Egremont is a rural hideaway deep in the Berkshires
Egremont is a community of over 1,000 on the New York border, near the tourist and outdoor attractions in southern Berkshire County. Settled in the 1720s by Dutch settlers from New York, this area quickly became known as a small farming community.
They saw activity here during the Revolutionary War, with American General Henry Knox passing through in 1776, helping lift the British siege of Boston – a feat commemorated by a trail and a historical marker.
Today, buyers can expect homes on large lots near lakes or forests. “It is a very rural town,” says Maureen White-Kirkby, a broker/owner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Barnbrook Realty. “There’s a mix of second home and primary home people.”
Colonial homes and New Traditionals with no HOA
The median home price here $931,000, higher than the national and state numbers. Home styles include colonial homes from the 1700s, Colonial-revival mansions and New Traditionals. Kirkby says the community attracts mostly families and those looking for second homes, mainly from the Boston and New York City areas. Many in Egremont enjoy views of the Berkshire Mountains, Kirkby says.
Southern Berkshire Public Schools
Egremont is served by Southern Berkshire Public Schools, which has a B grade on Niche. Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten are available. Westfield State University is 40 miles east.
Trails, state and local parks and Catamount Mountain
A portion of the Appalachian Trail runs southwest of the community on Jug End Road. The Jug End State Reservation and Wildlife Management Area has over 1,100 acres of hiking trails and an abundance of hunting and fishing spots. The Karner Brook Wildlife Management Area is an undeveloped piece of land just west of the community and offers several spots for birding and other activities.
The 144-acre French Park has multiple amenities, including baseball diamonds, sports courts, a dog park and the second-largest pollinator garden in the state.
Along the New York State line is the Catamount Mountain Resort. While open year-round, the colder months offer winter activities including skiing and snow tubing. In spring and summer, it has ziplining, chairlift rides, and an aerial adventure park.
Local restaurants and shopping in Great Barrington
Egremont has several local dining spots, primarily along Route 23. Hy’s Fried is a newer spot specializing in fried chicken and cocktails. It also has dancing and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. Mom’s Country Café on Main Street serves breakfast and lunch items.
The locale has several small boutique shops, but nearby Great Barrington has several grocery stores, including Big Y, Guidos Fresh Marketplace, and the Berkshire Food Co-op. It also has several big-box stores. Fairview Hospital is 5 miles east of Egremont.
Local highways and several airport connections
Route 23 connects the area to New York’s Hudson Valley in the east, while U.S. 7 in Great Barrington leads to Interstate 90. The nearest commercial airports are Albany International Airport, 56 miles northeast, and Bradley International Airport, 54 miles southwest in Connecticut.
Crime in Egremont
According to the latest data from the state of Massachusetts, overall crime in Egremont has declined by 14%. Only 23 crimes were reported last year, including only one property crime.
