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Best Neighborhoods Westover Air Reserve Base

• Burnett Road and New Lombard Road
• Fairview and Smith Highlands
• Broadway Street and Abbey Memorial Drive
• Sandy Hill
• College of Our Lady of the Elms

Westover Air Reserve Base History

The Westover Air Reserve Base is one of the most fascinating bases in the region. It was first established as an Air Force Reserve Command just before the start of World War II. The Air Defense Command took control of the base from 1951 through 1955. At that time, the Strategic Air Command took control of the base. Over the coming years, various installations served at the base, including the 405Th, 499th Air Refueling Wing, and the 99th Bombardment Wing in 1956.

One of the most notable features of the Westover Air Reserve Base is The Notch. Seemingly unimpressive, the Notch was designed to be an alternate SAC command bunker, just in case a nuclear war broke out. The Notch was built within Bare Mountain, allowing the mountain to provide protection for those who would serve there. At the time of its construction, it was believed that a nuclear war could impact the region at any time.

The base maintained nuclear weapons for the SAC during the war and through 1973. It worked at that time to provide support for the Stony Brook Air Force Station.

Through the base continued to serve in various ways over the coming years, a notable change occurred in 2005. At that time, the Base Realignment and Clouse Commission decided that the Westover base would meld with other military units within the region. The move would require military operations at Bradley International Airport to move to Westover, all of which occurred except for the 103rd Airlift Wing. Thanks to that decision, the base has undergone an ongoing renovation, to the tune of $32 million, to provide for the more than 1600 service members that are involved in the location.

Chicopee, Massachusetts is located in a beautiful part of Hampden County on the Connecticut River. It has the lush Chicopee Memorial State Park with excellent bicycle trails that can be used for cross-country skiing pathways during the wintertime. There is a 25-acre pond in the middle of this southern part of this park and the Chicopee Country Club to the northeast of the park.

The best neighborhoods in Chicopee, Massachusetts near the Westover Air Reserve Base are Burnett Road and New Lombard Road, Fairview and Smith Highlands, Broadway Street and Abbey Memorial Drive, Sandy Hill, and College of Our Lady of the Elms.

Burnett Road and New Lombard Road

This excellent neighborhood is directly south of the Westover Air Reserve Base after you pass the Westover Airport and the Chicopee Memorial State Park. The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) runs through this neighborhood, which is convenient for those who commute to work going east to Palmer or west to downtown Chicopee. The I-90 freeway also connects to the I-291 that goes south to Springfield.

Home Styles in the Burnett Road and New Lombard Road Neighborhood

This is a very nice suburban neighborhood. Most of the homes are owner-occupied. It is an established neighborhood. The majority of the homes were built from 1970 to 1999. Some of the homes were built from 1940 to 1969. Very few of the homes are brand new.

Housing Prices in the Burnett Road and New Lombard Road Neighborhood

The median price of a home in this neighborhood is $282,711. The average rental price is $1,528 per month.

Things To Do in the Burnett Road and New Lombard Road Neighborhood

Because it is so close to the Chicopee Memorial State Park, this is an attractive location for families who like to spend time outdoors in a natural setting. Golfers will enjoy playing a round of golf at the Chicopee Country Club.

Fairview and Smith Highlands

This neighborhood is located directly west of the Westover Reserve Air Base. It is a very desirable neighborhood because it is on the banks of the Connecticut River.

Home Styles in the Fairview and Smith Highlands Neighborhood

This is an older neighborhood with most of the homes built before 1969. Some were built before the 1940s. You will find colonial-style homes, ranch-style homes, and bungalows. There are also apartment complexes and some high-rise apartment buildings.

Housing Prices in the Fairview and Smith Highlands Neighborhood

The median housing price is $229,675. The average rent is $1,403. There are plenty of rental units available. The rent here is lower than 79% of other communities in Massachusetts.

Things to Do in the Fairview and Smith Highlands Neighborhood

There are nice walking/jogging paths along the river and places to enjoying fishing for striped bass. The Connecticut River has open fishing most of the year (except March 1 to mid-April) in most areas including ice fishing in winter. Kids appreciate a visit to the Feldman Spray Park, during hot summers, to play in the water spray fountains.

Broadway Street and Abbey Memorial Drive

This neighborhood is closer to downtown Chicopee.

Home Styles in the Broadway Street and Abbey Memorial Drive Neighborhood

This is an older neighborhood that was established when the city first got going. All the homes were built before the 1970s with many older styles of homes built before the 1940s.

Housing Prices in the Broadway Street and Abbey Memorial Drive Neighborhood

The median housing price is $227,929. The average rent is $1,237. There are plenty of rental units available. The rent here is lower than 88% of other communities in Massachusetts.

