South Hadley is a picturesque, safe New England college town (home to Mount Holyoke College) on the Connecticut River, with scenic hikes along the Mount Holyoke Range, farmers’ markets, cozy cafés and a small, walkable downtown—ideal for multi‑week assignments if you want charm, outdoor recreation and a community that feels welcoming rather than isolating.
Nearby hubs include Northampton’s lively arts and dining scene and Amherst/UMass for college events (roughly 15–20 minutes away), with Springfield about 25–35 minutes away for big‑city hospitals, museums and transportation, so you’ll have plenty of weekend options and practical resources.