special place in my heart. Even so, I was ready to still be very objective about how 'bad' Springfield has deteriorated since I was last there, and I was expecting to see real visual proof or at least gain some real insight from your 'resident expert'. Instead, what I saw were beautiful historic homes in abundance that were mostly still very well kept and maintained, with a beautiful landscape in the background of a mountain range, despite the sometimes foggy conditions. What I saw was an abundance of newer cars there as well, perfectly lined up beside their homes, that still suggested the overall prosperity of the residents who lived there. What I saw was also a downtown area that was looking quite good too, that was clean and bustling, with residents who seemed to be all about their business of humbly remaining peaceful and moving forward with their lives. Even other signs of an efficiently running city of public transportation and other government funded institutions of a modern school bus and police force were also present. I really appreciated the bike wheelie as well towards the end and the reference to the significance of bikes in this community, because back in the day, bikes absolutely ruled as the greatest form of transportation of all! (partly because of the wisdom and kindness of this city to add public sidewalks almost everywhere to travel to just about anywhere you might care to go) So, despite the bad rap that Springfield apparently has now, I am actually relieved that your visual presentation did not prove this at all. In fact, it proved just the opposite. Springfield really is still hanging in there after all. I did not see any obvious signs of blight. I did not see any obvious signs of violence and crime. I did not see any obvious signs of homelessness, and if you would even compare Springfield with other videos you have done about other cities and towns in this country of how 'bad ' they have become? Seriously? No, it will never be Boston, but it was never meant to be. Springfield is Springfield, and that has always been part of the bias against Springfield. A real resident expert would know all of this and much more about the unique specialness that is Springfield. Your so-called resident expert was a joke. Try next time to choose someone who is a senior and has lived in Springfield for decades, or at least someone who is middle-aged and who has lived there for a significant enough time to fully appreciate where Springfield has been and the fullest potential of where Springfield is still going.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Of all people this guy could come up with is some twenty something who’s not from here and really knows nothing about the area. Certainly Springfield like many other comparable cities has its challenges. But it’s far from the land of doom and gloom as some would have you believe. I think the biggest curse fueling the undeserved bias and hate for the city is the internet/social media. I can remember going back 20+ years to sites like City Data that had these massive forums that were nothing but page after page of just how bad and dangerous Springfield is. And of course what’s online generally stays there for ever. Now we have an entire generation who’s grown up reading what’s online before even bothering to see for themselves. Much of that online negativity came from people who’ve never been to Springfield and have no ties to the area.
Nothing against this guy's videos I do like him but I think you are right that he does have sort of a weird perspective for lack of a better word weird doesn't fully describe it but I think his opinion is mostly seen not through rose-colored glasses so to speak
Well said, his resident was a young boy, who works in Hartford Connecticut, who wants to move the Connecticut what a this was not a great documentary to show how good Springfield can be your words or better than his video.
Growing up in Springfield, if you're just a regular citizen not involved in drugs/gangs, it's a fine place to live. It's not the type of place where muggings are common either. It's more poor/depressed than anything. And since I was born in the 90s, it hasn't gotten much better. But I love my city it has a rich history.
I was born in Springfield in 1958, lived in the neighboring city of Chicopee until the age of 40, went to high school in Springfield (Cathedral High), and worked at Springfield College, the birthplace of basketball, for three years. In the video, at 17:20, the silver sphere in the distance, with the column with an orange sphere on top, is the Basketball Hall of Fame. I know Springfield and its streets pretty well. The city does have homeless but I saw no tents in this footage, unlike in many of Nick's videos. Springfield is relatively clean and safe. I remember hearing about the "go to Massachusetts" banner in the Puerto Rico airport when I was young, but I was told the sign said the destination city was nearby Holyoke, not Springfield. At the age of 40 I moved to Windsor, Connecticut, to be closer to my job in Hartford. I like Springfield to this day and never hesitate to return when I have reason.
My parents rented a studio apartment in South Hadley Falls in 1961 for $60 a month. Their landlord made my father cut the grass, otherwise he would raise the rent. Those were the days. 😂
Springfield might have its problems but like you said there's no tent cities. So that's a plus for sure. Also I found it interesting you brought up the "go to Massachusetts" banner. I think that applied to places outside of Mass. as well. There was a documentary from probably 2004 in which a resident of Willimantic, CT (if i remember correctly) said that there was a sign at the San Juan airport telling people to get to Willimantic. Could that be a myth? I have family still in Holyoke and they said the same thing about a supposed banner in San Juan. I'm not doubting you at all (my mom was born in '58 also). I'm just not sure of the validity behind these various banners.
Being from Boston, I know first hand that wanting to move to Florida goes back generations, even in good economic times. It's kind of engrained into a lot of people up here that Florida is a better place to live. So people continue with this 'the grass is greener' complex, even though in reality things have been changing for the worse down there for a while. But with that said, Springfield has been a worse place to live relative to eastern Mass. for decades. Apparently even in the '60s when I had relatives that lived there.
@@EastSide-qc5oy Exactly. It goes back to at least my grandparent's generation. And if they were still alive, they would be pushing 90. So it's been a northeast cliche for a long while. What stopped them was actually visiting Florida and experiencing the constant reliance on air conditioning and the prominence of chains as opposed to mom and pop places to go out and eat. I'm sure having local establishments is as important in New England as it is in the tri-state area.
@@kfen8794 Ok thanks for the tip it still looks quite well off compared to the majority of Europe though. I don’t know whether it’s relevant in this thread but over here we have a much smaller gap between rich and poor.
Not really though. My mother lived in Ma. most of her life and ALL of her working life. And when she was in her 90s and really needed it they wouldn't sign her up for Mas Health claiming she had to many assets. When ALL she had was SS and a VERY small pension. What really makes me mad is if she was an immigrant, NO problem sign, you right up. Thats not right.
I lived in Springfield until I was 28. For me this was home. It's tough to look back at compared to where I live now, it truly is a troubled place. There has been serious attempts to bring some new life to the city, especially after the tornado plowed through here twelve years ago. But the landscape still is not desirable and it seriously needs more aggressive initiatives to bring it back. Also no surprise, Eastfield Mall is finally shuttering out there. Such a shame, that place used to be hopping when I was a kid. Until Macy's left. You hope their new plans to revitalize it can help save that end of town, that's a busy thruway where the mall was.
Saw that you were on Belmont Avenue in Springfield which is right off the "X", if you had stayed on Sumner you would have seen a lot of great homes as you go into the Forest Park section. Also I love Saint James Avenue because all the college streets are off of that and there's some wonderful Victorian's there. Boston Road has a lot of commerce so that would be a great place to drive around... Hope you had a good time in Springfield, called The city of Homes"..
Love the Christmas lights in forest park. We go there all the way from Albany NY and stop for dinner. Nice drive. Also go to the Big E as often as possible. Haven't been in a few years though
For poor people those houses are really nice and there's lots of cars. Poor people here in the UK do not live in houses that big or own cars. People need to clean up, everywhere. It's worldwide the decline.......
There not homes lol..they use to be lol u guys obviously never been to hood new England...even most Yankee former Victorian Era areas ...there actually Victorian mansions like most new England cities have, hence the word New England , but if u look close there built up n next to huge brick apartments....there usually point at roof n built high up n skinny tall.....most have steeples...most have 2 deckers or 3 deckers n porches clearly all hood signs of today u obviously not from hood lol...wat u r seeing is multiple unit apartments ,the city will give rebates from historical society but u have do it there way.,the only hood nick shown is south end n never went down the bad areas of high st which is open air heaven, ir Saratoga, etc he went to fpark n s end....number 2 the hood ur seeing is southend sort of revaltilized n forest park which is is Victorian due to casino....this guy didn't drive in any hood hood parts of Springfield n those from Spalding know I'm rite .,Mason Square, Hill McKnight ( u guys eould really think r vict mansions converted Apts historical hood) northend n Plainfield, sycamore, knox, ft pleasant, Worthington, eastern Ave, mass Ave, nick drove basically in all business main st lol ....I think it's funny no matter wat vid nick shows people comment dumb that it's not bad n seems nice until it's area near them lol.....u guys obviously don't know hood ,plus one of clips shows not springfield lol spfld its part of hokloke which is actually per cap the Massachusetts kensington but even that's the highlands lol or st Patrick's parade route lol smh.....nick drives usually very early mornings u can clearly tell, if he drove afternonish u guys wouldn't be saying dmb ish
I stopped at the Basketball Hall of Fame during a trip to the northeast and that is located in Springfield, MA. The museum is nice but I did notice that the area did not look nice at all.
How long ago did you visit? Before they built the NEW Hall of Fame? They have certainly tried to build up the river front area to make it a tourist destination, but the blight is pretty close nearby.
I’ve lived in Springfield my entire life. I was born here in the 80s. I went to college in Boston lived in NYC and in Surrounding areas over the years and settled back home. Now, If anyone has been into ANY American city. You’ll see decay and crime . That’s the state of America. The area being shown is ONLY a tiny portion of my city and ONLY the most financially strapped areas. However, if you notice in the video, he passes community gardens and small businesses that have been going for years. Bodegas with delicious food in the back,if unafraid you could walk in and speak with great people supporting families and making growth happen. Why not show areas from the more financially robust areas for a well rounded view? (I also seen some Holyoke streets in this footage btw) The viewpoint of this video seems mildly fear motivated and xenophobic and may have the views of the typical outsider-looking-in possibly out of touch with the people on the street . This is the case with many people who live outside of Springfield or ones who cower in their homes here with the news on with no personal perspective on the feel of their town. Unfortunately this supports only a narrow view of Western Massachusetts and runs the risk of sounding overly negative and perhaps promoting a blind political agenda . Nevertheless, there are beautiful areas , neighborhoods and parks and a deep rich history here in Springfield and many places to eat and drink. Big Art scene bubbling up in old empty factories downtown and in Indian Orchard. And many opportunities to start here, there are business incubators and community networking events and gatherings happening here and all up and down the Connecticut River Valley. A multitude of colleges and universities. Beautiful architecture and vibrant nightlife. Forest Park Heights and historic homes and bright green lawns of 16 acres and complex residential homes with wooden floors (Beautiful art and jazz events, Cultural Celebrations and festivals.) Basketball Hall of fame inductions, 3hrs from NYC 1h45 from Boston. You can miss out if you are fearful. The Casio helps and hurts a bit too Do your due diligence and have the courage to ask someone who knows and you could find your favorite place to visit .
I'm confused - you penalize people for working hard and being self-reliant, and reward people for not working and not caring. What could possibly go wrong with that?
