I've lived here for the last four years and have really enjoyed my time here. I have a 3/2 on the river, which I figure is one of their better units. As long as you understand that each apartment comes with ONE parking space, parking is fine.

Kids are generally no problem.

Garbage bins are conveniently near both the apartments and the mailboxes. All electric everything can get a bit pricey. I haven't used the pool, so I can't speak about that. The maintenance and management people have been good in my experience, and often organize community events. I agree that the windows are becoming a problem. Apparently the units were built in 1984 and the windows date from then. It looks to me as though they need to be replaced soon, at least in my apartment. Snow removal is good, as is notification when they need you to move your car.

Apartment layout is reasonable, and better than a number I've lived in. Unfortunately, there are only two phone plugs, one near the kitchen and one in the master bedroom. If you need phone service in another room, you have to use cordless phones, which is a problem if you want to use a modem with a computer far from the phone plug. Cable outlets are similar, with one in the living room and one in the master bedroom. I had the management install additional outlets in the other two bedrooms.

Cable broadband is available, but no DSL and certainly no FIOS at this time. I've also found that my cell phone service is a little weak, but usually usable.

The 3/2 units have full sized w/d connections for electric units. I understand the smaller units have a communal situation where you charge up a payment card which you then use in w/d equipment in the big building and perhaps in some of the others. I can't speak to those from personal experience, however.

There's an occasional smell from the near-by farm, but it hasn't ever lasted more than a few days in the spring. Traffic on the river can be a little noisy, but it's no big deal. The apartment complex is screened from the river by trees. In the winter, the river is more visible but there are very few boats at that time so it's nice and private.

There are raccoons around, and an occasional skunk. I've seen a coyote in town, and bears have been known to be as close as Amherst recently. Two cats were recently (2008) found in South Hadley with rabies. It's a good idea, as well as a lease requirement, to keep your pets inside. I have cats, which are allowed. I don't know about dogs.

The location is a cross between rural and suburban, between the Connecticut River and a farm, with some small housing developments on either side. Access to I-91 is through Holyoke, to I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) is through Chicopee. Northampton, the local "culture" mecca, is only a short drive away, as are various universities and colleges. Pizza delivery is plentiful from multiple sources. I'm not aware of any good (read as "no MSG") Chinese food in town. Grocery shopping easy and fairly close though not in easy walking distance. South Hadley has a two-screen theater a similar distance away.

Overall, I like living in South Hadley and in the Riverboat Village Apartments.

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