Forests provide peaceful privacy in Chesterfield
Full of abundant trees, farms and brooks, Chesterfield is a rural hillside community in Hampshire County offering natural beauty and seclusion. “It’s beautiful all year ‘round, even in the snow,” says Denise DeSellier, a Broker Associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices with over three decades of real estate experience. When autumn blankets the landscape with vibrant leaves, locals get to witness the striking, colorful views while hiking through the forest, driving to the general store or sitting on the front porch. Chesterfield is miles from any major metropolitan area; Springfield is about 45 minutes south. But Northampton is just 15 miles away, and the town is home to Smith College, a private liberal arts institution for women, as well as a wide selection of retailers and restaurants. But the area’s 1,200 residents – about 40% of whom are aged 60 or over – appreciate the quiet lifestyle, not to mention the scenery, that comes with living in Chesterfield.
From scenic hikes to cross-country skiing
Between the wildlife management areas, campgrounds and hiking trails, Chesterfield offers lots of options for outdoor recreation. Chesterfield Gorge Reservation has a dog-friendly hiking trail along the Westfield River, which allows catch-and-release fly fishing. Over time, the river carved the gorge, which today is a striking canyon with 70-foot rock walls. The shaded trail connects to Gilbert A. Bliss State Forest, where hikers can take the 5-mile loop through the woods. Closer to the center of Chesterfield, locals can use the playground, skate park, baseball field and tennis court at Russell Memorial Park.
Of course, living in rural Massachusetts can mean cold and snowy winters, and snow has been known to stay on the ground into April in the Chesterfield area. “They get a lot more snow there,” DeSellier says. “Locals stay inside on those days; they don’t go out.” But there are winter recreation options in the area for those who want to brave the weather, like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Chesterfield Gorge Reservation.
Countryside homes in Hampshire County
The community’s two-lane roads are lined with farmhouses and Cape Cod-style homes that are virtually surrounded by trees in every direction. Some homes may also have waterfront views, offering convenient fishing access in a backyard lake or brook. Prices typically range from about $130,000 to $685,000. Homes above $500,000 tend to have lots of acreage, which may include a barn, greenhouse or stable. Many residents take advantage of the larger lot sizes in Chesterfield – the median lot size here is nearly an acre – by growing fruit trees or large gardens.
Community gatherings in Chesterfield
Chesterfield residents have various ways to get involved in the community. The Council on Aging organizes programming for seniors, including concerts and wellness classes. The Chesterfield Library hosts events like the Family Harvest Festival in October, and offers passes to local museums and attractions, such as the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, the largest collection of Rockwell-related art and materials in the world, as well as the site of the artist’s former studio. For the past 150 years, the Cummington Fair has showcased local agriculture, and events at the fair include square dancing and livestock and tractor shows.
Locally owned restaurants in Chesterfield and more stores in Northampton
Most restaurants and stores are located outside of Chesterfield. However, in the center of the community, Chesterfield General Store and Café offers a limited grocery selection and outdoor seating where folks can enjoy freshly baked pastries, pizza, beer and wine. Some dining options line Route 9, like Bread Euphoria Bakery & Café. This rustic bakery serves coffee and espresso drinks, and uses local and organic ingredients to make pizzas, cakes, sandwiches and baguettes. The closest supermarket is Stop & Shop, about 15 miles away in Northampton, where shoppers can find more retailers, including Walmart and CVS.
Two schools in Hampshire Regional School District serve Chesterfield students
Students are zoned for the Hampshire Regional School District, which is currently not rated on Niche. New Hingham Regional Elementary, rated B-minus, serves prekindergarten through sixth grade. Hampshire Regional High School, rated B, serves grades seventh through twelfth grades. The high school has various clubs and activities devoted to interests like mountain biking, cheerleading and drama.
Driving in and around Chesterfield
Chesterfield is too rural to be walkable or bikeable, and residents here rely on personal vehicles to get around. Country roads connect to Route 143, which runs east-west through Chesterfield. Route 9 leads to Northampton, where there’s an Amtrak train station, which is served by both the Vermonter and Valley Flyer routes. Springfield is about 35 miles south down Interstate 91. Locals can get emergency care at Holyoke Medical Center, about 20 miles away, and Bradley International Airport is about 50 miles south.