How do you know. I am from Springfield ma. May I ask how someone not from the city comment on it. Why didn't you drive through the entire city? People aren't moving out they are moving to the NEW homes built on NEW lots developments are happening everyday. Springfield is the city of first, basketball hall of fame, Indian Motorcycle, Webster Dictionary, Home of Doctor Sues, Buxton Wallets. Moore Drop Forge, Michelin Tires, International Blank Book Company, Spaulding, etc. Get your facts right. Next time you want to know about the city get your information from am elder and not twenty year old.
Springfield is strange because, like you mentioned, there's cool stuff there -- the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags and the Big E across the river, some good museums, a bunch of universities. Also, Forest Park is one of the country's nicer urban parks, and the Armory is a national park. It just doesn't hang together yet. Good urban planning, more than any other city I've seen (excepting maybe Syracuse NY), would go a long way toward bringing this city back.
Grew up on welfare, sleeping on the floor in the kitchen in front of an electric stove to keep warm. No money for oil heat. Come a long way, now self sufficient. This town will come round. Sometimes we are down and out and need help. Been in MA. all my life and am radical, not liberal, MA. is so friendly and open to all. This is the friendliest state in the nation. People are people, and I am proud to live in a state that helps not judges people.
Man there are a lot of nice houses there so that must have been a prosperous place at one time.There must have been or are bad policies which have wrecked that place.
Springfield and Hartford have a lot of potential with many top tier colleges and universities nearby. Some of the suburban areas are quite nice. They are just clueless about regional planning. With all of the brain power in that part of the country, they should be able to establish their tech sector. I think some parts of New England are heavily invested in looking back instead of ahead. Having history is great, but it doesn't pay the bills. Worcester and Providence directly benefit from being closer to Boston. They tend to function regionally. Having a larger city as the hub of activity really helps. Springfield and Hartford, lacking a major urban core is not an unsurmountable regional flaw. A lot of people would prefer to live in or near a small city, if the cities are nice, have good job opportunities, are safe, and have good entertainment and recreational activities. You can't fix Springfield without doing something about Chicopee. Chicopee is all ghetto and happens to be Springfield's largest suburb.
Nobody wants to live in Hartford for tech. They're not "Developed" enough for tech libs to put up with. They're never going to be safe, not that anywhere is. The taxes are trash, the services provided are next to nothing. If your not interested in plowing through snow then your SOL in Hartford because there's not enough parking and the trucks burry cars under snow. Both states are also shit if your into guns at all, both have overly strict emissions and mass's safety inspections are asinine if your into cars at all. Especially if your lower income... These areas dont have much going for them, and never will unless your a landlord and want triplexes for cheap.
@@BeigeEyesCroissantDragon Hartford actually has some really cool stuff. The Atheneum is a very good art museum, the Mark Twain and Harriet Beechet Stowe house. It used to have a good restaurant scene ans a nice downright. There's no reason, other than poor civic leadership and lack of regional planning, why it can't be decent again. All the money dumped into Hartford has been poorly spent in recent years. What good is a spruced up downtown if people beat a path to the Burbs when they leave work at 5 pm. As for the snow, that's your personal preference. Some of us like the seasons. I live in NYC, we've had only a half inch of snow all winter, i would like at least one good blizzard before the winter is over. Springfield, even more than Hartford is located close to a lot of great colleges. If the people that run Springfield were smart, they would offer tax breaks and seed money for tech companies to locate offices/facilities there. There's plenty of talent to draw on in the region. One thing I like about the region is the nice, small International Airport. I deal with Newatk and JFK all the time, a real headache. When I lived in Connecticut, I never had a bad experience at Bradley. But your attitude us typical if people up there. Yoy have a negative, small town, small mind view, can't see the potential. I'm older, I lived up there in the 70s and 80s, still have family up that way. Springfield and Hartford are dumpy because of bad leadership.
On the bigger picture, with a few exceptions (season attractions), the western half of the state is an afterthought to most of the Boston legislators. Ask many Bostonians, they think the state ends at Worcester. Regionally, a lot of the major employers have left or are leaving the area, which does make it very hard for employment. And yes, Springfield fought hard to get MGM (was on the brink of bankruptcy) and did have a lot of mom and pop shops struggle or go out of business (those that didn't want to be brought out), initially was a huge employer but is turning out to not to be the huge "savior" (it has helped some) they thought it would be as far as attracting other businesses. Urban planning and incentives are foreign words here. Side note: Chicopee isn't a part of Springfield.
Chicopee? I lived in chicopee my entire life (21 years) and I’d say it’s definitely not as ghetto as Springfield or parts of Holyoke. Worst part chicopee is the center and maybe some of the project areas in willimansett but that’s about it. Nice humble homes across the city and it’s pretty quiet near the South Hadley / ludlow border. You’re probably just thinking of the chicopee Walmart being bad lol
the houses are so huge it must cost a fortune for utilities and upkeep. Wonder if they have converted those big houses into seperate apartments. Also it is likely landlords are collecting rent from the majority of people who are on government assistance.
those houses, triple deckers, are a staple in low-income new england communities. they are usually divided into 2-6 apartments. they were constructed to be used as multi family homes
I'm from Massachusetts. The welfare system is strict. A person can only receive cash benefits for three years out of five. They require people to work, or do work programs. Massachusetts does have MassHealth, which is available to everybody. MassHealth is great! I bought into it for $140 a month. It covers everything from dental and vision to prescriptions. There's no copay, and most doctors accept it. Don't bash Massachusetts too hard. It currently has one of the lowest inflation rates in the country. It has one of the best education systems in the country, and taxes are average when compared to the rest of the nation despite popular belief.
I agree with David Anthony. I am originally from Queens, NY and moved to Springfield in 2014 to be with my son's mother. I've lived here for over 8 years and it has good spots and bad spots. The hope was the casino would gentrify that downtown/south end area but after 4 years I don't really see much improvement. There are people in Springfield who are on generational welfare and its just bad for everyone. Also a lot of abuse and fraud occurring with those CNA type programs. Makes me wonder all my tax dollars are going smh.
You should visit Lowell, Massachusetts, windows are boarded up with wood, empty abandoned businesses, empty fenced parking lots, you even need to ask the store manager to get the key to use the supermarket bathroom, I went there once for Road test a few years ago, I was astonished!
@@justinepappalardo5708 I heard people talked about Lawrence like that two, I drove through only downtown Lawrence where the clock tower is once, I didn’t see anything I saw in Lowell at all. But I didn’t drive around enough to see things,wow!!!!
@@gingerbald3318 I live in a town between Lawrence and Lowell and I go to the cities frequently, they're nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be. Lowell is actually quite nice. Lawrence has some decaying mill buildings but I can see a lot of recent development, it's getting better.
@@TheFullKanani No. I left Florida to Ohio just like the guest on this video left Florida to Massachusetts. Just like Nick said on the video, Florida is not all that. It's all hype. That's all it is.
I have a brother in Cocoa Beach and housing costs have skyrocketed in Florida.I live in Raleigh NC and the housing costs have skyrocketed here as well.
@@gregorycyr9272 Florida is overrated and housing is over priced thanks to all the out of state people moving there. It's been getting more and more expensive over the last 20+ years but has exploded exponentially over the last 3 years since COVID and everyone working remotely moving there. My money goes hell of a lot farther here in Ohio. There are a lot more jobs here too.
My husband and I recently moved to Springfield from eastern Mass. We fell in love with a beautiful historic home. We both work corporate jobs and have a comfortable income. It's been 9 months since we moved to Springfield. My observation is that there is a stigma from nearby towns and others. I've observed it at my child's doctor's office, where there seems to be an assumption that if someone lives in Springfield, they are automatically considered poor. This video was biased, and you failed to show other parts of Springfield. Every city has its trouble spots, but you generalized Springfield and failed to interview others.
Hey Nick, In Massachusetts I often see customers in the supermarket cashing out overflowing shopping carts which look to be holding at least $400 plus of groceries. Then out comes the EBT card. Now if they're getting all of that stuff for free why in the world would they ever want to change that? I'm not saying I approve because lots of people who collect these benefits are just exploiting our very generous system, not to mention Masshealth which is the health insurance version of the EBT card. The 2 generally go hand in hand. But all this free living is obviously not going to give anyone any incentive to do otherwise. Also there's a law where any apt. complex high scale or not has to have I believe 15 percent of it's units to be low income. So if you're renting an upscale luxury apartment you may see your neighbors pull carting their non-perishables from the food bank down the hall heading to their apt. that's illegally housing 10 of their siblings. The sad thing is I see the people who truly need these benefits who actually paid taxes into it for many years get shot down. Will this system ever get straightened out and stop handing out free tickets to certain people for political gains? Because that's what it all breaks down to, right? But No, it'll never happen... Come to Massachusetts, we owe you a living!!! (Love the channel btw)
Hey Nick, Springfield has one of the best State fairs in the country. I've been to plenty, and The Big E is the best! It's the whole New England under one banner and it's pretty amazing.
A state fair is nothing to brag about!! Cool yes, but it’s a fair, big deal. I loved two miles away from the fair grounds for over gown years so don’t think I don’t know how grand it is. I’m just saying, in perspective of all things, being home to a giant fair, on a scale of important things, does not rank as that important.
I’m from Hartford Connecticut! And, I gotta say that Springfield blows Hartford outta the water! Springfield is a better city! I’ve seen more concerts at the Springfield Civic Center!! Plus, there were soooo many great clubs in Springfield back in the day! I’m always rooting for Springfield!!! 🎸⭐️ Hartford is a pit!!!
I live in Agawam right across the river from Springfield. But I grew up in Chicopee for most of my life and Chicopee is getting really bad also. Holyoke is even worse. I don’t know if getting rid of the mob in Springfield was a great idea now looking back on it. I try to avoid Springfield like the plague for example I have never been to the Basketball Hall of Fame and I’m 41. This guy Nick is speaking the truth.
In the late 70's I remember the improvements that were done in the area near downtown, Mattoon and Pearl Street. To me there was optimism then. When they built the civic center and new mixed income housing, it really helped to improve the downtown. I left to move to Boston in the early 80's for work, school and entertainment. Its sad that the economy has worsened. Best wishes Springfield! ❤❤
I grew up in Springfield’s North end and Indian Orchard. I call Springfield a black hole, because it’s hard to escape. I know very few people that were able to get out of the area and do something with their lives. With that said, Springfield area pizza is unlike any other that I’ve tried. Forest Park is a beautiful park, and one of my mai stops when I go back to visit family. The Quadrangle museum area is fantastic as well. I love visiting the city I was raised in, but after a few days, depression starts to set in due to the poverty and crime.
