In the headline: [Western Mass. sees strong housing growth[cbs6Albany.com]](http://www.wrgb.com/news/regional/regional.asp?selection=article_45417) a study by the Warren Group out of Boston showed that the sharpest rise in real estate prices in Massachusetts were to be found in the western part of the state.

>Real estate experts say the numbers indicate that
>demand for housing is pushing buyers into western
> Massachusetts where prices are still relatively
>affordable.

* Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties recorded the largest median increase in condo prices in 2005.
* Franklin County condo prices spiked almost 29 percent.
* Hampden County condo prices shot up by almost 20 percent.
* Hampshire County recorded an increase of just over 18 percent for condos.
* Price jumps of at least ten percent for single family homes were also seen in those three counties.

Housing prices in Western Mass are surprisingly affordable compared to Boston and NYC standards. The trend from urban to suburban is a common phenomenon as city prices rose sooner than their rural counterparts.