Rural, well-connected Southwick
Though a far cry from Boston and other populous Massachusetts hallmarks, it's easy to find Southwick on a map. "Southwick Jog," or just "the Jog," forms a two-mile dip on the state's border with Connecticut and was historically the subject of many territorial disputes. Homeowners certainly enjoy the abundance of space, whether they own farmland or a colonial-style construction on the shores of the Congamond Lakes. "It's still very much a small-town vibe, though there are a few more streetlights than there used to be," chuckles Lesley Lambert, a top producing Realtor with Park Square Realty who grew up in Southwick. "It's built up a little over the last couple of decades, but you still have cute little farm stands during the growing season. It's in a nice spot because you can easily commute to Connecticut or get into Westfield... It's off the beaten track, but you still have access to most things."
From sprawling acres to Congamond Lakes views
Southwick's main roads breeze past hardy, wood-sided homes on acres of farmland and forested lots. Cape Cods, colonial styles and American Foursquares were built gradually over the last century. Today's owners enjoy interior renovations or pair their properties with an outdoor shed and garage. Buyers can find fixer-uppers starting at $250,000, while more land and revamped features price up to $500,000. Sprawling ranches on upwards of ten acres and recently added communities of New Traditional homes sit further back into the landscape. These options and waterfront properties with private docks tend to price higher, between $590,000 and $1.1 million for the space afforded.
Southwick's straightforward school pipeline
"If you have lived here since childhood, you go to school with the same kids from kindergarten through high school graduation," Lambert says. "To this day, I retain a lot of my school friends." The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District is three schools strong. Kids start at Woodland Elementary School, which Niche rates a B-plus, for prekindergarten through second grade before heading to Powder Mill Middle School, which receives a B-minus, through sixth grade. They graduate after spending six years at Southwick Regional School, which earns a C-plus. Families may also opt to send students to schools in another district as part of Massachusetts' school choice program.
Heading to Westfield, Springfield and Connecticut
With so many backroads, avoiding traffic on the 5.5-mile trip to downtown Westfield or across the border to Connecticut is possible. U.S. Route 202 and Massachusetts 57 also traverse Southwick and provide westward access to downtown Springfield in about 13 miles and southward to Bradley International Airport in 14. Locals can easily pick up their journey on Interstates 90 or 91 to travel up and down the coast. Baystate Noble Hospital is a care option 5 miles away in Westfield, while larger facilities serve patients from Springfield.
Supporting Southwick's local businesses
Though many residents head into Westfield for shopping and dining, Southwick has a sturdy scene for both. Big Y World Class Market, along with pharmacies, dollar stores and food chains, have locations in town. Mom-and-pop restaurants and shops also knit the community together. "Southwick Inn is very popular. They have a nice kitchen and lots of live music opportunities there, so it's a good place to congregate," says Lambert. "There's a fluctuation of restaurants on the Congamond Lakes... people can boat up to them or drive there and sit to watch the view." The Launch serves breakfast from a lakefront patio, and folks head to The Bar Shoppe for coffee, craft cocktails and gifts made by local artists. State Line Station, on the border of Connecticut and Massachusetts, offers traditional brewpub grub and live music from a 1920s-era storefront.
Lakeside recreation and disc golf acres
Outdoor lovers of all disciplines enjoy Southwick's wide-open spaces. Whalley Park is a popular spot for baseball, soccer and other field sports and has a pavilion and a playground. The New England Disc Golf Center's three-course venue stretches over 100 acres in west Southwick, and locals can walk or bike the paved, historic Southwick Rail Trail for hours. A couple of entry points anchor the Congamond Lakes for kayaking, canoeing, small motorboats, and ice skating once the temperatures drop.
Outdoor lovers throughout the state can visit two campgrounds in the town: Southwick Acres and Sodom Mountain, both of which welcome RVs. Southwick Acres has equipment for horseshoes, bingo and bocce ball, while Sodom Mountain hosts karaoke, painting and other activities for its cabin, RV and tent campers.
From motocross races to summer camps
Folks from all over the region congregate at The Wick 338, which has been hosting motocross enthusiasts since 1972. This collection of looping dirt trails, jumps and sharp turns becomes crowded in the summer during championship season. Locals can also take lessons in swimming, snorkeling and more at Wilderness Experiences Unlimited, which also hosts summer camps, birthday party events and destination adventures. Meanwhile, Southwick Public Library's event calendar caters to all ages with book clubs, story times and a seed bank to support local gardens.
Protecting Southwick's environment
Though peace and quiet are a perk for many Southwick residents, mail deliveries may take longer to arrive at some homes, especially during road flooding or heavy snow. Additionally, the Town of Southwick local officials work to mitigate nutrient pollution risk in the Congamond Lakes, dubbed by some locals as "Congamuck" because of increased algae blooms.
Photography Contributed By
Jason Headley
