This three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch is located at 22 Pineywood Road in Southwick. The house is close to schools and the town center and is on the market for $163,500.
The town of Southwick in Hampden County has undergone a drastic change in the past 20 years from a sleepy farming town to a bedroom community, and it seems as though the town is beginning to shift again. The residential real estate market boomed during the past period of revolution and, while it hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, its focus has swung to highlight another aspect of the community.
“We still have a very hot and desirable market, though the housing stock in this town has changed considerably,” said Norm Storey of Storey Real Estate in Southwick. “Many people used to come here for a reasonably good school system and inexpensive housing. Now people are seeing the benefits of living in a small community and that’s bringing a lot of them in.”
Southwick was once largely a haven for people looking to buy their first home, but that is no longer the case, especially where newly constructed homes are concerned.
“I’m seeing more second- and third-time buyers than first-time buyers. Historically it was more first-time buyers,” said Storey. “Much of what is offered new here is expensive enough so you almost need to have the equity of other home purchases to get into those upper levels.”
A potential increase interest rates would also affect Southwick’s market.
“We’re seeing some slight tweaking of interest rates and there’s a suggestion of further tweaking. It may increase again,” said Storey. “And every time this happens it squeezes more people out of the market.”
There is a small niche of existing homes in the town that offers a solution to those without a great deal of funds. There are some areas that were built prior to present-day zoning where homes are closer together on smaller lots. That sort of property “has found a place in the market. Other homes are getting expensive and people can’t afford them. Instead they can purchase a smaller home and buy into Southwick,” said Storey.
Southwick’s population has grown from 7,667 in 1990 to 8,835 in 2000, according to U.S. Census figures. The increase, while substantial, was not unforeseen.
“Southwick is growing and it’s planning for it,” said Storey.
In response to the influx of residents, the town has expanded a variety of facilities. In the last few years a new 12,000-square-foot library was built to replace the old 2,000-square-foot facility. An old 1929 consolidated school was converted into a combination of town offices, a senior center and a community space. A new fire and police station was also built with state-of-the art equipment.
Southwick has also implemented a controlled growth plan that includes purchasing properties for land preservation and a 3 percent land preservation tax. Though steps have been made, the expected expansion hasn’t been as extreme as planned for.
“The vision people had of growth is much greater than the reality, although we have grown,” said Storey. “We haven’t reached the limits, even though in a small community new growth looks larger than life.”
Since one of the main attractions to Southwick seems to be its small-town feel, the slower expansion process can perhaps work in its favor. The town is located close to the cities of Springfield and Hartford, Conn., so it is able to offer close proximity to the amenities of a more populated environment while retaining its own rural feel.
“People come here to get away from the pressure of life,” said Storey. “But we’re also well located so you can get where you need to go.”
And although the expectations for growth have not yet been completely fulfilled, those who have entered into the community are satisfied with the move, Storey said.
“Most people say they really love to live here,” said Storey. “We have a lifestyle that many people covet.”
Just the Facts:
Year incorporated:
As a town: 1770
Total area:
31.71 square miles
Population:
8,835
Density:
285 per square mile
Tax Rates:
Residential: $14.27
Commercial: $14.27
