Website lists Agawam as one state’s top 10 ‘boring’ places

Date: 8/8/2014

AGAWAM – A recent online list ranked Agawam as one of the most boring places in Massachusetts, a description that Mayor Richard Cohen disputed.

Real Estate site Movoto.com compiled this “Big Deal List” based upon the 2010 U.S. Census data. The top 10 (from most to least) boring places are 1. Leominster; 2. Attleboro; 3. Brockton; 4. Braintree; 5. Franklin; 6. Methuen; 7. Chicopee; 8. Agawam; 9. Taunton; and 10. Lawrence.
   
According to the site, the following factors were used to determine each city or town’s ranking: Nightlife per capita (bars, clubs, comedy, etc.), live music venues per capita, active life options per capita (parks, outdoor activities, etc.), arts and entertainment per capita (movie theaters, festivals, galleries, theaters, etc.), fast food restaurants per capita (the more the more boring), percentage of restaurants that are not fast food (the lower the more boring), percentage of young residents ages 18 to 34 (the lower the more boring) and population density (the lower the better).
   
Author Natalie Grigson wrote, “Okay, there is one thing in Agawam that is terribly exciting, not even being sarcastic at all, and that is the Six Flags New England amusement park. But once you’ve ridden all the rides and eaten all the Dippin’ Dots you can handle, you might want to head back over the river to Springfield for dinner, because this place isn’t the best for restaurant options. At all.”
   
She added, “Nor is it the best for its arts per capita (49th in this category), its young population (45th here), or even its population density (43rd). We suppose you could just keep going back to Six Flags every day. That honestly doesn’t sound too bad.”
   
Cohen shared his reaction. He said, “In reading this I truly laughed. I believe Agawam offers a lot of programs for people of all ages. [For example], our parks, Senior Center, before and after school programs, athletic associations, school programs, Cultural Council activities, summer concerts, skate park, recreational programs, Inspire Works, Robinson State Park, Agawam Municipal Golf Course, Six Flags New England ... to name just a few!”
   
Cohen continued, “Agawam has a lot to offer both those who live here and for those who visit. It continues to be a great place to live, work and play. Agawam is also a very safe place to enjoy the many activities available to prevent boredom. Go Agawam!”
   
To view the list in its entirety and to compare your town or city’s ranking, visit www.movoto.com/ma/most-boring-places-in-massachusetts/.