THE issue is not tax breaks it is the degenerates that makes the quality of life sooooo poor. Too much drug dealing, gang banging and unsafe conditions. Plus being poor does not mean you have no pride in your surroundings. It starts with individual residents. Keep the place clean. Remove those prison fencing. Plant flowers and gardens in the front of your house so that it will look like an inviting neighborhood. The schools are terrible. No family will willingly bring their children to enroll in poor performing schools.
Collusion between corporations, Republicans and Democrats caused the majority of problems in the United States. Our country must be reeducated about the effects of corporations moving jobs overseas.
@@inconnu4961 No no. It's owned by their side of the family and it has been around for many decades. I'm not associated with the business itself....I'm just related to the people that own it.
It's the same in Vermont. There's no more industry so they want only rich people and welfare. The rich will support the welfare...there's no industry so middle class doesn't exist. Springfield used to be bustling fifteen years ago but has gone down a lot since. With such division in today's society, I can't see Springfield ever being as it was. A lot of industry and jobs have fallen victim to overseas and local small businesses can't survive because of Amazon's and Walmart's. Online shopping has closed a large percent of Mom & Pop shops in New England.
The reasons people tend to be unhappy in Springfield 1. Horrific crime 2.) All the areas with crime are usually the vacant places to rent 3.) Lack of Jobs 4.) Lack of entertainment 5.) The city seems to have a deficiency in development planning 6.) Cold weather
It's a race ghettos like fall river or Lawrence. The state runs these places like plantations. Near impossible to start a small business pro monopoly regulations
@@meredithaherntamilio4553 Ummm the weather usually is cold..I don't think it's my anemia lml . If ya compare it to other cities. The only time it's not is the summer. For certain people, that isn't enough. Especially when they could go to a state that never sees cold.
Grew up here and ran in these streets from kindergarten to 6th grade, then we moved across the river West. La Fiorentina is an excellent Italian bakery 🍰in the North End and Red Rose Pizzeria 🍕is still there and still is the best slice. When Italy won the World Cup in ‘82, ⚽ the North End had block parties for days. That was and still remains a hard working Italian community. Also the Basketball Hall of Fame is there as the game was invented in Springfield College, Massachusetts. 🏀
I love my city, and dude from Florida he can’t speak for us… We need to get these kids off the street and In programs and extra curricular activities. It starts with the Youth!!!
People think central/western Massachusetts is some barren wasteland when in reality it has some of the most beautiful scenery and architecture you’ll ever see. This video that showed the same 4 streets gave no justice to this city whatsoever. Any decent sized city in America has areas that look just like this, if not much worse.
New England, the weather is rough, cloudy a lot, then long cold winters. Lack of abundant sunshine doesn't help with the depression part I guess. Human beings are not nocturnal by nature.
@@wza223-fo3mc no, it's just part of the reason for the current situation, whining won't help, improving your surroundings might. Empires come and go throughout history, they all rise and fall. It's just the way it is.
@@wza223-fo3mc I didn't run, I drove, over 30 years ago, that would be quite a long jog. I am well familiar with New England, I grew up there. If you have misery I mean that's something you have to deal with. I am very happy. It's funny I watch videos of miserable New Englanders now complaining about the weather every single day but many don't have the balls to do anything about it.
I didn't see any slums or abandoned houses like in some other places, you have visited. I'd say it looks like a pretty fine place, dude. Not a single homeless or freaky guy on the streets, it's an OK city.
The city regularly tears down abandoned buildings-driving through the downtown is weird-lots of empty lots. That tells you something-most intelligently run cities would sell the lots for cheap-with a commitment by the buyer to build there. The tax base steadily drops, and that Casino didn't revive the downtown. The "Student Price" is still an excellent German restaurant!
In the winter time you fill find FEWER homeless people outside, and if they are they will be well-hidden in places to avoid the wind or cold. But there are plenty of homeless people and vagrants of all types.
I was born and raised here. Not all sides of springfield are bad at all, just like u said in the video. U drove around the bad areas . No love to the nice areas lol
Just because you are poor does not mean that you can’t take of your area-it’s crazy to me the amount of trash that is piled up in lower income neighborhoods….I’ve seen low income neighborhoods that are clean-it is possible!-you just have to do the work.
Good video Nick. I must say that when you talk about Florida being overcrowded and chaotic, you’re not recognizing that anything north of Orlando doesn’t really fit that description. I live just south of Tallahassee and this area is growing and it has plenty of space. If you take I-10 across Northern Florida you will see so much undeveloped land along the route. South Florida may be chaotic, but Northern Florida has so many great places to live.
Nick, you drove practically by my house right at the beginning. I loved you covered the shittiest part of Massachusetts ( all western ma, not just Springfield) but it’s honestly not that bad nowadays now that a lot of jobs came back. 10 years ago though that’s when things were really bad because it was impossible to find a good paying job unless you had an impressive resume with loads of experience. There were hiring freezes everywhere and even if you just graduated college as a nurse or something they were requiring at least 2 years experience so between 2009-2011 even with a nursing degree you we’re screwed. People were really desperate and that’s what made crime and the feeling of hopelessness really bad. A business owner and I were talking about this and he said it best …” Western Ma, first to crash, last to recover” and it’s true because it took western ma 8 years to turn around compared to Boston’s 2-3 years which is another reason we fell behind compared to out there. Anyways, What you saw in Springfield wasn’t the best but at least there’s opportunity here again if your head is on straight and you have a positive attitude. The schools though are really really bad.
Great video! Hopefully he doesn't move to CT, it's awful down here. My best friend lives in Massachusetts and said it's basically as bad as CT just with more stuck up people. CT, just like Massachusetts has an awful system of just giving welfare. Look at Hartford, great example of a welfare haven city. Then their areas getting changed for the better but with a price tag. Crazy times.
Yes I have driven through both Springfield and Hartford many times they look like third world countries. Half the people just walking around not working.
I live in the Farmington Valley just west of Hartford and yes Hartford is abysmal. Businesses are leaving left and right, and it used to be the insurance Capitol of the country. Aetna is gone, even Connecticare named after CT had left. The middle class is hollowing out and Hartford neighborhoods are more and more dangerous and run down, the roads are garbage also. The residents in the Valley here who still own homes are getting older and older, young people are moving out because it’s so expensive here for no good reason, and we’re planning our escape too. There hasn’t been a professional team in CT in almost 30 years, we have the Yard Goats in Hartford but no one cares. Anyone who goes to Hartford for anything goes to see a show or something and immediately hops on the highway to leave. There’s a few good restaurants in the downtown area but not enough to visit here for vacation or actually spend an evening there.
@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN The Whalers were in Hartford for longer than 3 yrs! LOL All that got shut down, as you said. There arent many jobs here any more (other than low-paying service jobs). Coca-Cola is leaving Northampton after 60 yrs in the area (they spent millions to upgrade their facility just 10 yrs ago) and now the City of Northampton will struggle! It was their largest tax payer, so they are scrambling to make up the short fall!
I'm lucky enough to live in one of the richest neighborhoods in the country, and I didn't think Springfield looks that bad. Some of those older homes look nice. The infrastructure is not too bad I think the place is very fixable. As usual, Mappy is right, welfare should be used as a temporary measure. Thank you, Nick and Mappy
@Nick Johnson hey Mappy and Mrs. Mappy, I bought both of your shirts for me and my GF. Thanks for all the good advise, Been following for years. Also from So. Cal. Living NR Nashville. Never liked back. Dave
De-industrialization and outsourcing killed America's middle class. Business left areas like Springfield for cheaper labor overseas. That began in earnest when Nixon went to China and Deng offered US business good less expensive labor. In exchange China required that businesses give China its business and technological know how. That sealed the fate of America as an industrial power house. BUT corporations got richer. What's not to like?
It definitely decimated the blue collar workers. Plus companies got damn tired of dealing with the union as well. Outsourcing allowed them cheap labor - pennies literally! - while selling those same products for over 1,000 times the amount it took to make it in the US. That's why those jobs will NEVER come back to the US - neither China nor the companies would benefit from it. Their lobbyists ensure Dems and Repubs get their kickbacks as well so they never address the issue.
Springfield is being revitalized as investors scoop up old run down properties. Look at how fast Greenville, SC took off. I believe that will be the case in Springfield as well.
I've seen it exactly what this man is talking about. People who are on welfare look at it like that's their job. If I get a job I'll loose my benefits. What a joke.
"Welfare is supposed to be temporary.. not generational". I've been trying to explain that to people for the last 25 years. It reminds me of a scene from the movie million Dollar baby. The girl becomes a boxer wins a lot of money buys her mother a house. Her mother flips out. She starts carrying on about how it's going to ruin her welfare. We have actually taught Americans not to work to live in squalor to just accept what little bit they can get instead of trying to rise above it. As soon as a welfare dynasty girl turns 16.. she's told to go out and get pregnant. It's disgusting. But there's a lot of Americans who have no shame. I've witnessed it myself. Girls turned sixteen years old and the next thing you know they're pregnant. They live with Mom and Dad (although dad is out of the picture most of the time because welfare doesn't think he lives there.) So dad takes a hike when welfares coming around to check the situation. The girls have no idea who the father. (Yes, they do know who the father is but when they fill out the application for welfare they say they don't know who the father is). As soon as everything is set up. The money is coming in. The boyfriend moves back in with the girl. I know girls who have children by four different fathers. You try to explain to these girls that they're being used. They don't want to hear anything because they don't want to go out and get jobs.
I work at mgm springfield sem and we get high rollers every day and we host a ceramony before the one at the nba hall of fame every year, I've met Charles Barkley, Ray Allen gave me a 20 dollar tip, considering g stop hating
Bill Weld got rid of a lot of Welfare rolls back when he served two consecutive termsas State Governor. Springfield became a bedroom community for north of Hartford , Windsor Locks , East Granby.
Fun Fact. Springfield is 2000 miles from Texas. In an episode of The Simpsons, Hank Hill says "We drove 2000 miles for this?" And the Hills are from Texas. Proving that The Simpsons live in Springfield Massachussets.
@masond7573 There are several drives threw Springfield videos online. They always seem to go around the same city streets. There are neighborhoods that stretch 7 miles out they never drive.
I am from Springfield, Massachusetts and you seem to only find the worst areas within the city. There are many beautiful homes in many neighborhoods throughout the city. However, the city is not as nice as it was in the 70s and 80s.
