Lee is “The Gateway to the Berkshires” and so much more
The town of Lee, located in western Massachusetts, got its nickname “The Gateway to the Berkshires” because Interstate 90 runs through it, and anyone headed to the popular New England vacation spot must drive right through town to get where they’re going. While similarly charming to other towns in the Berkshires, Lee is smaller, with about 6,000 residents, and more conveniently located. “With a town like Hinsdale that’s up in the mountains, you have to come down the mountain to do anything. Lee is pretty centrally located,” says Carrie Swift Heck, a Realtor with Compass Massachusetts who has lived in Lee for most of her life. While summer and fall are busy with vacationers, Heck says the town doesn’t get too crowded. “The restaurants get a little busier, and everything picks up. It gets more vibrant,” she says.
Eclectic mix of home styles and ages
Homes in Lee are an eclectic mix of styles and ages: farmhouses and Cape Cods from the late 1800s, split-levels, cottages, and ranch-style homes built between the 1960s and 1980s, and Colonial Revivals from the 1990s. They often sit close together on grassy lots, surrounded by mature trees. Prices range from $220,000 to $1 million, with higher-priced homes featuring more square footage, more land, or backing up to Goose Pond. Two- and three-bedroom condos and townhouses are also available, ranging from $250,000 to $600,000.
Hiking, swimming, boating and golf are popular outdoor activities
Hikers head to the trailhead at Golden Hill Forest, especially in the fall, to go “leaf peeping” when the trees change color. Laurel Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating and fishing. Edith Warton Park features a short walking trail near the lake and around a grassy meadow. Golfers tee off at Greenock Country Club, which is open to the public every day of the week. The country club is one of America’s oldest and features a nine-hole layout.
Main Street and Lee Premium Outlets are shopping and dining destinations
Lee’s historic downtown area is filled with restaurants and boutiques. Among the many local restaurant options, 51 Park is a favorite for its homestyle American classics, as is High Lawn Farm, a local creamery that has served ice cream, cheese and other dairy products to the town since the 1920s. Residents pick up groceries at Big Y World Class Market and shop at Lee Premium Outlets. The Lee Library, located on Main Street, features regular events like chair yoga and writing workshops. The closest hospital is Berkshire Medical Center in nearby Pittsfield, about 12 miles away. Pittsfield also offers big-box stores like Walmart and Target, and more dining options.
Children attend Lee Public Schools
Lee Public Schools serves the town and rates a B on Niche. The schools assigned to the community are Lee Elementary, which rates a C-plus, and Lee Middle & High, which has a B rating. While the district offers School Choice, it is for students outside of town who want to attend Lee schools.
The town gathers for the Lee Founders Weekend and The Taste of Lee
The Lee Founders Weekend is one of the more popular events in town. It takes place every September and features a parade and other family-friendly activities. It also kicks off with The Taste of Lee, which features food from local restaurants and live music on Main Street.
Cars or bikes needed for getting around
Interstate 90, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike toll road, runs through the middle of town and connects to the rest of the Berkshires. The closest airports are Albany International and Bradley International, each about 55 miles away. Heck says some newcomers to Lee, especially those coming from big cities like Manhattan and Boston, have to adjust to the town’s lack of public transportation. “You need to have a car or bike,” she says.
