Berlin offers secluded forested landscapes and outdoor activities
Berlin encompasses a sprawling rural community near the New York-Massachusetts border. Aside from a small town center area with a few churches and shops, most of the region is made up of undeveloped forests with lots of space for hunting, hiking and other outdoorsy hobbies. Seclusion and natural beauty are the community’s main draws, though some considerations arise from the remote location. “The only thing is, outside the main areas you’ve got to look for internet access,” says Robert Jaeger, the local Town Supervisor and real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake. “We only have two cell towers. There’s Verizon and Spectrum through here, but in the hollows it’s sketchy.” Besides internet coverage, locals are physically connected to several larger towns on state Route 22.
Caving, hiking, fishing and plenty more to do
Berlin’s largely undeveloped forests lend the region well to all sorts of outdoor activities. “We got hiking, fishing and hunting, all of the above,” Jaegar says. “There’s also caving right off of Highway 22. There are sometimes certain requirements to get into the caves; it’s controlled by the caving association.” Bentleys Cave Preserve has about a thousand feet of passage through its largest cavern, as well as a small path through Dry Valley Cavern. Cherry Plain State Park spans 175 acres, making it one of the most popular outdoor spaces in the area. The park has several designated campsites and hunting areas, with fishing and boat launches on Black River Pond. Six different multiuse trails cut through the wilderness, stretching over 7 miles. Berlin State Forest occupies the community’s east side in the Taconic Mountains, with more trails and cross-country skiing in the winter. Several ski lodges are within about 15 miles, including the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort.
A mix of historic homes and more recently built cabins
Though homes near Berlin’s town center are usually close-set, much of the surrounding area offers sprawling, multiacre forested lots. Many individual cabins and Colonial Revival-style homes dotted across the region date back to the 19th century. More Craftsman-inspired cottages and ranch-style homes have been added one by one since the 1970s, sometimes featuring large front porches or back decks where residents can enjoy the scenery. Generally, home prices range from $100,000 to $320,000, though multiacre properties can range from $200,000 to $590,000.
Home to a few local restaurants and markets
Berlin House Restaurant is one of only a few restaurants in the community. Housed in a vintage building, the restaurant serves a mix of American fare and daily specials. On the community’s south side, 17 Cherry Plain Square is a popular family-owned establishment with 40 beers on tap and a rotating roster of live music. Locals can shop for groceries at small local shops like Hewitt’s Market or drive to nearby towns like Bennington or Pittsfield for more options.
Local schools earn a C-plus rating
Berlin Elementary, Berlin Middle and Berlin High all earn a C-plus from Niche, with the last two sharing a campus. High school students can join after-school programs, including the Berlin Sport Fishing Club, musical theatre and a competitive Science Bowl team. The school also offers marine biology and freshwater studies classes, allowing students to participate in hands-on activities with aquatic wildlife.
Annual Fourth of July Parade down Main Street
Berlin comes together every summer for the annual Fourth of July Parade, which marches on Main Street with handmade floats and other community participants. There are also many smaller events and activities along the parade route, including live music, a pie sale at the Berlin United Methodist Church and facepainting at the Historical Society.
State Route 22 is the area’s main roadway
State Route 22 bisects the Berlin area, connecting with Interstate 90 about 25 miles south. Albany, the state capital, is also about 25 miles away. North Adams Hospital is the nearest medical center, less than 25 miles east, and Albany International Airport is about 30 miles away.