Right... I live in the Hilltowns(Chester, which is right next to Beckett) now but go to Springfield or Holyoke to do all my shopping... Im very comfortable around the area and Im and implant to Mass😅
Exactly this video is trash
If you keep to yourself, trouble usually doesn’t find you. I will admit, the city does need a lot of work to fix it up. We need to hold property owners to a high standard of keeping their properties clean. There are many gorgeous homes in Forest Park, East Forest Park and 16 acres. Springfield has a lot going for it. The cost of living is very affordable, compared most of the state. Where can you buy a 2-4,000 square foot house for less than 300k.
Bro this dude is ducking trash 🗑️ always giving incorrect info
Right! Springfield is hardly the worst in Massachusetts
Its incredible how to my eyes, this looks totally normal and even nice...coming from Latin America, any street of this city would pass as middle class, from Mexico to Argentina, any poor person would give their lives to live in Springfield.
All cities here are built the same way, even our most ghetto places have excellent streets / infrastructure in general.
Doesn't mean you want to live here.
They may actually feel at home here also. Many of the residents are Puerto Rican so I'm sure you will hear a lot of Spanish in the area.
Well come on over legally
we in USA live like kings as per world standards..... there are US people who think
they're poor because they cant afford cable. 1/3 of the world population has
no running water or electricity. no wonder everyone wants to come here
the buildings , roads and basic amenities are okay compared with most third world countries; it's what goes on within these areas are the problems; its just not a good environment to raise a family.
I lived in Springfield for 6 years and can honestly say it's not that bad of a city. Especially when compared to some of the other ghetto's you've visited on your channel. It's a great place to buy a house if you want to live in ultra expensive Massachusetts. Like any city it has really nice sections and others you wouldn't want your worst enemy to live in. I live closer to Boston now but wouldn't rule out living in Springfield again.
You need a job to buy a house though here and up until recently that was tough bc there was very few good paying jobs
@@danhoyland142 ik a good job there
Up until recently*
@@danhoyland142 just lmk what u need so u can hustle feel me
I agree to an extent. It has a bad reputation for good reason. The violent crime rate each year always ranks amongst the highest in the state. The city is so big and diversified tho that you can escape it depending on where you live. I’d say Brockton, Lawrence, Lowell, Fall River, New Bedford, Lynn, Worcester, and Haverhill are also some bad ones. Boston obv has bad areas too.
I'm laughing at him shit talking Springfield while showing the streets I drive every single day😂
Much safer place than the slums in Los Angeles, Detroit, and South Florida
Graduation rates going up is probably more of a sign of decline in standards than improvement in education.
That’s how West Virginia is
BINGO!!!
this doesn't have to be the case, hopefully Americans can reach a better education standard with higher graduation rates like in other countries
diploma as a participation trophy. graduates cant find Canada on a map.
@Flat Earth Those orientals are smart.
The whole world is depressing. It's the friends who make it worthwhile.
Not the whole world, I would gladly live in places like the spanish coastline, Dubai, Bali etc.
Agreed. All isn't lost yet.
@@dimitarmargaritov I lived on the Spanish coastline (up in the north of Spain) for a year, when I was at a loose end. It was an interesting experience but perhaps overrated. Or perhaps I just had an unfounded positive impression of Spanish culture when I arrived.
My home town is crazy but if u know someone like me that from there it can be a cool city to live in
I have suffered from Major Depressive Disorder and believe me, living in a place like Springfield makes it worse.
Nick, not going to go into politics. Also Nick: Goes straight into politics.
Lol oops
It IS politics.
This was all politics. Please check the white Mormons in Utah, that suck off the system 😌
@@EastSide-qc5oy Can,t handle the truth?
@@EastSide-qc5oy I get my truth from 65 years living in a blue city and prior Democrat for 35 years. As a retired union mechanic one of the truths that I am certain is ''The progressive woke left destroys everything they touch''...Everything...
I've lived in a lot of the places that I've seen you put on your channel this is one of the few times that I live right outside and am currently in that area while you made the video.
I've been watching you for years and I travel a lot and I'm a firm believer that life is meant to be lived everywhere else other than where you were born.
I moved to Springfield 4 years ago. It definitely needs some TLC in places but it definitely does not live up to its reputation. I have a dog and walk him all through the city. I’ve never had a problem anywhere I’ve gone. Most people I’ve met are nice, friendly people.
U wouldn't say this during the 80s n 90s n early 2000s trust me lol trust me facts
It looks really nice even in this video...
@@maticbukovac6966 then go move there if it's that nice
@@michaelcostello2592 I mean it looks nice and he is saying that it is dangerous. Other dangerous places actually look run down...
@@maticbukovac6966 yes they have a few older " historic victorians" bit if u look close one of the clips he showed wasn't even sold it was the highlands which is the parade area....the south end is ish hole but trying to be cleaned uo there a casino near there now but this guy did go to any hood blocks, he drove in morning ...forest park n McKnight r the historic areas ,u can't knock them down so there converted to apartments, the been there since Victorian times but seeing a drive by.......if u want true spfld watch springfield ma gang 60 minutes on UA-cam
I lived in Springfield for many years, and my major complaints were lack of jobs and summer heat. But you cannot separate Springfield from Longmeadow, West Springfield and East Longmeadow. It is just like parts of a big town. And some areas are great to live.
@@daviddecelles8714 Horrible
No, in these videos, the worst block is the only block that matters. Lowest common denominator. Anything more, would require actual research and analysis.
Facts but he only showed the Worst of Springfield Ma🤷🏽♀️that Part❗️
Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Agawam are all closeby and are extremely beautiful towns.
@@lovleylisab258 exactly 💯
I worked in some of those projects you showed as a social worker. It was very interesting work. I saw a lot. I saw worse things in NYC as a social worker. My most memorable case was an old fellow who was a victim of crimes against humanity. He was the sweetest man you will ever meet. Always super happy to get a visitor and always beaming. Only, he had not bathed in 40 years due to pure fear of past abuse. I really loved working in Springfield I met the best people. Downtown is much better now and safer than it was 6 years ago. I remember taking walks with another client in her neighborhood and we would pass houses with pit-bull's posted on the roofs. That was crazy to see.
Downtown has definitely come a long way
Glad you mentioned the truth about Florida. I don't know about property taxes, but home prices are going up all around the state. Home insurance has gone up. A lot of domestic crime. I think Florida is the 3rd largest state after Texas & California in population. And there's no job market. Very difficult to get a good job in Florida.
Hard to get a good job anywhere with shoreline.
Imposible to find a decent job in Florida. The reason if you find a job they want you to work over 12 hours a day.
@@jamesmiran9845 I don't live there & wouldn't want to. It's hard to find a good job anywhere, true, but Florida isn't my thing.
Florida is gross
@@blackcherry6877It's not like that anymore anywhere in the U.S. That's how it was from 1900-1990. People got good jobs without an education or experience. Things have changed.
It depends if you have a skill, something specific you're good at, with a certification or experience. If not, the big city isn't going to help you.
And if you can find a good job, it's very expensive to live in big "blue" cities.
Your guest in this video seems like a very thoughtful, polite, civic-minded young man, and it's nice to see that there are still youth that can partake in smart and meaningful conversations. It was nice to hear his take on this city.
I lived here for many years. its actually QUITE safe, and your near major cities (boston 1.5hrs, NYC- 2hrs) without paying the heavy $.
Safety wise, you want to mind your business (generally), get cool with your neighbors and you will more than likely not have any problems. This is a city that if you want problems you will find it- quickly..
2 hours to NYC? Dam, how fast were you driving? I find it closer to 3 hrs, especially on I95 in Stamford. Always a traffic jam!
My mother was born in Springfield in 1926 part of the many french canadian families that had gone all over New England over the previous decades. They moved back to Canada during the great depression, she was proud of telling us her memories of growing up there, She went back on a trip in her early 80's and was devastated by what the city had become and mainly by the street where they lived, I got the feeling that she regretted going back.
Did she mention it's majority black and latino now as part of the reason?
Liberals destroy the country!
@@collentreefelling9142 yes but the bigger problem are the demographics. You can't expect the city to maintain itself when you replace the population with people from the 3rd world.
Same happened with lawrence beautiful working city many mills etc they had irish part french part italian part then hispanics came over now crime ridden drug infested majority of city is section 8 and unemployed. Sorry if city of hundred of thousand are all unemployed it's a cultural thing corruption runs deep in police and local politics look up former mayor lantigua. Current police chief being investigated and feds had to take over school system
@@HairyPixels Isn't it time for you to feel how difficult it is to survive in a 3rd world country?
It's like people choose to live in third world countries?
I live right next to Springfield, travel there every day for college. The decay is sad
Going to Boston for the first time in June. I live in sounthern Ca. Any advice for me as far as where to avoid and what to see?
@@rnsteve2265’m from Socal, I currently live in Boston, my advice stay away from January to march. There’s many things to do and see north end, to seaport, keep in mind the city is viving in June there’s going to be a ton of traffic, but overall is great if you’re planning to walk, it’s the most walkable city in the U.S, you could rent city bikes, and enjoy it better that way.
Avoid Mattapan and Roxbury, and you should be fine.
@@rnsteve2265 Dorchester has great night life.
@@rnsteve2265 bring lots of cash !!!
I worked in Springfield on the ambulance for several years, we had lots of calls relating to gang violence around the downtown area and southern neighborhoods. Overall not horrible, majority of days were just quiet. As soon as you leave downtown it's quite decrepit but the further out you go the better it gets. The area isn't overly violent just poor, lots of homeless and people living on social services. Unfortunately you missed the sketchiest drug den streets of school, high, and temple. As well as the street of the shelters- Worthington. Worst streets, open drug dens and tweakers
I went to Six Flags in Springfield and met a couple nice kids from the area years ago. Their dreams were to try out all the amusement parks in the nation/world. One aspired to be a carpenter, the other wanted to do something with tech/computer.
I hope they’re doing well.
6flags is in agawam
@@DominicAndreoli-u7ycorrect
Hi six flags is in agawam not Springfield
I was born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts. I miss it. Imma go visit family soon
Those are some amazing looking houses it's a shame the economy is suffering.
I thought the same. Big, lovely detached properties.
I noticed that the houses were really charming
They call it the city of homes. A lot of historic houses here.
@@nicolesanborn3744 I spent the first eight years of my life in Everett. The homes were similar in style. I really love the architecture in Massachusetts.
The economy isn't suffering. The guy who made the video is just biased and talking with 0 knowledge.
