Springfield

Springfield sits on the Connecticut River, and its metro-area population is approximately 700,000. The city is home to major employers, including MassMutual Insurance, Smith & Wesson and General Dynamics, and also boasts many museums, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, its own zoo and symphony hall, and the iconic Forest Park Historic District. Rural, suburban and urban locales offer a variety of residential options, including 17 neighborhoods, such as South End, known for its rich Italian heritage, and Forest Park Heights, featuring more than 600 Victorian Painted Lady mansions. There’s an excellent selection of private and public schools, as well as colleges, including Mount Holyoke, Smith and Amherst.