Westfield Apartments and Rentals

Home to more than 41,000 people, Westfield, Mass., is located at the foot of the Berkshires and is bordered by rural areas and small cities. Part of the Springfield, Mass., metropolitan area, Westfield is located 99 miles from Boston and 85 Miles from Albany, New York, and is spread out over about 47 square miles. Residents love Westfield's charming vistas and small-town feel, as well as its combination of historic roots and modern neighborhoods.

Established around 1669, Westfield was once the most western town in the colony of Massachusetts. For 150 years after its founding, Westfield served as an agricultural community. A small downtown area offered residents a few opportunities for congregating and other civic activities, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that manufacturing opportunities began proliferating the area. Cigar, brick, bicycle, paper, textile and tool manufacturing became large trades within the city, helping Westfield advance well into the 20th century. In modern times, Westfield serves as a suburban community for the Springfield area. Manufacturing, healthcare and education industries still flourish in the local economy.

Home to numerous historic buildings, Westfield enjoys a distinct aura of charm. About 40 percent of the city's homes were built prior to 1940, and numerous groups have headed programs for downtown revitalization and historic preservation. A thriving downtown area provides residents with opportunities to shop, dine and enjoy Westfield's community events, such as Colonial Harvest Day, the Westfield Farmers Market and a variety of other activities.

Westfield residents also enjoy numerous recreational activities. Stanley Park is home to 180 acres of rose gardens, concert and picnic areas, duck ponds and open space, while Hampton Ponds State Park offer canoeing, fishing, hiking and swimming opportunities to nature lovers from around the region. Camping enthusiasts can get their fix at Chester-Blandford State Park or Granville State Forest, and those who prefer more refined natural settings can enjoy golf, tennis and boating at the Tekoa and Blandford Country Clubs, Stanley Park and Southwick Marina, respectively.

The city is home to Westfield State College, which enrolls about 4,600 students each year. Additionally, numerous institutes of higher learning are located within about 20 miles of Westfield, including Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield College, Western New England College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College and University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Many residents commute to nearby Springfield for work, but about 43 percent of Westfield residents live and work within the city. Top employers in Westfield include Noble Hospital, Westfield State College, Beacon-Morris, Berkshire Industries, Hydro Therm, Mestek, National Envelope Co., Walmart, Westcast, Western Massachusetts Hospital and Advance Manufacturing Co.

According to City-Data, the cost of living index in Westfield is 120.3, which is 20.3 percent higher than the U.S. average. High living costs are typical for New England cities. According to the city's website, about 31 percent of housing stock is comprised of renter-occupied units. Those searching for Westfield rentals should note that the median gross rent in the city is $810 per month.

Because it is primarily a residential community, Westfield doesn't offer any major museums or attractions; however, its historic downtown area offers numerous opportunities for dining and nightlife.

For museums and other attractions, residents need not drive any further than nearby. Springfield, which boasts such interesting attractions as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield Science Museum, Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and Museum of Springfield History.

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