Springfield Massachusetts was once called and is still known as "the city of homes", there are so many beautiful old homes in Springfield and it's sad to see when they're going downhill and many have been torn down since probably the early 1970's. I lived in Springfield into different neighborhoods in my time. I went to college in Springfield I practically lived in downtown Springfield. I recognize many of the areas you traveled... St James Avenue would have been a great road to travel on if you haven't been there there's a lot of gorgeous homes right off of St James. I will always love Springfield no matter what...
those old homes are still there; they're just called "crack dens" now.....
New homes are being built, at prices 2-3x more than average homes in the area. Locals get suckered into loans they never pay off, ending up in foreclosure.
It's deceiving because the houses and buildings there, give or take the few boarded up, still look really nice. And compared to the poorest parts of the UK and Europe it looks wealthy by comparison. I like the Massachusetts style of architecture.
They built some of the first Victorian style houses in the United States early on, many are still standing and are beautiful. Unfortunately they are usually in crummy neighborhoods now and sold for pennies on the dollar unless renovated/used for something.
I was brought up in feeding hills and Springfield was the big city (according to me)after graduating that was the place to go for work ,and the joke was on me - nothing, Saturday night-dead, boring city and it’s been that way for years now. And that’s why I moved to BOSTON and it’s been great ever since--But Springfield ( and surrounding areas ) will always have a special place in my heart,because that’s where I was born and brought up - its home.
My family member (not saying who for privacy) used to live here and some guy stole his phone and broke his leg and the break hurt for over a year
Eversource, the electric company here keeps raising their rates, and many of us still have oil heating. A bunch of people have their houses literally falling apart out of disrepair, and they are struggling to stay warm! Don't move here, it is ridiculously expensive for utilities, and to stay warm and comfortable. Thanks for this video! We've only been in MA for 3 years, been trying to leave for 2
Bidden and the dems want to rip out all petroleum powered stove too. Only electric heating and cooking.
Are you referring to Massachusetts as a whole or just Springfield?
@M I A Ha. Everybody hates electric companies. Unfortunately when there is inflation , it's reflected most in energy costs..
@M I A You've noticed increases in gasoline heating oil , propane too. That's what I was referring to
Wow. That is like water bills in Dekalb County, 10.00 a shower 🚿. I use my gym to shower and save 50.00 a month.
I honestly do not think Springfield looks all that horrible. There are no homeless, no tents and human waste on the streets, no litter, the streets are all clean. Compared to most of the dumps you show and the slums and terrible conditions, just from this short video I don't feel sick looking at the place. Even the homes do not look as bad and run down as so many other cities. I realize people are hurting and poverty is all over the place but c'mon there are absolutely many worse places.
Probably
I agree. It didn't look all that bad to me at all. It actually looked clean relatively speaking. I've seen a lot of places that are heck of a lot worse. That's for sure.
Have you ever been to Springfield. It’s got good and bad parts. I own a bunch of rental property there and it’s actually kind of a cool little city. It has tons of history and some really amazing museums, and a casino. I’m in a love-hate relationship with it tons of beautiful old homes at very affordable rates.
Can’t imagine where he lives if he thinks Springfield is that bad.
Homes are very affordable there and with the benefits of living in Massachusetts. Many from eastern mass are heading down there.
Springfield is my birthplace where I spent my childhood, and in this way, Springfield will always have a very special place in my heart. Even so, I was ready to still be very objective about how 'bad' Springfield has deteriorated since I was last there, and I was expecting to see real visual proof or at least gain some real insight from your 'resident expert'. Instead, what I saw were beautiful historic homes in abundance that were mostly still very well kept and maintained, with a beautiful landscape in the background of a mountain range, despite the sometimes foggy conditions. What I saw was an abundance of newer cars there as well, perfectly lined up beside their homes, that still suggested the overall prosperity of the residents who lived there. What I saw was also a downtown area that was looking quite good too, that was clean and bustling, with residents who seemed to be all about their business of humbly remaining peaceful and moving forward with their lives. Even other signs of an efficiently running city of public transportation and other government funded institutions of a modern school bus and police force were also present. I really appreciated the bike wheelie as well towards the end and the reference to the significance of bikes in this community, because back in the day, bikes absolutely ruled as the greatest form of transportation of all! (partly because of the wisdom and kindness of this city to add public sidewalks almost everywhere to travel to just about anywhere you might care to go) So, despite the bad rap that Springfield apparently has now, I am actually relieved that your visual presentation did not prove this at all. In fact, it proved just the opposite. Springfield really is still hanging in there after all. I did not see any obvious signs of blight. I did not see any obvious signs of violence and crime. I did not see any obvious signs of homelessness, and if you would even compare Springfield with other videos you have done about other cities and towns in this country of how 'bad ' they have become? Seriously? No, it will never be Boston, but it was never meant to be. Springfield is Springfield, and that has always been part of the bias against Springfield. A real resident expert would know all of this and much more about the unique specialness that is Springfield. Your so-called resident expert was a joke. Try next time to choose someone who is a senior and has lived in Springfield for decades, or at least someone who is middle-aged and who has lived there for a significant enough time to fully appreciate where Springfield has been and the fullest potential of where Springfield is still going.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Of all people this guy could come up with is some twenty something who’s not from here and really knows nothing about the area. Certainly Springfield like many other comparable cities has its challenges. But it’s far from the land of doom and gloom as some would have you believe.
I think the biggest curse fueling the undeserved bias and hate for the city is the internet/social media. I can remember going back 20+ years to sites like City Data that had these massive forums that were nothing but page after page of just how bad and dangerous Springfield is. And of course what’s online generally stays there for ever. Now we have an entire generation who’s grown up reading what’s online before even bothering to see for themselves. Much of that online negativity came from people who’ve never been to Springfield and have no ties to the area.
Very nice yes you're correct you should have just take one person's advise you should ask a variety of people and then come to a determination.
Nothing against this guy's videos I do like him but I think you are right that he does have sort of a weird perspective for lack of a better word weird doesn't fully describe it but I think his opinion is mostly seen not through rose-colored glasses so to speak
Springfield Thunderbirds 👎👎👎
Well said, his resident was a young boy, who works in Hartford Connecticut, who wants to move the Connecticut what a this was not a great documentary to show how good Springfield can be your words or better than his video.
Growing up in Springfield, if you're just a regular citizen not involved in drugs/gangs, it's a fine place to live. It's not the type of place where muggings are common either. It's more poor/depressed than anything. And since I was born in the 90s, it hasn't gotten much better. But I love my city it has a rich history.
I was born in Springfield in 1958, lived in the neighboring city of Chicopee until the age of 40, went to high school in Springfield (Cathedral High), and worked at Springfield College, the birthplace of basketball, for three years. In the video, at 17:20, the silver sphere in the distance, with the column with an orange sphere on top, is the Basketball Hall of Fame. I know Springfield and its streets pretty well. The city does have homeless but I saw no tents in this footage, unlike in many of Nick's videos. Springfield is relatively clean and safe. I remember hearing about the "go to Massachusetts" banner in the Puerto Rico airport when I was young, but I was told the sign said the destination city was nearby Holyoke, not Springfield. At the age of 40 I moved to Windsor, Connecticut, to be closer to my job in Hartford. I like Springfield to this day and never hesitate to return when I have reason.
My parents rented a studio apartment in South Hadley Falls in 1961 for $60 a month. Their landlord made my father cut the grass, otherwise he would raise the rent. Those were the days. 😂
Springfield might have its problems but like you said there's no tent cities. So that's a plus for sure. Also I found it interesting you brought up the "go to Massachusetts" banner. I think that applied to places outside of Mass. as well. There was a documentary from probably 2004 in which a resident of Willimantic, CT (if i remember correctly) said that there was a sign at the San Juan airport telling people to get to Willimantic. Could that be a myth? I have family still in Holyoke and they said the same thing about a supposed banner in San Juan. I'm not doubting you at all (my mom was born in '58 also). I'm just not sure of the validity behind these various banners.
Ha i was born in 58 and went to Cathedral too! Good times! Good memories!
Being from Boston, I know first hand that wanting to move to Florida goes back generations, even in good economic times. It's kind of engrained into a lot of people up here that Florida is a better place to live. So people continue with this 'the grass is greener' complex, even though in reality things have been changing for the worse down there for a while. But with that said, Springfield has been a worse place to live relative to eastern Mass. for decades. Apparently even in the '60s when I had relatives that lived there.
@@EastSide-qc5oy Exactly. It goes back to at least my grandparent's generation. And if they were still alive, they would be pushing 90. So it's been a northeast cliche for a long while. What stopped them was actually visiting Florida and experiencing the constant reliance on air conditioning and the prominence of chains as opposed to mom and pop places to go out and eat. I'm sure having local establishments is as important in New England as it is in the tri-state area.
Tell them to stop moving to new hampshire
@@chucknorris277 That will be even harder to do than Florida.
I moved to Florida from Springfield 3 years ago after living there all my l will never go back to live ! Maybe visit ??
This is a bad area ? yet the houses look about twice the size as they do here in Europe.
we have land, or HAD...and most are built up, not out...expensive land...
they are multifamily houses not single family homes
@@kfen8794
Ok thanks for the tip it still looks quite well off compared to the majority of Europe though. I don’t know whether it’s relevant in this thread but over here we have a much smaller gap between rich and poor.
They’re all multi family
@@jackkruese4258 So you have NO middle class, then? That is why we had a gap, because we had middle class.
Born and raised in Springfield thank you for doing my suggestion nick
its not a welfare state its a quality of life state we take care of our own. even free healthcare .
Not really though. My mother lived in Ma. most of her life and ALL of her working life. And when she was in her 90s and really needed it they wouldn't sign her up for Mas Health claiming she had to many assets. When ALL she had was SS and a VERY small pension. What really makes me mad is if she was an immigrant, NO problem sign, you right up. Thats not right.
@@lonelyp1 if she was on ss she had Medicare why would she want mass health ?
@@Walterliquori Because Medicare isn't good enough either. Time for this country to join the rest of the world when it comes to healthcare.
@@lonelyp1 agreed
I lived in Springfield until I was 28. For me this was home. It's tough to look back at compared to where I live now, it truly is a troubled place. There has been serious attempts to bring some new life to the city, especially after the tornado plowed through here twelve years ago. But the landscape still is not desirable and it seriously needs more aggressive initiatives to bring it back.
Also no surprise, Eastfield Mall is finally shuttering out there. Such a shame, that place used to be hopping when I was a kid. Until Macy's left. You hope their new plans to revitalize it can help save that end of town, that's a busy thruway where the mall was.
