Pittsfield serves as the county seat and business hub for all of The Berkshire villages. This predominantly rural, mountainous region houses a host of prototypical New England towns, and Pittsfield is the most densely populated area for miles. With a major role in the county government, the largest nearby hospital and big-box shopping, Pittsfield residents likely have the shortest work commutes among all Berkshire locals. “It’s a main area of industry and employment,” says Maureen Kirby, a broker associate with Nocher Realty who has 10 years of experience in Pittsfield. “It has a lot to offer people of all walks of life. There are wonderful cultural and recreational amenities, plus it’s a short drive to all points in Berkshire County.”
Pittsfield is a major hub for art in Western Massachusetts and the third largest city on this side of the state.
The Berkshire Mountains are the beautiful range running thru Western Massachusetts.
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Hiking the Pittsfield State Forest and carving the snow at Bousquet Mountain
The Berkshire Mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the trails at Pittsfield State Forest, also home to Berry Pond, the highest elevated natural body of water in Massachusetts. Lake Onota is a larger spot that accommodates motor boats and features a fishing pier. Other nature expanses dot the city map, like Springside Park, popular for its trails and gardens, as well as its baseball diamonds and playground. Fans can catch a Pittsfield Suns Minor League Baseball game at Wahconah Park, and golfers can play a round at the Berkshire Hills Country Club. Winters in Pittsfield can get snowy, and cross-country skiers and snowshoers can hit the trails at the many parks, while the Bousquet Mountain Ski Area offers alpine slopes.
Lake Onota is a 617 acre lake that is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter months.
Bousquet Mountain Ski Resort is a local place for people to enjoy some shredding or skiing close to home.
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Relatively affordable housing compared to nationwide averages
Buyers can find single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods or multifamily units, condos and townhouses closer to the city center. Architecture consists primarily of ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and colonials, as well as some New Englander builds.
Prices in Pittsfield typically fall below the Berkshire, state and U.S. averages. “Prices are more affordable,” Kirby says. “As the ‘city’ of Berkshire County, properties in Pittsfield may also have more services to offer, such as public water, sewer and trash removal.” Housing in need of rehabilitation can start below $100,000, though most single-family homes sell between $200,000 and $500,000. Condos and townhouses in complexes often go for $100,000 to $300,000. Properties on Lake Onota and mountain homes on multi-acre lots go for $700,000 to $2 million.
The median listing price for a home in Pittsfield, MA is $299,000.
In Pittsfield the average home sits on the market for 64 days.
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Perusing North Street restaurants
North Street features a variety of dining options and cafes, oftentimes with tables along the sidewalks for outdoor seating. The Methuselah Bar & Lounge is a standout spot, known for its small plates and craft cocktails. North Street has seen a decline in activity in previous years, though current initiatives project a brighter future. “Some of the older buildings were either renovated or demolished, and new buildings take their place,” Kirby says. “Some of the population of Pittsfield goes back many generations, and people are nostalgic of how North Street used to be and would like to see that same vibe return.” Residents of nearby towns come to Pittsfield for big-box shopping. Walmart, Walgreens and Stop & Shop are among the many options, and the Berkshire Mall covers retail needs with dozens of stores.
Marketplace Cafe is a popular lunch spot on North Street in downtown Pittsfield.
The Methuselah Bar & Lounge has a diverse menu with some Korean specialties and an art gallery in the back for local shows and classes.
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The creative side of Pittsfield
The Berkshires' natural beauty has inspired artists of all mediums, and colorful murals reflect the dynamic local art scene throughout the city. In the mid-1800s, Herman Melville hunkered down in his Pittsfield home to write “Moby Dick.” The historical society has maintained his house, known as Arrowhead, and transformed it into a museum and literary landmark. The Berkshire Art Center and the public library host creative workshops, and the 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival brings in 10,000 visitors each year. The First Fridays Artswalk each month allows galleries to showcase work, and children can make their own creations at craft tables.
Arrowhead is a historic site where the American classic Moby Dick was written by Herman Melville in the 1850's.
Founded in 1903 the Berkshire Museum is a foundational collection for the area with its collection having many important pieces from the early Hudson River School.
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Public schools and A-plus private options in Pittsfield
Pittsfield Public Schools earns a B-minus on Niche, with an A for diversity. Children may attend one of eight elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, depending on their home address. Students can apply to 15 different Career Technical Education programs at Taconic High. Families can also opt for private options in the city, such as Miss Halls School, which scores an A-plus for ninth through 12th grade. Berkshire Community College is located in Pittsfield and offers 50 associate’s degree programs.
Berkshire Community College has a student base under 1500 and is known for liberal arts, nursing and other majors.
Miss Hall's School is a private all girls school educating young women from grades 9-12.
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One of the closest Berkshire towns to the Massachusetts Turnpike
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority buses stop throughout the city, though most residents get around by car. U.S. routes 7 and 20 lead to larger thoroughfares, like Interstate 90. Also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, I-90 is about 12 miles south. Travelers can make the under-50-mile commute to the Albany International Airport within about an hour. The Pittsfield Municipal Airport services private and business flights.
A decrease in Pittsfield crime rates
The FBI reports that violent crime rates have decreased by about 33% between 2020 and 2023, while property crime rates have dropped by nearly 19%. As of December 2023, property and violent crime rates were lower than U.S. and Massachusetts averages.
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