Rising historic artsy community in northwest Maryland
A self-proclaimed community of artists and outdoor enthusiasts, North Adams is a former mill town with a semi-rural lifestyle. “I think people are attracted to North Adams because you’re within 20 minutes of the Berkshires, but the housing price points are extremely affordable,” says Dick Lee, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has sold many homes throughout the Commonwealth. “The average price is around $250,000 for a single-family home, which means homes are more affordable, but it's also pretty competitive.” Home to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), North Adams fosters a maker community of crafters, painters, photographers and musicians. Many of these creative residents are students attending the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, a small public arts university in town. The North Adams Regional Hospital and MASS MoCA are the area's major employers, as well as the public school district and local universities.
North Adams offers a welcoming suburban feel in a art centric city.
Visitors at MASS MoCA in North Adams admire a new transformative exhibition "Dirty and Disorderly".
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Getting outside in North Adams
“People come up here for the outdoors,” Lee says. This can include exploring the playgrounds, participating in community games at local ballfields or taking trips to nearby lakes. The city also has several forested hiking trails, athletic courts, nearby bowling alleys and the historic Mohawk Theater for viewing films and events. “There’s also the Natural Bridge State Park if you like hiking, and Mount Greylock State Reservation, which has the highest peak in Massachusetts and even connects to the Appalachian Trail,” Lee says. “This is a pretty prominent area for skiing, and folks like to swim, fish and kayak at Windsor Lake, of course.” When it's time to head inside, locals can check out the ever-popular MASS MoCA art museum, which hosts an annual Free Community Day so everyone can view the art exhibits and take a thematic tour.
Mount Greylock in North Adams is the highest peak in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet.
National Bridge State Park in North Adams offers a multitude of trails for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Historic homes and rural or apartment living
Because the median single-family home price in North Adams is around $250,000, housing here is much lower than in nearby Rensselaer County, Rowe and Charlemont. A mix of downtown multifamily units, apartment complexes, and historic housing gives the area that classic New England look. “There are a lot of charming old historic Victorians around here that were built in the 1800s. Sometimes living here can feel like going back in time to a different era,” Lee says. Many homes are located down rural roads, and even though the winters can be cold, folks don’t have to worry about being snowed in. “Though a lot of people work from home these days, when North Adams does get some snow, the Berkshires are well-equipped for it,” Lee says.
This Tudor inspired home is one of just many you will find roaming the streets of North Adams.
New England style homes are particularly common in North Adams.
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Downtown farmers' market vendors and locally owned bars and restaurants
Historic brick and stone buildings sit along the north side of Main Street in downtown North Adams, housing various shops, businesses and restaurants. Local bars and gastropubs draw in the college crowd from nearby universities, and banks and boutiques serve local residents during daily shopping or errands. Big Y World Class Market serves as the area’s major grocery store, though the nearby North Adams Farmers Market is a major attraction throughout the year for fresh produce and community gatherings.
Friends enjoy a post work beverage at the beloved Public Eat and Drink in North Adams.
Big Y in North Adams offers residents a convenient grocery shopping experience.
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Skiing competitions, festivals and close-knit community events
Like most cities with a strong community, North Adams has several annual events, from Christmas parades to city-wide trick-or-treating on Main Street. The Fresh Grass Festival is a huge music festival held at MASS MoCA’s campus, and the city also hosts a massive Pride Night downtown to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Skiers can try their skills at the annual Thunderbolt Ski Race on Mount Greylock in March, and Winterfest features horse-drawn carriage rides and a chowder competition in February.
North Adams Public School district
North Adams Public Schools is rated an overall C on Niche. It has three elementary schools that teach kindergarten through sixth grade. Drury High School teaches seventh through 12th grade and is rated an overall C-plus on Niche. Also in town is the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, which was once called North Adams State College. The school is a public four-year university with an overall Niche grade of C-plus. Williams College is a private university in nearby Williamstown and is graded an A-plus and considered the No. 4 best liberal arts college in America on Niche.
Drury High School in North Adams offers a diverse academic curriculum.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams offers students a expansive campus.
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Nearby North Adams Regional Hospital and drives south to Pittsfield
North Adams is at the crossroads of Route 2, which leads east to Boston, and Route 8, which runs south to Pittsfield. Though the city is almost 140 miles west of Boston, it is only 21 miles north of Pittsfield. The city is also just a few miles from the Vermont and New York borders, making it convenient for family road trips north for skiing or camping. The city is home to North Adams Regional Hospital, one of the largest in the area, and has its own emergency heliport.
Crime in North Adams
Crime rate data for North Adams is not readily available at this time.
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