Buckland

Homes on acreage in rural Massachusetts

Buckland has a wide variety of homes. Most are single-family properties built in the 20th century, but some can date as far back as the 1700s, and they are spaced out across the neighborhood. Similar to property ages, the acreage also varies; lot sizes can range from less than an acre to more than a dozen acres. Prices depend on acreage, and recently sold homes generally fall between $340,000 and $700,000. Architectural styles include Cape Cods, farmhouses and custom designs. Buckland earns a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible rating.

Traveling beyond Buckland’s rural roads

Residents rely on cars to get around. Massachusetts Route 2 runs along the north side of Buckland, and Route 112 runs north-south through the community. Greenfield is about 15 miles east, where drivers can get on Interstate 91. “We’ve got the little village thing going on here, but in 15 minutes, you can be in Greenfield and have access to 91,” Roberts, who has lived in the area for 70 years, says. “We have good access.” Springfield sits around 50 miles south and Boston is over 100 miles away. Baystate Franklin Medical Center is the closest hospital, situated in Greenfield.

Shelburne Falls’ downtown offers boutique shopping and dining

When Buckland residents need to shop for everyday items, Greenfield has Big Y and Stop & Shop supermarkets. For more retail options, there is a Walmart about 25 miles away in North Adams. Shelburne Falls has its own town center for quaint shopping and dining. “There are about 10 restaurants between the Buckland and Shelburne sides of the river,” Roberts says. “The Blue Rock Restaurant and Bar and Gypsy Apple Bistro have their own famous chefs that cook for everybody. You can eat, enjoy the river and shop boutiques.” The Foxtown Diner sits on Bridge Street, close to the river. “That’s where all the locals gather. People come and it’s just your old-fashioned breakfast-and-lunch diner,” Roberts says. Nearby, Baked also serves breakfast and lunch. Diners can also:

• Grab a drink at Floodwater Brewing Company
• Order sandwiches and burgers at Hotfire Bar & Grill
• Get a coffee and see live music at Mocha Maya’s Coffee House

Kids head east for schooling near Shelburne Falls

Students in Buckland attend public school near Shelburne Falls. Mohawk Trail Public Schools’ elementary schools end with sixth grade, with Mohawk Trail Regional High School spanning grades 7 through 12. “The biggest employer in Buckland is Mohawk Trail High School,” Roberts says. “We have a wonderful selection of private schools here. People come from all over the world.” The Academy at Charlemont is a highly rated private school west of Buckland.

Seasonal events for the Buckland and Shelburne communities

Buckland and Shelburne are connected by the Bridge of Flowers, a footbridge open from May to October. Flowers and trees, maintained by volunteers from the community, flank the walkway, making for a colorful corridor during warmer months. The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum offers rides on the city’s original car number 10. The town has other landmarks, including historic buildings and the Salmon Falls Gallery, which spotlights famed glass artist Josh Simpson.

For four decades, Moonlight Magic has brought the Shelburne Falls community together the Friday after Thanksgiving. “It’s one of the things that people flock to here, standing room only on both sides of the river and bridge,” Roberts says. “Vendors set up and there’s food, music and caroling.” The event’s centerpiece, the Parade of Lights, features Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the Village Community Tree.