Man I remember the movie theater! Blunt park man great memories sad they did the city like this
Saw that you were on Belmont Avenue in Springfield which is right off the "X", if you had stayed on Sumner you would have seen a lot of great homes as you go into the Forest Park section. Also I love Saint James Avenue because all the college streets are off of that and there's some wonderful Victorian's there. Boston Road has a lot of commerce so that would be a great place to drive around... Hope you had a good time in Springfield, called The city of Homes"..
I grew up in Hampden and I can remember going t6o the dollar cinema up around the X as a young kid. Was it the Bing theatre?
@@lostchild2003yes, the Bing Theater. Still there although I’m not sure what the operation is like now
Love the Christmas lights in forest park. We go there all the way from Albany NY and stop for dinner. Nice drive. Also go to the Big E as often as possible. Haven't been in a few years though
@@xoxoxoxoxo7997 Bright Nights!
For poor people those houses are really nice and there's lots of cars. Poor people here in the UK do not live in houses that big or own cars. People need to clean up, everywhere. It's worldwide the decline.......
There not homes lol..they use to be lol u guys obviously never been to hood new England...even most Yankee former Victorian Era areas ...there actually Victorian mansions like most new England cities have, hence the word New England , but if u look close there built up n next to huge brick apartments....there usually point at roof n built high up n skinny tall.....most have steeples...most have 2 deckers or 3 deckers n porches clearly all hood signs of today u obviously not from hood lol...wat u r seeing is multiple unit apartments ,the city will give rebates from historical society but u have do it there way.,the only hood nick shown is south end n never went down the bad areas of high st which is open air heaven, ir Saratoga, etc he went to fpark n s end....number 2 the hood ur seeing is southend sort of revaltilized n forest park which is is Victorian due to casino....this guy didn't drive in any hood hood parts of Springfield n those from Spalding know I'm rite .,Mason Square, Hill McKnight ( u guys eould really think r vict mansions converted Apts historical hood) northend n Plainfield, sycamore, knox, ft pleasant, Worthington, eastern Ave, mass Ave, nick drove basically in all business main st lol ....I think it's funny no matter wat vid nick shows people comment dumb that it's not bad n seems nice until it's area near them lol.....u guys obviously don't know hood ,plus one of clips shows not springfield lol spfld its part of hokloke which is actually per cap the Massachusetts kensington but even that's the highlands lol or st Patrick's parade route lol smh.....nick drives usually very early mornings u can clearly tell, if he drove afternonish u guys wouldn't be saying dmb ish
These houses you see in this video are mostly multi family homes. Source: I live here
I stopped at the Basketball Hall of Fame during a trip to the northeast and that is located in Springfield, MA. The museum is nice but I did notice that the area did not look nice at all.
It's got hidden plights
How long ago did you visit? Before they built the NEW Hall of Fame? They have certainly tried to build up the river front area to make it a tourist destination, but the blight is pretty close nearby.
I’m a Springfield native. Born and raised. Everything he says is spot on! I’m in Winter Haven Fl now
I’ve lived in Springfield my entire life. I was born here in the 80s. I went to college in Boston lived in NYC and in Surrounding areas over the years and settled back home. Now, If anyone has been into ANY American city. You’ll see decay and crime . That’s the state of America. The area being shown is ONLY a tiny portion of my city and ONLY the most financially strapped areas. However, if you notice in the video, he passes community gardens and small businesses that have been going for years. Bodegas with delicious food in the back,if unafraid you could walk in and speak with great people supporting families and making growth happen. Why not show areas from the more financially robust areas for a well rounded view? (I also seen some Holyoke streets in this footage btw) The viewpoint of this video seems mildly fear motivated and xenophobic and may have the views of the typical outsider-looking-in possibly out of touch with the people on the street . This is the case with many people who live outside of Springfield or ones who cower in their homes here with the news on with no personal perspective on the feel of their town. Unfortunately this supports only a narrow view of Western Massachusetts and runs the risk of sounding overly negative and perhaps promoting a blind political agenda . Nevertheless, there are beautiful areas , neighborhoods and parks and a deep rich history here in Springfield and many places to eat and drink. Big Art scene bubbling up in old empty factories downtown and in Indian Orchard. And many opportunities to start here, there are business incubators and community networking events and gatherings happening here and all up and down the Connecticut River Valley. A multitude of colleges and universities. Beautiful architecture and vibrant nightlife. Forest Park Heights and historic homes and bright green lawns of 16 acres and complex residential homes with wooden floors (Beautiful art and jazz events, Cultural Celebrations and festivals.) Basketball Hall of fame inductions, 3hrs from NYC 1h45 from Boston.
You can miss out if you are fearful. The Casio helps and hurts a bit too Do your due diligence and have the courage to ask someone who knows and you could find your favorite place to visit .
I'm confused - you penalize people for working hard and being self-reliant, and reward people for not working and not caring. What could possibly go wrong with that?
They experimented on black ppl first now it affects everyone
I spent a month living in Springfield during the nineties. Massachusettes Avenue, to be precise. I found it to be relatively safe and enjoyable.
Lmao not anymore
@Shosho Sho You're probably right!
How do you know. I am from Springfield ma. May I ask how someone not from the city comment on it. Why didn't you drive through the entire city? People aren't moving out they are moving to the NEW homes built on NEW lots developments are happening everyday. Springfield is the city of first, basketball hall of fame, Indian Motorcycle, Webster Dictionary, Home of Doctor Sues, Buxton Wallets. Moore Drop Forge, Michelin Tires, International Blank Book Company, Spaulding, etc. Get your facts right. Next time you want to know about the city get your information from am elder and not twenty year old.
@@angelabolden6225 I said that I found it relatively safe. It's an opinion!
@@angelabolden6225 If you meant me, I know for a fact since I have been living in the city for over 20 years. It it is true that area does have crime.
Please do Hartford, CT next! That place is just depressing and dirty 👀
I heard East Hartford is nice. True?
@@maril1379 not really. West Hartford is nice though.
@@maril1379 West Hartford is where you wanna go!! 😊
@@maril1379 West Hartford is nice
It's white supremacy. And climate change.
All of these places share these horrible similarities.
Springfield is strange because, like you mentioned, there's cool stuff there -- the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags and the Big E across the river, some good museums, a bunch of universities. Also, Forest Park is one of the country's nicer urban parks, and the Armory is a national park. It just doesn't hang together yet. Good urban planning, more than any other city I've seen (excepting maybe Syracuse NY), would go a long way toward bringing this city back.
Grew up on welfare, sleeping on the floor in the kitchen in front of an electric stove to keep warm. No money for oil heat. Come a long way, now self sufficient. This town will come round. Sometimes we are down and out and need help. Been in MA. all my life and am radical, not liberal, MA. is so friendly and open to all. This is the friendliest state in the nation. People are people, and I am proud to live in a state that helps not judges people.
Man there are a lot of nice houses there so that must have been a prosperous place at one time.There must have been or are bad policies which have wrecked that place.
Democratic policies.
Not entirely, but overwhelmingly.
@@johnnymichael1804 name one.
@@RealInRealEstateCC We need more poetry readings and more restrictive gun laws.
@@RealInRealEstateCC gun free zones. Cashless bond.
There's 2.
@@johnnymichael1804 so gun free zone cause poverty. That’s a new one.
Springfield and Hartford have a lot of potential with many top tier colleges and universities nearby. Some of the suburban areas are quite nice. They are just clueless about regional planning. With all of the brain power in that part of the country, they should be able to establish their tech sector. I think some parts of New England are heavily invested in looking back instead of ahead. Having history is great, but it doesn't pay the bills. Worcester and Providence directly benefit from being closer to Boston. They tend to function regionally. Having a larger city as the hub of activity really helps. Springfield and Hartford, lacking a major urban core is not an unsurmountable regional flaw. A lot of people would prefer to live in or near a small city, if the cities are nice, have good job opportunities, are safe, and have good entertainment and recreational activities. You can't fix Springfield without doing something about Chicopee. Chicopee is all ghetto and happens to be Springfield's largest suburb.
Nobody wants to live in Hartford for tech. They're not "Developed" enough for tech libs to put up with. They're never going to be safe, not that anywhere is. The taxes are trash, the services provided are next to nothing. If your not interested in plowing through snow then your SOL in Hartford because there's not enough parking and the trucks burry cars under snow. Both states are also shit if your into guns at all, both have overly strict emissions and mass's safety inspections are asinine if your into cars at all. Especially if your lower income...
These areas dont have much going for them, and never will unless your a landlord and want triplexes for cheap.
@@BeigeEyesCroissantDragon Hartford actually has some really cool stuff. The Atheneum is a very good art museum, the Mark Twain and Harriet Beechet Stowe house. It used to have a good restaurant scene ans a nice downright. There's no reason, other than poor civic leadership and lack of regional planning, why it can't be decent again. All the money dumped into Hartford has been poorly spent in recent years. What good is a spruced up downtown if people beat a path to the Burbs when they leave work at 5 pm. As for the snow, that's your personal preference. Some of us like the seasons. I live in NYC, we've had only a half inch of snow all winter, i would like at least one good blizzard before the winter is over. Springfield, even more than Hartford is located close to a lot of great colleges. If the people that run Springfield were smart, they would offer tax breaks and seed money for tech companies to locate offices/facilities there. There's plenty of talent to draw on in the region. One thing I like about the region is the nice, small International Airport. I deal with Newatk and JFK all the time, a real headache. When I lived in Connecticut, I never had a bad experience at Bradley. But your attitude us typical if people up there. Yoy have a negative, small town, small mind view, can't see the potential. I'm older, I lived up there in the 70s and 80s, still have family up that way. Springfield and Hartford are dumpy because of bad leadership.
Chicopee isn’t part of Springfield.. WTF are you talking about ? 😂
On the bigger picture, with a few exceptions (season attractions), the western half of the state is an afterthought to most of the Boston legislators. Ask many Bostonians, they think the state ends at Worcester.
Regionally, a lot of the major employers have left or are leaving the area, which does make it very hard for employment. And yes, Springfield fought hard to get MGM (was on the brink of bankruptcy) and did have a lot of mom and pop shops struggle or go out of business (those that didn't want to be brought out), initially was a huge employer but is turning out to not to be the huge "savior" (it has helped some) they thought it would be as far as attracting other businesses. Urban planning and incentives are foreign words here.
Side note: Chicopee isn't a part of Springfield.
