With both surburban and rural qualities, West Springfield is Western Massachusetts' second most populous town, its population up 2% to 27,537 in 1990.  While its early settlement dates back to 1665, the town was formally established in 1774.  West Springfield borders the Connecticut River on its eastern boundary.  The area was once rich farmland replenished by the annual flooding of the river. 

 Elements of the town's continuing old New England flavor include the Town Common, towering shade trees and its historic structures like the Josiah Day House, circa 1754, which is believed to be the oldest structure of its kind in Massachusetts.  The town's biggest tourist attraction is the Eastern States Exposition, which hosts the state fair for the entire New England region in September.  It is one of the nation's largest agricultural fairs. Storrowton Village, a recreated village of colonial America, is a permanent attraction on the "Big E" fairgrounds.  The first Morgan Horse was bred in West Springfield and the Eastern States Horse Show is among the oldest in the country.  

West Springfield is also an emerging commercial center for the region.  Riverdale Street (Route 5) best exemplifies the Town's success in supporting commercial development.  Major retailers and warehouse outlets have located there along with the region's largest complex of movie theatres. In West Springfield's industrial areas, small and medium-sized manufacturers dominate.  K & M Electronics is one of the region's largest electronic component manufacturers. 

Because of the diversity of choices offered in terms of housing, recreation, employment and shopping, most Town residents would attest that West Springfield is a wonderful place to work, play, and raise a family.