Ludlow, Wilbraham, Granby. All suburb/exurbs and Granby and Wilbraham are known for their public schools. It’s also where you might be able to find a larger house for $600k opposed to towns further east.

Massachusetts is a smaller state and New England is a denser area but not metropolis dense. Most people in your Husband’s line of work work in multiple states here. Usually MA, CT, RI, VT, and NH.