Hancock offers recreation, seclusion among Western Massachusetts’ mountains
Hancock’s mountainous landscape influences many aspects of the small Massachusetts town, from jobs to simply getting around. For example, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, one of the largest attractions and employers, welcomes thousands of people to its ski slopes every year. Meanwhile, the area is so mountainous that it’s impossible to go straight from one end of Hancock to the other. Instead, drivers have to cross into New York for a few miles to circumvent the rugged terrain in the center of the community. The topography brings many residents as well, whether they come to the rural community to live in a mountainside resort or a house secluded among Hancock’s hills and valleys.
Skiing and hiking in Berkshire County
Skiers hit the slopes at Jiminy Peak from November to April, but the resort doesn’t close once the snow melts. People also come in the summer and fall to race on mountain coasters, ride chairlifts over the Jericho Valley and climb the resort’s ropes course. Jiminy Peak draws tourists and year-round residents, while also serving as a common place for locals to work. “It’s the kids’ first job for when they start working,” says Lisa Wellspeak, who lives in neighboring Lanesborough. People can explore the region’s natural landscape at Pittsfield State Forest, 11,000 acres of woodlands that cover part of Hancock. More than 30 miles of trails meander through the forest, leading to popular spots like Berry Pond. Campers spend nights around the water, while anglers often cast from the shore.
Housing includes resort condos and rural homes
Many of the homes bought and sold in Hancock are condos at Jiminy Peak. Along with a mountainside location, units come with access to resort amenities such as pools, a fitness center and on-site restaurants. Prices vary from $125,000 to $500,000. Single-family homes scattered around Hancock vary in style from ranch to Colonial Revival to contemporary designs. One feature houses share is roomy lots, typically measuring an acre or more. Many homes sit on hills, providing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Single-family homes sell between $300,000 and $540,000.
Kids zoned to Hancock Elementary, Mount Greylock Regional School
Local public schools are a draw for many buyers, says Barb Hassan, owner of Barb Hassan Realty. “They have great [athletics and cultural] programs, and they start them very early,” she says. Hancock Elementary School’s student body consists of about 60 prekindergartners through sixth graders. This results in small classes where teachers can focus on individualized learning. Despite the school’s small size, Hancock Elementary offers extracurriculars such as Lego robotics and drama. The school does not receive a grade from Niche. Meanwhile, Mount Greylock Regional School accepts middle and high schoolers, scoring an A-minus. The school’s dozens of sports teams and clubs include jazz band and cross-country skiing.
Dining at Jiminy Peak, shopping to the south
Most of Hancock’s restaurants are located in and around Jiminy Peak. Diners can play cornhole and horseshoes while waiting on their food at Bluebird & Co., at the entrance to Jiminy Peak. At the resort, The Country Store serves breakfast and lunch and carries enough grocery staples to stock a pantry. Residents can drive to Target in Lanesborough or Big Y in Pittsfield for more groceries. Lee Premium Outlets hosts about 60 stores, mostly fashion outlets,15 miles south of Hancock.
Highways connect to Pittsfield, Albany
Cars are necessary to get around Hancock, with several highways passing through or near the community. Pittsfield, the county seat, is about 15 miles away, while Albany is a 30-mile drive west.
Nadine Hiser is a Broker Associate/Owner and Managing Member of Key Realty and KRG-KEY Realty Group. Nadine was always an entrepreneur. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/. Marketing, as well as certification and MA licensure as a Secondary Educator for Business Management and Marketing, and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Prior to a career in real estate, she founded other service based businesses. She was the lead director II / Owner of Great Beginnings Preschool ~ a private curriculum-based Pre-K. She later was an educator in high schools teaching traditional classes and vocational classes in entrepreneurship, marketing, and life management skills. She has a knack for noticing a need and creating a venue to meet the need. In the 1990’s she also founded Angels Among Us, a home based business that provided for the coordination of 24-hour private home care in client’s homes. Forever interested in architecture and real estate, she began her career in real estate as an investor in 1987. In March of 2002, she entered the industry as a sales associate of a brokerage firm in Pittsfield (Re/Max Integrity Realtors). She was a top producer there until she earned her Broker’s license, and in 2005 founded KEY Realty. In 2023 Nadine founded KRG-Key Realty Group and together the two brokerages form 'the Key Collaborative".
Nadine is an educator, a care giver and an advocate. Perhaps these skills are the reason why real estate was such a perfect fit. You will find, Nadine nurtures and counsels clients with sincerity and compassion. She advocates for them and succeeds with drive and resolve. Nadine provides customer service that is second to none, Nadine is ready to answer your questions and identify your goals. She is waiting for your call.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
