$417,458Average Value$195Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Rural, close-knit community west of Springfield
Within Hampden County, the rural community of Russell lies just over 20 miles west of Springfield. Russell is one of 28 towns that comprise the so-called Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. The area is known for a slower-paced lifestyle that embraces the natural surroundings that include numerous rivers, farms and forested expanses lined with hiking trails. Historically the home of the Pocumtuc people and incorporated in 1792, Russell expanded from a modest, agricultural-based economy with the arrival of the railroad and the Industrial Revolution, becoming a major center of paper-production in the United States. The town was once home to three paper mills, which were the main employers in the area well into the 20th century. Though the mills have been shut down, Russell maintains its rural Hilltown identity, with a slate of year-round outdoor recreation and annual events – including fall foliage, maple sugaring, whitewater canoe racing and art shows – while still offering proximity to larger cities, including Westfield and Springfield. The town is 8 miles from Westfield, which has more shopping and dining options, and just under 25 miles from Springfield, the fourth-most populous city in New England.
Russell appeals to homeowners looking to live in a peaceful, wooded area with a strong sense of community. “It’s a small community; a lot of people know one another,” says Karen Ford, a Realtor at Park Square Realty who sells in the area. “When people go into town, it feels like family at the post office and the town hall meetings.” The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score.
The Russell Senior Center hosts many activities and programs for the older residents in town.
The residences of Russell offer beautiful scenery amidst the sprawling hills of western Massachusetts.
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Secluded lots in western Hampden County
This rural community isn’t tailored to pedestrians; apart from a portion of Main Street, roads in Russell don’t have sidewalks, and the area is entirely car-dependent. Two-lane roads cut through dense trees, and there is a wide variety of architectural styles throughout town. Small ranch-style homes typically occupy the lower end of the price spectrum – ranging from just over $100,000 to about $300,000. Larger ranch-styles, along with farmhouse- and colonial-styles, start at approximately $400,000 and can fetch up to $700,000. Lots are spacious – typically between one and two acres – offering privacy and tree cover.
Older homes in Russell sit on large spacious lots with plenty of room to grow.
Smaller ranch-style homes are an affordable option for homebuyers in Russell.
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Students zoned for Gateway Regional School District
Schools are located just north of Russell in Huntington. Gateway Regional School District, rated C-plus on Niche, serves the area. Students may attend Littleville Elementary School, rated C-plus. Gateway Regional Middle, rated C, has a student-teacher ratio of 9-to-1, which is reflective of the district as a whole and lower than the national average. Gateway Regional High is rated C-plus.
Littleville Elementary is where many younger students in Russell begin their education.
Gateway Regional Middle School near Russell receives a C-score on Niche.com.
The Gateway Regional High School in nearby Huntington is an excellent education option for students in Russell.
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Driving through the Massachusetts Hilltowns
Russell is a car-dependent community. Interstate 90 runs east-west through the community and across the state. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway, a 35-mile stretch of U.S. Route 20, winds through Russell and other Hilltowns, eventually leading to Westfield. Built in 1910 following the rivers and streams in the southern Berkshires, it was the first highway in the U.S. built for motorized vehicles and is a stretch of the longest highway in the United States; Route 20 runs from Massachusetts to Oregon and covers 3,365 miles in total. Russell is 8 miles from Baystate Noble Hospital and about 25 miles northwest of Bradley International Airport near Hartford, Connecticut.
Interstate 90 runs through Russell and provides access to other notable areas nearby.
Bradley International Airport is in close proximity of Russell for those looking to fly to other destinations.
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Exploring the Westfield River and Berkshire Hills
Along the Westfield River, Woronoco Falls offers a scenic picnic spot by the falls where salmon used to migrate upriver. Visitors to the river can wade in the water at the base of the falls in warm weather, or take a short, flat hike in the surrounding woods. Strathmore Park’s covered picnic pavilion can be rented out for large gatherings along the Westfield River. Russell Pond has a sandy beach exclusively for residents of Russell where folks can fish and kayak. Russell is surrounded by forest, and the region is abundant with hiking trails in the Berkshire Hills.
With its rural setting within the heart of New England, Russell is prone to snowfall; it is not uncommon for the town to see over 50 inches of snow over the course of an average winter. But residents here benefit from dependable snowplow services that ensure drivers can get where they need to go: “That particular Hilltown doesn’t seem to have roads that get closed,” Ford says. “The roads get cleared.”
Russell Pond has many spots for residents to go fishing and kayaking.
The town of Russell sits along the Westfield River which provides several recreational opportunities for residents.
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Russell’s local shops and restaurants
Russell has a couple of locally owned pitstops that carry grocery supplies and prepared foods. Cream of the Crop is one of them: shoppers there can get local raw milk and grass-fed beef and browse sections for nonperishables and frozen foods. The Breadbasket Bakery and Café offers espresso drinks and breakfast meals, freshly baked pies and cakes, deli items, and a small grocery selection. “It’s a cute Mennonite store,” Ford says. “It’s super nice and the service is great.” The family-owned Russell Inn Restaurant and Lounge has a casual atmosphere and serves pizza, sandwiches and hearty portions of pasta. Russell also has a Dollar General, which Ford says exceeds most peoples’ expectations: “People describe it as like a mini-Walmart,” she says. “It’s a really nice Dollar General store, recently built in last few years.” But for major hauls, Westfield offers more options like Walmart Supercenter, along with taverns and pubs, 8 miles away.
The Russell Inn is a popular spot for locals to grab a beer and a bite with friends.
Friendly atmosphere and delicious treats can be found at The Breadbasket Bakery and Café in Russell.
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Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Keyes
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karol Makusiewicz,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Russell, MA sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Russell, MA over the last 12 months is $325,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Very spacious three-family home, thoughtfully and completely updated throughout.** Major improvements include updated electrical, heating system, newer windows, siding, roof, and gutters. Each unit features an inviting eat-in kitchen, a spacious living room, and generously sized bedrooms. Washer and dryer hookups and circuit breakers, sub-panels are conveniently located in each unit. This
Welcome to country living! Nestled on a 1.75-acre lot near Russell Pond, Tekoa Mountain, and other area amenities, this home offers a peaceful retreat with a storage shed, raised garden beds, a three-season porch, and a covered porch—perfect for enjoying the fresh Russell air. The exterior also features two driveways and an attached two-car garage. Inside, you're welcomed by a grand entry with a
Builders and Investors take notice! This buildable 2.07 acres locating in Russell if you are looking for privacy to build your dream home, identified as lot B.
Why rent when you can own this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse? Nestled in a quiet, private setting yet just minutes from town, the university, and all essential amenities, this home offers the best of both convenience and tranquility. Enjoy cooking with new stainless steel kitchen appliances, and when spring arrives, imagine relaxing on your private patio, overlooking trees and surrounded
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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