Riverside community with unexpected historic roots
Holyoke has impressive energy costs thanks to the town's series of dams along the Connecticut River. "Holyoke is its own municipality," says Julie Warzecka, a Realtor with Neilsen Realty LLC who has been selling homes for over 14 years. "So, you can get power and water at a discounted rate." While energy costs are low, it's a community with vigor. Holyoke is the birthplace of volleyball. It was created in 1895 at a YMCA that burned down in 1943, but the spirit of the sport lives on through the Volleyball Hall of Fame at Holyoke Heritage State Park. Heritage is important in Holyoke, and families have been around for generations. "Pride of ownership and pride of where they came from is important here," Warzecka says. "People are close with their neighbors. Many folks who grew up in Holyoke and moved away are starting to come back."
Homes are over 100 years old, including Queen Anne's and rowhomes
Holyoke features various housing styles that date back to the early 20th and late 19th centuries. The area comprises 15 smaller communities that have different architectural styles. Buyers will find Queen Anne's in Elmwood and Cape Cods with covered porches in Ingleside and Oakdale. And there are ample row houses in Downtown Holyoke. "We have beautiful walking neighborhoods," says Beth Brogle, a Holyoke resident and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals. Sidewalk-lined streets invite evening strolls and morning jogs. Homes in the city start around $200,000 for three bedrooms. Houses can reach $430,000, affording up to seven bedrooms and 3,300 square feet.
Students attend Holyoke Public Schools
Kids growing up in the area attend Holyoke Public Schools, which received an overall C-minus on Niche. Students spend most of their early educational careers at Maurice A. Donahue School. The school serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students and has an overall C-minus on Niche. Students advance to Holyoke High School to earn their degrees. The high school is divided into the North Camus and the Dean Campus. Students can enroll in the Opportunity Academy, which provides a few options for students struggling with the traditional high school pathway. The OA connects students with a dual-enrollment program, a personalized progressive education center and a project and competency-based program. Niche gave the school an overall C.
HIking East Mountain or catching views at Pulaski
Locals bask in a day outside at East Mountain Wildlife Area. Residents enjoy the East Mountain's hiking trails that thread the forests in that area. "There's a big focus on the outdoors," Brogle says. "We have our own mountain ranges." Closer to town, there's a collection of pocket parks and green spaces, like Holyoke Heritage State Park. The state park occupies Holyoke's heart and is a popular gathering point for people exploring the town center. It has a carousel and a splash pad for the kids, plus a short, paved walking path. And the park's central visitor's center offers insight into the town's history and culture. Pulaski Park sits up on a hill, offering views of the river and the dam. The park has a bike park, basketball courts and a playground.
Hopping around High Street
High Street is one of Holyoke's busiest commercial areas, with small businesses and restaurants. Crave is a popular Latin restaurant with tacos, empanadillas and pernil. Locals also enjoy Sunny's Kennedy Fried Chicken, which has chicken combos and hearty sandwiches. Comfort Bagel encourages locals to relax and enjoy rotating bagel flavors. Residents can also stop by Francie's Tavern. This Irish-themed bar is a popular spot throughout the year, especially leading up to Saint Patrick's Day. "People paint shamrocks in their driveways," Warzecka says. "There's a big Irish cultural draw here."
Navigating Holyoke
Locals often drive in Holyoke, but public transportation is within reach. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority serves the community, and bus stops are scattered throughout the area. Locals headed out of town often catch a train at Holyoke Station, which services AMTRAK trains. And if locals are driving out of town, they commonly hop on Highway 91, which cuts through the community's heart. Residents have access to Holyoke Medical Center, and if residents need to catch a flight, Bradley International Airport is about 28 miles away.
Irish pride runs deep
The city hosts the Holyoke Saint Patrick's Day Road Race, a 10k run that concludes with a parade. "The parade is huge," Warzecka says. "It draws many people from in and out of the city."
Photography Contributed By
Jason Headley
