Springfield is sketchy, not much going for it, a fair amount of crime and there's the casino and the casino people. West Springfield is ok and Chicopee but stay away from Holyoke the whole city is like Worcester's worst neighborhood. Northampton has Cambridge sort of vibe, lots of good food and plenty of entertainment. East of Springfield is sleepy small towns that have their own charms. I can't see anyone being priced out of Springfield, it's not like there's a massive wave of people headed there. If you like the outdoors fall in western Mass is spectacular.