Hinsdale’s charm attracts tourists, city dwellers, and local buyers
Established in 1804, Hinsdale is part of the Berkshires, a popular New England vacation spot known for its lush foliage and hilly terrain. While this western Massachusetts town gets its fair share of week-long visitors, Corey Bishop, a real estate agent with Bishop West Real Estate who sells throughout the Berkshires, says part-time and full-time residents also find their way to Hinsdale, especially from big cities like Boston and Manhattan. “It's always been really popular with people looking for that small-town feel,” he says.
Diverse home styles from Colonial to modern, condos and land are also available
Hinsdale’s homes are a mix of styles, including Colonial Revival, traditional farmhouses and cottages. These homes were mostly built between late 1800s and the 2020s, and range in price from the low $200,000s to the high $600,000s. Less expensive options are smaller and tend to need renovations. Condos are available along Pine Cone Lane, typically priced between $450,000 and $560,000. Land is available and can run from $50,000 for a little over an acre to $80,000 for 100 acres. Options on Ashmere Lake are usually at the higher end. While only 14 homes have sold in the past 12 months, Bishop says Hinsdale’s market is strong. “Sales can be low because there just isn’t as much inventory,” he says.
Outdoor recreation includes golfing, camping, boating and hiking
One of the most popular outdoor activities here is hiking on Old Mill Trail, which runs through town along the East Branch of the Housatonic River. The 1.5-mile trail features scenic views and opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. There are also spots for fishing, and hunting is permitted. Ashmere Lake State Park is on the east side of town and offers fishing, boating and swimming. Camping is another favorite among full-time residents and vacationers. Fernwood Forest Campground has sites for tents, RVs and campers and is within walking distance to Plunkett Lake, which allows fishing, swimming and boating. Golfers tee off at the public, family-run Bas Ridge Country Club. During the winter, residents sled and tube down hills behind Kittredge Elementary.
Main Street offers dining and shopping, and services are nearby
Restaurants, shops and services are along Main Street in Hinsdale’s small historic downtown. Ozzie’s Steak & Eggs is a town staple and a favorite for its homestyle American breakfast and lunch dishes. The post office, library, police department and elementary school are nearby. Residents head into nearby Pittsfield to go to the movies, visit pocket parks, and run errands at big box stores like Walmart, Aldi, Stop & Shop, Ulta, and T.J. Maxx. Residents head to nearby Pittsfield for medical and dental needs, about 9 miles away.
School Choice is available through Central Berkshire Regional Public Schools
Central Berkshire Regional Public Schools serves the town and offers school choice. The options assigned to the area are Kittredge Elementary, which rates a B-minus on Niche, Nessacus Regional Middle, which also rates a B-minus, and Wahconah Regional High, which has a B rating. Wahconah Regional High offers clubs, including Mock Trial, Gamer Club and Automotive Club. There are no private schools in town, but kids can opt for McCann Technical School and Smith Vocational School for high school instead.
Family fun at Hinsdale Dayz Festival
Hinsdale Dayz Festival is a popular, multi-day event held each July. It features family-friendly events, like a movie night, live music, and various activities involving the Hinsdale Fire Department.
Residents get around using Route 8
Route 8 connects to other highways that travel through the Berkshires. A Berkshire Regional Transit Authority bus stop is on River Road and heads to Pittsfield and Dalton. Albany International Airport is about 60 miles away.
