I grew up here as a townie. If you want to know a little more about Northampton, I’d recommend reading Tracy Kidder’s book, Hometown. I wasn’t satisfied by its description of Northampton, but it is a more balanced look at a complex town than most I’ve seen. Not just an arts/academic town, there are families who have lived here for generations – blue collar, white collar, rich, poor, immigrant, and those who have been there since it was incorporated.