Pittsfield, MA

“Our Town” is our insiders’ look at the communities of New England. “Our Town” gives you the key, top-line facts and figures any home buyer needs to know.  But, just as importantly, “Our Town” will give you a sense about what statistics can’t tell you, but what you really need to know: what’s the character of the community?

For this personalized view, we ask our agents to share their “Five Faves” about the towns where they not only do business, but in which they live.  Our hope is that you may find some special tidbit on “Our Town” that could   help make it your town.

This month’s “Our Town” takes a look at Pittsfield, MA.

The largest city in Berkshire County, Pittsfield is located in Western Massachusetts. Known as an historic area that includes Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, many buildings in Pittsfield are on the National Register of Historic Places.

With a wealth of cultural activities, downtown Pittsfield is home to the gilded-age Colonial Theatre, the Berkshire Museum, Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Athenaeum, Wahconah Park and Hebert Arboretum. In 2009, the City of Pittsfield was chosen to receive a 2009 Commonwealth Award, Massachusetts’ highest award in the arts, humanities, and sciences.

For this issue of “Our Town,” we spoke with Tanya Shepardson of RE/MAX Integrity Realtors.

1. What is the median price of a Single Family home?

Pittsfield is wonderful because of its affordability. You can purchase a very nice size home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in a great neighborhood for approximately $200,000-$250,000. However, the average price of a single-family home is $180,000.

2. What is the public transportation system like?

There are public buses and taxis available. Pittsfield doesn’t have a huge need for a large public transportation system as traffic is minimal and most of us commute by car. There  is usually plenty of free parking so it is great! Some folks do bike as well during the spring, summer, and fall.

3. What is access to major highways?

All towns intersect with either Route 8 or Route 7 that lead to the Mass Turnpike. You can be on the turnpike within 10 minutes from almost every Berkshire town.

4. How are the school systems in the area?

Fantastic! Small class sizes and school choices are available, and the schools get the students very involved with the community. The latest art show at my sons school was showcased for two months at the local retirement community in Lenox.

5. Who is attracted to this area?

Everyone. Especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. We find fun things to do ALL year. When it snows, we snow shoe and cross country ski. In the summer, we boat, swim, fish, kayak, hike up Mount Greylock.

6. Total population?

Total population is around approximately 45,000 year round residents.

7. Average age of population?

Approx 35-50 but there is also a HUGE retirement community. Folks tend to move into smaller homes as they age and spend the winters down in Florida. They don’t seem to want to leave the beauty and small town feel of the Berkshires but need a little break from the snow season.

Tanya’s Five Faves in Newburyport:

1. Best Coffee Spot: Starbucks!

2. Best Breakfast Spot: Kelly’s Diner. Terrific family friendly breakfast spot where you can get blueberry pancakes, eggs, and sausage for about $6.00.

3. Best Restaurant: Mazzeos (best Italian restaurant in the Berkshires!) always packed and just recently moved to Pittsfield Lenox Road to expand. Family owned and run, Patrick’s Pub (best hot wings ever! A huge spot for folks to stop into after work and socialize) I have tried almost everything on the menu and never had anything but great food.

4. Best Areas to Explore: Pittsfield State Forest, Mount Greylock ( highest mountain peak in Mass) Pontoosic Lake (public boat ramp where you can pop your motor boat right in and stop at Matt Riley’s for lunch on the water, North Street (endless pit stops here with 3 new businesses open just in the last week), Berkshire Museum (wonderful day for the kids with live plays and shows ), Onota Lake (free concerts in the summer every Wed Night).

5. Best Hamburger: The Newberry Store and Patrick’s Pub.

To learn more about Pittsfield, MA please contact Tanya at RE/MAX Integrity Realtors.

Tanya Shepardson CSA, ABR
RE/MAX Integrity Realtors
154 Elm St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Cell: 413-441-1874| Office: 413-443-7274
tanya.shepardson@topproducer.com
www.ourberkshires.com