The rugged mountain town of Florida sits atop the Hoosac Range in the Berkshires, allowing residents to fully enjoy a range of seasonal activities. "We have spring maple sugaring, summer kayaking, and snowmobiling in the winter," says Mary Naylor, a longtime Berkshire resident and local real estate agent. With more hiking trails than traffic lights and Savoy Mountain State Forest stretching across its northern border, Florida offers a pace and closeness where everyone knows each other. Incorporated in 1805 -- predating the actual state of Florida -- this little enclave enjoys a chilly climate and thick summer fog, earning it the title of Massachusetts’ coldest and snowiest town. The origin of its name remains debated, possibly inspired by early 19th-century fascination with Spanish Florida. The nearly five-mile Hoosac Tunnel, completed in 1875 after more than two decades of perilous work, once divided the community between “mountaineers” who farmed and “tunnelites” who lived closer to the railroad. The community has come a long way since then, now taking pride in small-town, close-knit vibes.
The Hoosac Tunnel East Portal in Florida was finished in 1875, and marks the start of a 4.75 mile tunnel that made rail access easier.
The Deerfield River is an exciting ride as it flows through Florida.
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Spacious lots and old Victorian homes close to North Adams
Small cottages and ranch-style houses are scattered throughout the area, while Victorian homes are more commonly found closer to the North Adams line. Home prices range from around $240,000 for a three-bedroom on several acres to $360,000 for a renovated cottage. The median home value here is about $253,000. Buyers seeking space and privacy will also find plenty of options for vacant land, with parcels up to 4 acres acres available for under $90,000.
Among the typical home styles in Florida, the ranch is a popular choice.
Small cottages are often ensconced in the woodlands of Florida.
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Pathways through Drury High
Local kids can start school at Gabriel Abbott Memorial Elementary and Middle School, which earns an overall D-plus from Niche, then continue to the C-plus rated Drury High. Drury has been a part of the community since 1843, and students here can earn up to 15 college credits through a partnership with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
The Gabriel Abbott Memorial Elementary and Middle School in Florida serves students in Pre-K through grade 8 and has a typical enrollment of about 86 students.
Drury High School in North Adams serves students from several surrounding towns.
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Fishing and kayaking on the Deerfield River
The Deerfield River is a favorite spot for fishing and kayaking, especially during the warmer months when the water runs clear and cool. Savoy Mountain State Forest, which stretches across the town’s northern edge, offers miles of wooded trails and campsites, and is a popular area for spotting wildlife. In winter, snowmobile trails wind through the Florida State Forest. The Cascade Brook Trailhead is another local highlight, leading hikers through the woods to a pair of waterfalls.
Savoy Mountain State Forest is divided between Florida and Savoy with many trails meandering between the towns.
The Deerfield River is a great spot for watersports in Florida.
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Downtown North Adams offers closest retail
Most of the local shopping and dining can be found just down the road in North Adams, where the walkable Downtown Cultural District is lined with independent shops, galleries and coffee spots. Here, grocery stores like Big Y World Class Market and Dollar General make it easy to stock up on essentials. For breakfast and lunch, Eagle Street Cafe serves up classic diner fare. PUBLIC eat+drink stands out for cocktails, beer and bar bites.
The Eagle Street Café in North Adams is probably the closest restaurant to Florida.
Supermarkets close to Florida include the Big Y in North Adams.
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Route 2 access and BRTA bus services
The town is bisected by Route 2 (Mohawk Trail), connecting it to North Adams and Greenfield. This route provides access to Interstate 91 via Greenfield, linking travelers to New England. Route 8 runs north-south through neighboring Clarksburg, offering a direct path to Pittsfield (25 miles south). The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) operates Route 34, which serves Florida with weekday bus service to North Adams and Williamstown. This route connects residents to essential services, including the North Adams Regional Hospital. For specialized care, residents head to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Albany International Airport offers the closest commercial flights.
Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield is the region's largest hospital.
The transportation hub in Pittsfield of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority brings residents of Florida to essential services.
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High snowfall in the winter
Winters are famously harsh here, with heavy snowfall, biting winds and long stretches of cold. Snow often arrives early and lingers well into spring, making four-wheel drive and a sturdy snow shovel essentials for locals. The town’s high elevation brings thick fog in the warmer months and crisp, clear nights year-round.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kathy Perdue,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Nestled in the North Berkshire Hills this partially cleared 2.43 acre building lot is ready for what you've envisioned. Located not far from the Mt Greylock entrance and close to all things North Berkshire. This parcel offers town water, completed septic design, wetlands delineation, and full site plan with RU-1 Zoning. Land is still a great Investment! Build now, or build later, You decide!
Everything is brand new--inside and out! This beautifully renovated home is the closest you'll get to new construction! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and an open-concept layout, it offers modern finishes, new flooring, recessed lighting, and a sleek white kitchen with granite countertops.Appliances will be included, and the home has been redone top to bottom with new siding, roof, windows,
This fully occupied two-family home is an income-producing asset with clear upside potential. Both units are rented, providing immediate cash flow. Each unit has separate updated utilities, making management simple and efficient. Just minutes from downtown, MCLA, and local shopping, the location offers unbeatable convenience.The first-floor unit features two bedrooms, one bath, and an enclosed
Nestled in the North Berkshire Hills this partially cleared 2.43 acre building lot is ready for what you've envisioned. Located not far from the Mt Greylock entrance and close to all things North Berkshire. This parcel offers town water, completed septic design, wetlands delineation, and full site plan with RU-1 Zoning. Land is still a great Investment! Build now, or build later, You decide!
Everything is brand new--inside and out! This beautifully renovated home is the closest you'll get to new construction! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and an open-concept layout, it offers modern finishes, new flooring, recessed lighting, and a sleek white kitchen with granite countertops.Appliances will be included, and the home has been redone top to bottom with new siding, roof, windows,
This fully occupied two-family home is an income-producing asset with clear upside potential. Both units are rented, providing immediate cash flow. Each unit has separate updated utilities, making management simple and efficient. Just minutes from downtown, MCLA, and local shopping, the location offers unbeatable convenience.The first-floor unit features two bedrooms, one bath, and an enclosed
Commercial opportunity offering 6600 sq/ft of space located at the interesction of River St and Marshall St. Acrros the Street from MASS MoCA and the Porches Inn.
Unit #202 is centrally located on the second floor of 85 Main St. Benefit from the bustling foot traffic from the wide variety of professional offices that occupy this cornerstone of Main St. North Adams
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