Rural western Massachusetts community with vast outdoor recreation
Erving was one of the last lands to be incorporated in Massachusetts, situated in the western half of the state around 10 miles from New Hampshire. The community took form in 1838 and remains home to less than 2,000 people, its south side now traced by state Route 2A. The community offers homes amid dense forests and farmland. "There is a lot of pride in Erving," says Bryan Smith, Erving's town administrator. "It is a rural town, but I think it is unique because of all the outdoor activities. We have hiking trails, Laurel Lake at Erving State Park and multiple climbing locations." The recreational spaces are a draw for residents, including the two-state New England Trail and outdoor opportunities on and around the ridge of Northfield Mountain.
Many locals work at Erving Industries, a paper mill in operation since 1908, along the Millers River. The mill is one of the last remaining vestiges of the industry, which was formerly a significant part of western Massachusetts' economy. Residents are also drawn to Erving by the real estate tax rate, which is lower than much of western Massachusetts. Erving is also close to Greenfield, which is less than 15 miles west.
Opportunity for Erving homes on multiple acres
The housing inventory is spread throughout Erving, with a handful of properties perched on more than an acre of land. Architectural styles include ranch-style homes, but Erving also offers some colonial-style and farmhouse-style properties. Prices most often range between $350,000 and $450,000. "The market is moving slower than it has in the past, and it's because of a lack of inventory," says Donald Mailloux, an Erving resident and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Goggins Associates. "However, people still want to live here because the town has lower taxes than surrounding areas; it has good town services, including rubbish pickup; and there is so much outdoor recreation nearby. Because of that, listings move fast when they do get on the market."
Neighborhoods in Erving have a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4 and the lowest possible score. Erving has its own police department, as well a volunteer fire company.
Two school districts for Erving students
Due to Erving's rural landscape, students switch districts midway through their education. They often begin at Erving Elementary School, which runs from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school scores a C-minus from Niche and is part of Erving School Union 28. The closest middle school is Great Falls Middle, about 10 miles west of central Erving, which runs through eighth grade and earns a C. Turners Falls High School sits close by and gets a B-minus. Both the middle and high school are part of the Gill-Montague Regional School District, which offers 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to take college courses in an early-entrant program.
Outdoor recreation at Northfield Mountain or state forests
The Erving State Forest spans over 2,400 acres, with portions in eastern Erving itself. Visitors can hike, bike, camp and go horseback riding. Colder months allow for skiing and snowmobiling. Laurel Lake is within the state forest, has a public beach and offers boating, fishing and swimming. In winter, the frozen surface is popular for ice skating and ice fishing. The New England Trail, which spans 235 miles between Massachusetts and Connecticut, also runs through Erving to the New Hampshire border.
Northfield Mountain offers more chances to get outside, encompassing over 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking and skiing. Climbing is a frequent pastime on the mountain at sites such as the Rose Ledge, which has multiple routes for climbers of varying levels. The Erving Recreation Commission maintains five parks within the community and holds summer camps. "Our park system is awesome," Mailloux says. "We have five parks, but it is hard to keep track because they keep adding to them. It speaks to our quality of life." The Erving Riverfront Park sits on the Millers River and has a bandshell, play equipment and a pavilion.
Heading west into Turners Falls for dining
Several eateries are located along Route 2A in central Erving, including Flis Market, which has standard market goods alongside wood-fired pizza. Bagels N' More specializes in breakfast, particularly baked goods and sandwiches. The Freight House Cafe is close to the river and serves breakfast and lunch. Turners Falls, less than 10 miles west, has more restaurants near the Connecticut River. Locals can head to The Rendezvous for a tavern atmosphere, the Dreamhouse Restaurant for brunch or Great Falls Harvest for organic and vegetarian menu items. Grocery shoppers often go to a Food City in Turners Falls or a Walmart less than 7 miles east.
Erving's seasonal events bring the community together
The Erving Recreation Commission puts on a number of events throughout the year, including the annual Egg Hunt at Riverfront Park and Erving Fall Festival at Veterans' Memorial Field. The Erving Halloween Extravaganza features a trunk-or-treat and parade, with parts of it taking place at the Erving Public Library. The library held its grand opening in 2021 and includes community spaces and free internet. Situated near the library on state Route 63 is the Erving Senior & Community Center, which has exercise classes, a fitness room and game nights.
Routes 2A and 63 run through the town
Route 2A begins just west of Erving and runs eastward to Boston, a trip of over 80 miles. It forms the southern boundary of Erving and connects with areas like Worcester and Cambridge. Route 63 stretches through the west side of Erving and up to the New Hampshire state line. Interstate 91 is less than 15 miles west on Route 2A. Worcester Regional Airport is just over 40 miles away, with destinations that include New York and Orlando.