Things to Do in the Broadway Street and Abbey Memorial Drive Neighborhood

Recreational programs, such as martial arts training and arts & crafts classes, are offered at the Chicopee Parks & Recreation Center near the Chicopee River Reservoir area. There is also a nice green space called Szot Park that has walking/jogging trails, a public swimming pool, playgrounds for kids, sports fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts.

Sandy Hill

This neighborhood is close to downtown Chicopee on its northern side.

Home Styles in the Sandy Hill Neighborhood

This neighborhood built up starting before the 1940s and the rest of the homes were built before the 1970s. You will see many colonial style homes, Cape Cod homes, and Gambrel homes with steep-sloped roofs. Most of the homes have two or three bedrooms.

Housing Prices in the Sandy Hill Neighborhood

The median housing price is $218,365. The average rent is $1,295. The rent here is lower than 85% of other communities in Massachusetts.

Things To Do in the Sandy Hill Neighborhood

In this neighborhood, you will find a large, outdoor Sara S Sherman Swimming Pool. The Fairview Shopping Center and the Chicopee Marketplace are adjacent shopping areas with many of the national big-box name-brand stores.

College of Our Lady of the Elms

This neighborhood is next to Chicopee downtown on its southern side. Parts of the neighborhood lie along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River.

Home Styles in the College of Our Lady of the Elms Neighborhood

Many of the residences in this neighborhood are historic properties, built before 1939. You will also find mixed in with the historic homes some built before 1969 but very few built after that.

Housing Prices in the College of Our Lady of the Elms Neighborhood

The median housing price is $215,727. The average rent is $1,237. You will find decently sized apartments in older buildings. The rent here is lower than 88% of other communities in Massachusetts.

Things To Do in the College of Our Lady of the Elms Neighborhood

The beautiful Van Horn Park is in this neighborhood. It has baseball fields, a playground, a pond, a forest area with walking/jogging trails, and tennis courts. For those seeking healthcare, the Baystate Medical Center is found in this neighborhood.

The new location will be home to the Armed Forces Reserve Center, which will include the Marine Corps, Navy Reserve, Air Force, and Army.

Golf Courses Near Westover Air Reserve Base

For those who wish to spend some time on the fairways and green, there are a few golf courses nearby, though the largest and most recognized is Westover Municipal Golf Course. This seasonal golf course was first opened in 1957, at the same time as the development of the Westover Air Force base. The course is noted for its tree-lined but long and flat fairways. It is an excellent walking course for those who are looking for a naturally beautiful place to play. It offers 7025 yards with a course rating of 73.7.

Veterans Public Golf Course is a public golf course located nearby in Springfield. This course was designed by the famed golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish. Though a high-quality course, it is noted most often for its more affordable pricing and its lessons. It has a pro shop and a restaurant onsite as well.

Shooting Ranges Near Westover Air Reserve Base

Those who want to take aim and do some practice shooting can do so at one of several shooting ranges near the Westover Air Reserve Base. That includes Hot Bras Firearm & Bow Range, a large facility noted for its indoor archery and gun shooting courses. The Springfield Sportsman’s Club is an excellent location for those looking for a more traditional style shooting club. It is also noted for its large member base and massive layout that includes a 100-yard range, six pistol bays, a 300-yard range, a 5 stand, and a skeet.

Museums and Local Attractions Near Westover Air Reserve Base

Exploring history is rather easy to do, thanks to the numerous museums nearby. There are a few notable locations worth exploring.

The Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield. This is a large, 48,000-square-foot museum that paints a picture of the history of basketball and has numerous exhibits showcasing the players who created, built, and continue to stand out within it. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there’s also a skill contest onsite.

The Titanic Museum is one of the most fascinating of all museums in the region. It is easy to spend a few hours here marveling over the area and the incredible history of the Titanic. There are many artifacts on display, numerous interactive exhibits, and the entire story is clearly explained. The museum also pays homage to the Titanic’s sister ships.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is one that not just kids will love, but parents who grew up reading Dr. Seuss will also enjoy exploring. The museum takes you through the history and life of Dr. Seuss and showcases each of his works that helped to make his name one that most people in the country know. It’s not just about the brand but more about the man behind it.

The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center is a must for those looking for an insightful and hands-on location to visit with the whole family. The zoo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the region on conservation efforts and protecting wildlife. It has more than 200 species of animals on site, including some exotic species. It works to support endangered animals through educational programs. For a really cool experience, book a guided tour of the zoo to get a more behind the scenes look at the way it works.

North River Park offers an excellent outdoor experience for adventure lovers. Some come to sit, relax, and take a walk around a beautiful but small park. Others come to have some fun. There are some great areas to fish from, and you are sure to catch something here. Others bring their own paddleboard, canoe, or kayak to enjoy some calm boating. Those who want to do some hiking can do so at the nearby Forest Park. Located just down the street, this is an excellent place to challenge yourself with a few significant hills and a number of paths. There are a few resting places throughout, including near the pond. It’s common to see a variety of animals in their natural habits here.

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