There are diverse housing alternatives in Holyoke, from urban townhouses and refurbished apartments to large and graceful homes in the almost rural sections of the city. Holyoke’s downtown has attractive 19th century brick buildings and renovated residential spaces on upper floors of commercial buildings. Urban neighborhoods surrounding downtown, such as the Flats, South Holyoke, and Churchill maintain strong community spirit and a resurgence in home ownership.
The Downtown and Canal areas of the city are undergoing transformation through the recent visioning plan launched in 2009 by the City to receive citizen input into future land use. A catalyst for change and future growth in the neighborhood is the Holyoke High Performance Computing Center. Developed by a consortium of Universities, including MIT, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts, the Center will be the driver for change and opportunity here for years to come.
Bordering these urban neighborhoods to the south and west are residential areas known as Oakdale and Elmwood, where there are many two and three-family structures and apartment buildings. To the north and west are the historic neighborhoods of the Highlands and Highland Park known for beautiful Colonial, Victorian, and English Tudor homes.
Other fine neighborhoods are found in the Wyckoff Park, Woodmar Glen, Lindor Heights, Bemis Heights, and Blueberry Hill areas. In the city areas known as West Holyoke and Rock Valley, homes are framed in a New England rural setting.
Living in Holyoke is also convenient for people who work nearby or whose children attend local schools. Easy access to Interstate 91 and the Massachusetts Turnpike is a plus for commuting to work or traveling throughout New England.