Pittsfield provides year-round adventure in the Green Mountains
Pittsfield is a mountainous Vermont community with four seasons of outdoor fun. “I think a lot of people like it because it’s close to Killington Resort. There’s also the Green Mountain Trails there, so you’re close to a lot of mountain biking,” says Jessica Posch, a Realtor with Killington Pico Realty, who has been in the industry since 2017. “The taxes are better than in Killington, and the home prices are lower.” With the resort about 13 miles south on Vermont Route 100, skiing and snowboarding are easily accessible in the winter. The Green Mountain National Forest offers a variety of activities but is especially popular for hiking and biking. However homeowners choose to spend their days, this small community offers a quiet countryside retreat to return to each night.
Turn-of-the-century farmhouses and contemporary cabins in Central Vermont
Homes in Pittsfield range from farmhouses built in the late 1800s and early 1900s to cabins built in the 1960s and ‘70s. The older homes are often along Route 100 and can be Victorian or Craftsman styles. As the roads lead away from the center of the community and into the mountains, styles become more contemporary. “Some of the homes were designed by Robert Carl Williams, and his architecture is very unique,” Posch says. “He’s known for creating a home that feels like you’re on vacation. They have a lot of unique features like stone fireplaces and huge windows.” Many houses also have spacious porches or patios that offer a spot to sit outside and enjoy the mountain air. Homes typically sell for $360,000 to $780,000. Properties near the Tweed River face a significant flood risk.
Hiking, biking and skiing in the Green Mountains
The Green Mountain Trails are a network of mountain biking and hiking trails on Tweed River Drive. The paths total 25 miles and offer a variety of difficulties and terrain. Killington Resort is one of the top ski destinations in Vermont and has 1,500 skiable acres. The resort is nearly as popular in other seasons too; 10 trails are designated for hiking in the summer, while 35 miles of mountain biking paths are accessible via the ski lifts. The resort also has an 18-hole golf course open to the public. The Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Pittsfield and offers several hiking options. The Long Trail, a 272-mile hiking path that spans the entire state, passes through the area and can be accessed via the New Boston Trailhead. For those seeking a more relaxing outdoor activity, tubing is a popular summer pastime on the nearby White River.
General stores and locally owned restaurants offer a taste of Vermont
Several businesses line Route 100, offering a variety of services to residents. The Original General Store sells some grocery items and gifts, and has an extensive wine and beer selection. It also has a deli with made-to-order sandwiches. The building also houses The Backroom, a seasonal restaurant open in winter. This upscale American eatery serves what they call “dinner party-style” meals, with two seatings each weekend. The menu changes regularly and features local ingredients. Just up the street in Stockbridge, Wild Fern is a casual spot serving brunch, sandwiches and pizza, with frequent live music. For more shopping, Posch says locals can head to Rutland, which has grocery stores like Hannaford and Aldi, plus Walmart and other big-box chains.
Annual events from snowshoe races to holiday parades
Pittsfield is the home of the annual Snow Devil Snowshoe Race each January. Spartan founder Joe De Sena started the race in 2003, and it offers distances ranging from 10 kilometers to 100 miles. The town also hosts an annual Memorial Day parade and a trunk-or-treat on the Village Green. Killington also has several events, like a Fourth of July celebration and a wine festival each July.
Central Vermont schools prepare students for the future
Killington Elementary School gets an A from Niche and serves prekindergarten through sixth grade. Woodstock Union High School and Middle School earns a B-plus and is about 25 miles from Pittsfield. The school offers 18 Advanced Placement courses, plus electives in classic languages, agriculture and computer science. Students can also participate in flexible pathways, which allow them to design their own learning opportunities through internships, work-based learning or dual enrollment.
Vermont highways offer routes through the state
Route 100 is the main north-south highway through the community. Rutland is about 20 miles away via Route 100 and U.S. Route 4. Interstate 89 is about 15 miles away in Bethel. The closest hospital is Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
