Haberman Insurance proudly serves the personal and business insurance needs of the Northampton community. Whether you are in the market to find coverage for your business, or are a homeowner looking to protect your investment, our specialized insurance agents are here for you.
Northampton is a special place and to live and work and we love serving the great people in this city. Below, you can find some cool background information about awesome community!
Northampton, Massachusetts is located in Hampshire County. Located on the Connecticut River, Northampton is part of Pioneer Valley and one of the northernmost cities in the Knowledge Corridor. It covers nearly 36 square miles of land, 21% of which is permanently protected lands.
Northampton is neighbored by Hatfield, Williamsburg, Westhampton, Easthampton, and Hadley. Smith College is located within the city, and Amherst with its several universities and institutions is 7 miles away. Smith forms a consortium with Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and UMass Amherst, bringing a variety of students to the city to take classes in and use the facilities at Smith.
There are several major roads through the city including I-91, and Massachusetts Routes 9, 10, and 66. Residents and students can also take advantage of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus service, which transports to the local universities as well as points in Amherst, Williamsburg, Hadley, South Hadley, and Holyoke.
Northampton also is serviced by several rail trails, many of which are still under construction. Currently, these bike trails provide access to Easthampton, Hadley, Amherst, and Belchertown, as well as through the neighborhoods of the city. When complete, officials expect the trails to extend to New Haven, Connecticut, and to tie into the Central Mass Rail Trail that will lead into Boston.
The area that is modern day Northampton was sold to settlers from Springfield, Massachusetts in 1653, at which time it was also granted a township. It was permanently settled the following year.
Northampton has a long history of diversity and liberal values. In 1842, the Northampton Association of Education and Industry was founded under the principle that all people are equal, regardless of sex, race, or religion. Though only lasting four years, this community set the foundation for the city’s history of acceptance. Today, the city is home to a strong LGBTQ community.
Education has also been a cornerstone of the city’s growth. Smith College was founded in 1871, offering college educations to women. It is the home of women’s basketball and the largest member of the Seven Sisters colleges. Many well-known women have graduated from Smith including Julia Child, Sylvia Plath, and Nancy Reagan. The Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech was founded in 1867, and is the first permanent oral school for the deaf in the county.
Northampton officially became a city in 1883. Its nickname, “Paradise City” was coined by Jenny Lind, an opera singer, in 1851.
Northampton has become a tourist destination with a rich cultural landscape. Its large LGBTQ population and welcoming atmosphere has made it a destination for gay and lesbian families throughout Massachusetts and New England. The city also has a thriving art and music scene, attracting talent from around the region. On Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends, the city hosts the Paradise City Arts Festival.
With 21% of the land protected as open space, there are a variety of recreational opportunities for Northampton residents. Look Park provides free access (with only a parking fee) to over 150 acres. Botanical, formal, and rose gardens can also be found throughout the city, with walking trails, rivers, and beaches also prominent.
The city also serves as a basis for several stories and movies including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. From the 1960s through today, it has been used as a filming site for movies.
Northampton, Massachusetts has a strong history of acceptance and education, consistent with its welcoming atmosphere, and thriving arts community. With recreational opportunities and easy access to surrounding towns, this city is certainly a hub of activity in western Massachusetts.
