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Northampton, MA

Frequently asked questions

Northampton, MA

The city of Northampton is the county seat of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Northampton (including its outer villages, Florence and Leeds) was 29,571.

Northampton is known as an academic, artistic, musical, and countercultural hub. It features a large politically liberal community along with numerous alternative health and intellectual organizations. Based on U.S. Census demographics, election returns, and other criteria, the website Epodunk rates Northampton as the most politically liberal medium-sized city (population 25,000–99,000) in the United States. The city has a high proportion of residents who identify as gay and lesbian and a high number of same-sex households and is a popular destination for the LGBT community.

Northampton is part of the Pioneer Valley and is one of the northernmost cities in the Knowledge Corridor—a cross-state cultural and economic partnership with other Connecticut River Valley cities and towns. Northampton is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Area, one of western Massachusetts's two separate metropolitan areas. It sits approximately 19 miles (31 km) north of the city of Springfield. Northampton is home to Smith College, Hotel Northampton, Northampton High School, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, and the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.

Northampton sits on the west side of the Connecticut River in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. It is located at 42°20′N 72°39′W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.8 square miles (92.6 km2), of which 34.2 square miles (88.7 km2) are land and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2), or 4.22%, is water. A total of 21% of the city is permanently protected open space. Within Northampton's city limits are the villages of Florence and Leeds. Northampton is bordered to the north by the towns of Hatfield and Williamsburg, to the west by Westhampton, to the east by Hadley (across the Connecticut River), and the south by Easthampton.

The art deco Calvin Coolidge Bridge connects Northampton with Hadley across the Connecticut River. The college town of Amherst is located 7 miles (11 km) east of Northampton, next to Hadley. Springfield, the Connecticut River Valley's most populous Massachusetts city, is located 19 miles (31 km) southeast of Northampton. Boston is 104 miles (167 km) by highway east of Northampton. New York City is 161 miles (259 km) southwest of Northampton. The Connecticut River's Oxbow is within Northampton's city limits, at the northern base of Mount Nonotuck.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Northampton Athletic Club offers group fitness classes. For yoga enthusiasts, Yoga Sanctuary provides a serene environment with various classes. Downtown Mindfulness is ideal for meditation and mindfulness practices. The Florence Civic Center hosts fitness and wellness programs, including Zumba and Pilates. For those seeking holistic health services, Northampton Healing Arts offers acupuncture and massage therapy. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed at the Norwottuck Rail Trail for biking and walking. The Northampton Senior Center offers exercise and wellness programs tailored for seniors.

Top sites in Northampton, MA are Smith College Museum of Art, Thornes Marketplace, Academy of Music, and The Botanic Garden of Smith College.

Population: 31,315 (2024). ZIP codes: 01060–01063. Area code: 413. Elevation: 190 ft (60 m). Area: 35.8 square miles (92.6 km2).

FAQs

What is Northampton, MA famous for?

Northampton's blend of traditional neighborhoods, forged by the great care of generations of good neighbors, and a lively and sophisticated cultural community would make any great city proud. The city has been recognized in recent years by numerous publications as a top-rated town for the arts, families, historic preservation, and outdoor activities. Located in the heart of the Five-College area, and home to prestigious Smith College for women, education has always been a priority here. You will find not only a great public school district but also a plethora of opportunities for lifelong learning in Northampton.

Is Northampton, MA a good place to live?

Numerous employment opportunities exist in Northampton due to the city’s diverse and robust economy with thriving healthcare, education, wholesale, retail, and hospitality industries. Northampton’s cost of living is 5% higher than the national average. The utility costs are 13% higher than the national average, and groceries are also 7% higher than the national average; a carton of eggs costs $5.10, and a loaf of bread costs $2.50. The city’s median home price is $413,353, which is almost as high as the national average of $428,000.

What is the crime rate in Northampton, MA?

The crime rate in Northampton is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 16 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Northampton is 1 in 61. Based on FBI crime data, Northampton is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Massachusetts, Northampton has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Northampton

Home and Money

Neighborhood Scout

Smith College Museum of Art 

Thornes Marketplace 

Academy of Music 

The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Northampton Athletic Club

Yoga Sanctuary

Downtown Mindfulness

Florence Civic Center

Northampton Healing Arts

Norwottuck Rail Trail

Northampton Senior Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.