Bostonians and New Yorkers once flocked to the Berkshires to get away from it all. It’s a region that became synonymous with “summering,” a place whose Gilded-Age heyday brings to mind a fabled American landscape of sunlit fields and majestic forests.
No longer just a summer getaway, the Berkshires of today is a year-round locale that’s as famous for its cultural and culinary landscapes as it for its farmlands and deep-green hills.
The small towns and villages that makeup Berkshire County are no longer just weekend escapes for urbanites. They’re places where potential homebuyers put down roots because the livability quotient is high. Here are 5 reasons why you should buy a home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Wide Variety of Homes for Sale
Pittsfield is considered the heart of the Berkshires, so it comes as no surprise that a wide variety of homes are for sale in the area. Country estates, waterfront properties, gated communities, modern condos with stunning mountain views, single-family homes in walkable locations—when it comes to real estate, Pittsfield has everything a potential homebuyer could want. Whether you’re looking for a traditional New England Colonial or a stick-and-shingle contemporary, Pittsfield is a country town with big-city listings.
Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
Boasting a lively and eclectic mix of history, art, and award-winning theater, downtown Pittsfield is the creative and business hub of the Berkshires. In 2012, Pittsfield expanded its cultural offerings by launching the Upstreet Cultural District. Located on North Street, the Upstreet Cultural District features the Barrington Stage Company, Beacon Cinema, Little Cinema at the Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Paint and Sip, and Artscape. Plus, Pittsfield boasts over 50 restaurants, wine bars, and cafes, many of which specialize in farm-to-table cuisine.
Location, Location, Location
Green hills, woodlands, crumbling stonewalls trailing through the countryside like fading notes from Yo-Yo Ma’s cello... yes, it’s easy to forget that the Berkshires is easily accessible from Boston, Albany, and New York City. Pittsfield is conveniently located on Interstate-90. Both Boston and New York City are just three hours away. Often described as “Brooklyn in the Berkshires,” Pittsfield has that big-city vibe without the big-city traffic.
Exceptional Outdoor Spaces
The Berkshires is a paradise for nature lovers. Pittsfield offers some of the most exceptional outdoor spaces in the area. Pittsfield State Forest features hiking and cross-country skiing trails, camping, picnic areas, and a swimming beach. Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary boasts 264 acres of woods, fields, and wetlands. Pittsfield’s Pontoosuc Lake Country Club is home to the Pontoosuc Lake Golf Course, an 18-hole, 6,207-yard course designed in 1920.
Top Health Care and Community Services
Pittsfield has some of the Berkshire’s best healthcare services. Located in downtown Pittsfield, Berkshire Health Systems is the city’s flagship hospital. Its teams of nationally recognized physicians provide residents with comprehensive health care, award-winning programs, and state-of-the-art technology. In addition, Pittsfield is home to the Berkshire Medical Center Hillcrest Campus, the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association, and the Veterans Affairs Pittsfield Outpatient Clinic. From comprehensive primary care and private practices to hospice and home services, Pittsfield has an extensive commitment to the community.
To find out more about homes for sale in Pittsfield, contact us today.