Chicopee? I lived in chicopee my entire life (21 years) and I’d say it’s definitely not as ghetto as Springfield or parts of Holyoke. Worst part chicopee is the center and maybe some of the project areas in willimansett but that’s about it. Nice humble homes across the city and it’s pretty quiet near the South Hadley / ludlow border. You’re probably just thinking of the chicopee Walmart being bad lol
the houses are so huge it must cost a fortune for utilities and upkeep. Wonder if they have converted those big houses into seperate apartments. Also it is likely landlords are collecting rent from the majority of people who are on government assistance.
All those houses are multi family, with government assistance rents
A lot of the homes are 2 family now. My apartment is HUGE and yes super expensive to heat
Every single house in the video is multi family. Every. Single. One.
those houses, triple deckers, are a staple in low-income new england communities. they are usually divided into 2-6 apartments. they were constructed to be used as multi family homes
I'm from Massachusetts. The welfare system is strict. A person can only receive cash benefits for three years out of five. They require people to work, or do work programs.
Massachusetts does have MassHealth, which is available to everybody. MassHealth is great! I bought into it for $140 a month. It covers everything from dental and vision to prescriptions. There's no copay, and most doctors accept it.
Don't bash Massachusetts too hard. It currently has one of the lowest inflation rates in the country. It has one of the best education systems in the country, and taxes are average when compared to the rest of the nation despite popular belief.
I agree with David Anthony. I am originally from Queens, NY and moved to Springfield in 2014 to be with my son's mother. I've lived here for over 8 years and it has good spots and bad spots. The hope was the casino would gentrify that downtown/south end area but after 4 years I don't really see much improvement. There are people in Springfield who are on generational welfare and its just bad for everyone. Also a lot of abuse and fraud occurring with those CNA type programs. Makes me wonder all my tax dollars are going smh.
i live here and its not as bad as people think. not the safest of course depends on where you live tho
You should visit Lowell, Massachusetts, windows are boarded up with wood, empty abandoned businesses, empty fenced parking lots, you even need to ask the store manager to get the key to use the supermarket bathroom, I went there once for Road test a few years ago, I was astonished!
I suggested Lawrence 😂
I’m surprised nobody has said Fall River
Lawrence and Lowell are both "up and coming" cities...for the past 50 years...
@@justinepappalardo5708 I heard people talked about Lawrence like that two, I drove through only downtown Lawrence where the clock tower is once, I didn’t see anything I saw in Lowell at all. But I didn’t drive around enough to see things,wow!!!!
@@gingerbald3318 I live in a town between Lawrence and Lowell and I go to the cities frequently, they're nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be. Lowell is actually quite nice. Lawrence has some decaying mill buildings but I can see a lot of recent development, it's getting better.
I moved from Florida to Ohio almost 10 years ago. I'm so glad I got out when I did.
You mean Ohio to Florida, right?
@@TheFullKanani No. I left Florida to Ohio just like the guest on this video left Florida to Massachusetts. Just like Nick said on the video, Florida is not all that. It's all hype. That's all it is.
I have a brother in Cocoa Beach and housing costs have skyrocketed in Florida.I live in Raleigh NC and the housing costs have skyrocketed here as well.
@@gregorycyr9272 Florida is overrated and housing is over priced thanks to all the out of state people moving there. It's been getting more and more expensive over the last 20+ years but has exploded exponentially over the last 3 years since COVID and everyone working remotely moving there. My money goes hell of a lot farther here in Ohio. There are a lot more jobs here too.
@@erocker78 thats all fine and dandy but different strokes for different folks...
My husband and I recently moved to Springfield from eastern Mass. We fell in love with a beautiful historic home. We both work corporate jobs and have a comfortable income. It's been 9 months since we moved to Springfield. My observation is that there is a stigma from nearby towns and others. I've observed it at my child's doctor's office, where there seems to be an assumption that if someone lives in Springfield, they are automatically considered poor. This video was biased, and you failed to show other parts of Springfield. Every city has its trouble spots, but you generalized Springfield and failed to interview others.
Hey Nick, In Massachusetts I often see customers in the supermarket cashing out overflowing shopping carts which look to be holding at least $400 plus of groceries. Then out comes the EBT card. Now if they're getting all of that stuff for free why in the world would they ever want to change that? I'm not saying I approve because lots of people who collect these benefits are just exploiting our very generous system, not to mention Masshealth which is the health insurance version of the EBT card. The 2 generally go hand in hand. But all this free living is obviously not going to give anyone any incentive to do otherwise. Also there's a law where any apt. complex high scale or not has to have I believe 15 percent of it's units to be low income. So if you're renting an upscale luxury apartment you may see your neighbors pull carting their non-perishables from the food bank down the hall heading to their apt. that's illegally housing 10 of their siblings. The sad thing is I see the people who truly need these benefits who actually paid taxes into it for many years get shot down. Will this system ever get straightened out and stop handing out free tickets to certain people for political gains? Because that's what it all breaks down to, right?
But No, it'll never happen...
Come to Massachusetts, we owe you a living!!!
(Love the channel btw)
Hey Nick, Springfield has one of the best State fairs in the country. I've been to plenty, and The Big E is the best! It's the whole New England under one banner and it's pretty amazing.
A state fair is nothing to brag about!! Cool yes, but it’s a fair, big deal. I loved two miles away from the fair grounds for over gown years so don’t think I don’t know how grand it is. I’m just saying, in perspective of all things, being home to a giant fair, on a scale of important things, does not rank as that important.
Lived by it for 10 years*.
The Big E is in the town of West Springfield, not Springfield.
I’m from Hartford Connecticut! And, I gotta say that Springfield blows Hartford outta the water! Springfield is a better city! I’ve seen more concerts at the Springfield Civic Center!! Plus, there were soooo many great clubs in Springfield back in the day!
I’m always rooting for Springfield!!! 🎸⭐️
Hartford is a pit!!!
Back in the late 90's & early 2000's Worthington street was a happening place!
Isn't Smith&Wesson moving to Tennessee?
Yes thank God. MA doesn't deserve it they hate firearms and second amendment.
Did u make ur way to pittsfield mass?
I moved away in the 90s and went back 25 years later, i cried it was so blighted.
I live in Agawam right across the river from Springfield. But I grew up in Chicopee for most of my life and Chicopee is getting really bad also. Holyoke is even worse. I don’t know if getting rid of the mob in Springfield was a great idea now looking back on it. I try to avoid Springfield like the plague for example I have never been to the Basketball Hall of Fame and I’m 41. This guy Nick is speaking the truth.
In the late 70's I remember the improvements that were done in the area near downtown, Mattoon and Pearl Street. To me there was optimism then. When they built the civic center and new mixed income housing, it really helped to improve the downtown. I left to move to Boston in the early 80's for work, school and entertainment. Its sad that the economy has worsened. Best wishes Springfield! ❤❤
The matoon art festival and the wizard in the basement. Ahh. The early Seventies!
As a European i only know Springfield from The Simpsons so this comes as a surprise for me.
Doh!
I think that there is at least one "Springfield" in all 50 states.
But was that this Springfield?
@@georgfriedrichhandel4390 No, that’s Springfield, Illinois.
Springfield, NJ and Springfield, NE are nice, maybe Bart lives in one of the two.
The worst city in Massachusetts would be the nicest city in Louisiana.
Really?
I'm from Louisiana and moved up here. Can't make a living in Louisiana.
I grew up in Springfield’s North end and Indian Orchard. I call Springfield a black hole, because it’s hard to escape. I know very few people that were able to get out of the area and do something with their lives.
With that said, Springfield area pizza is unlike any other that I’ve tried. Forest Park is a beautiful park, and one of my mai stops when I go back to visit family. The Quadrangle museum area is fantastic as well.
I love visiting the city I was raised in, but after a few days, depression starts to set in due to the poverty and crime.
I'm thinking of moving to Indian Orchard, would you recommend it?
@@pps22001 no. It has a violent crime rate higher than 90% of the rest of the country. Not a good place to live and/or raise a family.
Yea you never want to all the neighborhoods i live in sixteen acres the area my dad grew up here so but I get because my mom family grew up downtown
THE issue is not tax breaks it is the degenerates that makes the quality of life sooooo poor. Too much drug dealing, gang banging and unsafe conditions. Plus being poor does not mean you have no pride in your surroundings. It starts with individual residents. Keep the place clean. Remove those prison fencing. Plant flowers and gardens in the front of your house so that it will look like an inviting neighborhood. The schools are terrible. No family will willingly bring their children to enroll in poor performing schools.
Exactly. THANK YOU.
Collusion between corporations, Republicans and Democrats caused the majority of problems in the United States. Our country must be reeducated about the effects of corporations moving jobs overseas.
I only wish I owned the chain-link fence franchise in Springfield.
you need security video. else, the chain-link fence might get stolen as well.
Hah....my family owns one of them.....been aroud for a LONG time.
You would be a millionaire! The suburbs will be next, unfortunately!
@@inconnu4961 No no. It's owned by their side of the family and it has been around for many decades. I'm not associated with the business itself....I'm just related to the people that own it.
I grew up in Springfield. I thank God everyday that i got out and headed south in my early 20's. I'm amazed that anyone would stay there.
really I’ve never been threatened in any of those places except Lawrence
It's the same in Vermont. There's no more industry so they want only rich people and welfare. The rich will support the welfare...there's no industry so middle class doesn't exist. Springfield used to be bustling fifteen years ago but has gone down a lot since. With such division in today's society, I can't see Springfield ever being as it was. A lot of industry and jobs have fallen victim to overseas and local small businesses can't survive because of Amazon's and Walmart's. Online shopping has closed a large percent of Mom & Pop shops in New England.
The reasons people tend to be unhappy in Springfield
1. Horrific crime
2.) All the areas with crime are usually the vacant places to rent
3.) Lack of Jobs
4.) Lack of entertainment
5.) The city seems to have a deficiency in development planning
6.) Cold weather
It's a race ghettos like fall river or Lawrence. The state runs these places like plantations. Near impossible to start a small business pro monopoly regulations
Cold weather are you serious and you grew up here come on LOL
@@meredithaherntamilio4553 Ummm the weather usually is cold..I don't think it's my anemia lml . If ya compare it to other cities. The only time it's not is the summer. For certain people, that isn't enough. Especially when they could go to a state that never sees cold.
If Beacon Hill only prioritized bringing jobs to western Mass, the area would honestly start to pick-up.
as a resident of springfield every thing he said is correct
Grew up here and ran in these streets from kindergarten to 6th grade, then we moved across the river West. La Fiorentina is an excellent Italian bakery 🍰in the North End and Red Rose Pizzeria 🍕is still there and still is the best slice. When Italy won the World Cup in ‘82, ⚽ the North End had block parties for days. That was and still remains a hard working Italian community. Also the Basketball Hall of Fame is there as the game was invented in Springfield College, Massachusetts. 🏀
I love my city, and dude from Florida he can’t speak for us… We need to get these kids off the street and In programs and extra curricular activities. It starts with the Youth!!!
People think central/western Massachusetts is some barren wasteland when in reality it has some of the most beautiful scenery and architecture you’ll ever see. This video that showed the same 4 streets gave no justice to this city whatsoever. Any decent sized city in America has areas that look just like this, if not much worse.
New England, the weather is rough, cloudy a lot, then long cold winters. Lack of abundant sunshine doesn't help with the depression part I guess. Human beings are not nocturnal by nature.
@@wza223-fo3mc no, it's just part of the reason for the current situation, whining won't help, improving your surroundings might. Empires come and go throughout history, they all rise and fall. It's just the way it is.
@@wza223-fo3mc I didn't run, I drove, over 30 years ago, that would be quite a long jog. I am well familiar with New England, I grew up there. If you have misery I mean that's something you have to deal with. I am very happy. It's funny I watch videos of miserable New Englanders now complaining about the weather every single day but many don't have the balls to do anything about it.
@@wza223-fo3mc Misery loves company John.
So I guess I have to keep you company for a while, seems like you are needy for it.
@@wza223-fo3mc well friend, your weather sucks and my weather is awesome, I' know because I've lived in New England, so I get the last 😆🤣🤣, enjoy!
The town looks nice actually.
Nahhh lol
I didn't see any slums or abandoned houses like in some other places, you have visited. I'd say it looks like a pretty fine place, dude. Not a single homeless or freaky guy on the streets, it's an OK city.
You haven't seen enough of it then.
This guy has a bias he filmed what he wanted. Springfield is well they're not called massholes for nothing.
The city regularly tears down abandoned buildings-driving through the downtown is weird-lots of empty lots. That tells you something-most intelligently run cities would sell the lots for cheap-with a commitment by the buyer to build there. The tax base steadily drops, and that Casino didn't revive the downtown. The "Student Price" is still an excellent German restaurant!
He isn't downtown
In the winter time you fill find FEWER homeless people outside, and if they are they will be well-hidden in places to avoid the wind or cold. But there are plenty of homeless people and vagrants of all types.
Thank you for exsposing this crazy city!!
I was born and raised here. Not all sides of springfield are bad at all, just like u said in the video. U drove around the bad areas . No love to the nice areas lol
Yay you're finally doing the city I grew up in! Yes, it was always pretty shitty. Some great folks there but glad i got out years ago...
Same
It's my city too, and I'm still there.
Shitty city and great folks do not compute
Just because you are poor does not mean that you can’t take of your area-it’s crazy to me the amount of trash that is piled up in lower income neighborhoods….I’ve seen low income neighborhoods that are clean-it is possible!-you just have to do the work.
It's because people are just big time slobs
Good video Nick. I must say that when you talk about Florida being overcrowded and chaotic, you’re not recognizing that anything north of Orlando doesn’t really fit that description. I live just south of Tallahassee and this area is growing and it has plenty of space. If you take I-10 across Northern Florida you will see so much undeveloped land along the route. South Florida may be chaotic, but Northern Florida has so many great places to live.
Nick, you drove practically by my house right at the beginning. I loved you covered the shittiest part of Massachusetts ( all western ma, not just Springfield) but it’s honestly not that bad nowadays now that a lot of jobs came back. 10 years ago though that’s when things were really bad because it was impossible to find a good paying job unless you had an impressive resume with loads of experience. There were hiring freezes everywhere and even if you just graduated college as a nurse or something they were requiring at least 2 years experience so between 2009-2011 even with a nursing degree you we’re screwed. People were really desperate and that’s what made crime and the feeling of hopelessness really bad. A business owner and I were talking about this and he said it best …” Western Ma, first to crash, last to recover” and it’s true because it took western ma 8 years to turn around compared to Boston’s 2-3 years which is another reason we fell behind compared to out there. Anyways, What you saw in Springfield wasn’t the best but at least there’s opportunity here again if your head is on straight and you have a positive attitude. The schools though are really really bad.
Too bad I missed you when I was in town!
Good morning Nick, i have two friends in Boston, thanks for sharing my friend 🤘
Great video! Hopefully he doesn't move to CT, it's awful down here. My best friend lives in Massachusetts and said it's basically as bad as CT just with more stuck up people. CT, just like Massachusetts has an awful system of just giving welfare. Look at Hartford, great example of a welfare haven city. Then their areas getting changed for the better but with a price tag. Crazy times.
Yes I have driven through both Springfield and Hartford many times they look like third world countries. Half the people just walking around not working.
Democrat controlled cities/states. Welfare mentality keeping people down and democrat voters.
I live in the Farmington Valley just west of Hartford and yes Hartford is abysmal. Businesses are leaving left and right, and it used to be the insurance Capitol of the country. Aetna is gone, even Connecticare named after CT had left. The middle class is hollowing out and Hartford neighborhoods are more and more dangerous and run down, the roads are garbage also. The residents in the Valley here who still own homes are getting older and older, young people are moving out because it’s so expensive here for no good reason, and we’re planning our escape too. There hasn’t been a professional team in CT in almost 30 years, we have the Yard Goats in Hartford but no one cares. Anyone who goes to Hartford for anything goes to see a show or something and immediately hops on the highway to leave. There’s a few good restaurants in the downtown area but not enough to visit here for vacation or actually spend an evening there.
@@SnoopEastwood what did you drive thru or you just went down a couple streets ?
@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN The Whalers were in Hartford for longer than 3 yrs! LOL All that got shut down, as you said. There arent many jobs here any more (other than low-paying service jobs). Coca-Cola is leaving Northampton after 60 yrs in the area (they spent millions to upgrade their facility just 10 yrs ago) and now the City of Northampton will struggle! It was their largest tax payer, so they are scrambling to make up the short fall!
I'm lucky enough to live in one of the richest neighborhoods in the country, and I didn't think Springfield looks that bad. Some of those older homes look nice.
The infrastructure is not too bad I think the place is very fixable.
As usual, Mappy is right, welfare should be used as a temporary measure.
Thank you, Nick and Mappy
Mappy says HI Dave!
@Nick Johnson hey Mappy and Mrs. Mappy, I bought both of your shirts for me and my GF.
Thanks for all the good advise, Been following for years. Also from So. Cal. Living NR Nashville. Never liked back. Dave
naw infrastructure is terrible there, spent my time in bangfield
Yea I love it here in Springfield MA
How did I miss this video? I live one town over. Love your channel and keep up the great work sir!
Ok Pete!
De-industrialization and outsourcing killed America's middle class. Business left areas like Springfield for cheaper labor overseas. That began in earnest when Nixon went to China and Deng offered US business good less expensive labor. In exchange China required that businesses give China its business and technological know how. That sealed the fate of America as an industrial power house. BUT corporations got richer. What's not to like?
It definitely decimated the blue collar workers. Plus companies got damn tired of dealing with the union as well. Outsourcing allowed them cheap labor - pennies literally! - while selling those same products for over 1,000 times the amount it took to make it in the US. That's why those jobs will NEVER come back to the US - neither China nor the companies would benefit from it. Their lobbyists ensure Dems and Repubs get their kickbacks as well so they never address the issue.
Very well said and 100% accurate!
I got a job. No welfare needed.
Springfield is being revitalized as investors scoop up old run down properties. Look at how fast Greenville, SC took off. I believe that will be the case in Springfield as well.
Hope so but they look nothing alike now
Definitely not the most dangerous city in mass. I'm from Boston and Springfield is far from the most dangerous.
If you ask me Lynn is worse than Springfield. Come more south you'll see worse.
This ‘hood’ is suburban compared to anything in Texas
I've seen it exactly what this man is talking about. People who are on welfare look at it like that's their job. If I get a job I'll loose my benefits. What a joke.
"Welfare is supposed to be temporary.. not generational". I've been trying to explain that to people for the last 25 years. It reminds me of a scene from the movie million Dollar baby. The girl becomes a boxer wins a lot of money buys her mother a house. Her mother flips out. She starts carrying on about how it's going to ruin her welfare. We have actually taught Americans not to work to live in squalor to just accept what little bit they can get instead of trying to rise above it. As soon as a welfare dynasty girl turns 16.. she's told to go out and get pregnant. It's disgusting. But there's a lot of Americans who have no shame. I've witnessed it myself. Girls turned sixteen years old and the next thing you know they're pregnant. They live with Mom and Dad (although dad is out of the picture most of the time because welfare doesn't think he lives there.) So dad takes a hike when welfares coming around to check the situation. The girls have no idea who the father. (Yes, they do know who the father is but when they fill out the application for welfare they say they don't know who the father is). As soon as everything is set up. The money is coming in. The boyfriend moves back in with the girl. I know girls who have children by four different fathers. You try to explain to these girls that they're being used. They don't want to hear anything because they don't want to go out and get jobs.
You can’t use a movie as evidence for anything. You’re making up scenarios in your head.
I work at mgm springfield sem and we get high rollers every day and we host a ceramony before the one at the nba hall of fame every year, I've met Charles Barkley, Ray Allen gave me a 20 dollar tip, considering g stop hating
Bill Weld got rid of a lot of Welfare rolls back when he served two consecutive termsas State Governor.
Springfield became a bedroom community for north of Hartford , Windsor Locks , East Granby.
Fun Fact. Springfield is 2000 miles from Texas. In an episode of The Simpsons, Hank Hill says "We drove 2000 miles for this?" And the Hills are from Texas. Proving that The Simpsons live in Springfield Massachussets.
There's no nuclear reactor.
@@dlewis9760 Simpsons is in Springfield VT
Our perfect place...moved into our RV and bugged out to central Mexico. It's working out great....great weather, great prices, nice people.
Please let me know how things are for you...
You got me curious: what's the big city close to you there in central mexico? Elevation? Any current covid issues? (mandatory masks or vax?)
Wow, never thought I'd see a video dedicated to my hometown. Great work!
Ok Mason!
@masond7573 There are several drives threw Springfield videos online. They always seem to go around the same city streets. There are neighborhoods that stretch 7 miles out they never drive.
@@dennis3351 State Street/Boston road? probably a good reason why they dont! LOL