Washington’s forested solitude and neighborly charm
Tucked between the dense woods of October Mountain and the quieter ridgelines of Central Berkshire, Washington is an unassuming hidden gem spanning nearly 39 square miles, two-thirds of which is conservation land. With a year-round population of just under 500, this small town offers true seclusion. Residents live amongst the trees, just minutes from hiking trails, high-elevation ponds and long stretches of unpaved roads. And while it might sound like many other rural towns in western Massachusetts, few offer the sense of community that pervades Washington. “It’s extremely rural, but has a surprisingly close-knit community,” says Lori Rose, a broker and partner at Stone House Properties who has been in the industry for over 20 years.
Part of that tight-knit nature come from neighbors here staying connected with one another and the goings-on about town. A monthly printed newsletter, “Washington Tracks,” keeps locals updated on events and community news, from plant swaps and scholarship announcements to volunteer opportunities and birthdays. The Transfer Station serves as both a trash depot and a gathering place. The Becket Athenaeum and neighboring art center offer a slew of events, ranging from art classes to toddler playtime for stay-at-home parents. The town even boasts a Council on Aging that organizes events for Washington’s senior population.
Community life centered around nature
The Washington Town Hall is the center of civic life, hosting well-attended annual meetings and community events like Family Fun Day in June. Every summer, the Friends of Washington Town Park organizes a summer concert series with live music and nature-based activities for kids, transforming empty fields into a colorful blend of blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and distant chatter amongst neighbors.
Other events, like the annual Sons and Daughters Reunion, connect former and current residents, highlighting Washington’s pride. The Hop Brook Community Club raises money for scholarships and organizes local walks and talks. Occasional events like Plant-a-Palooza, in partnership with Berkshire Botanical Garden, invite residents to grow native plants in their yards in support of pollinators and stream restoration.
Trails, trees, and quiet recreation in Washington
Dense forests, wetlands and small lakes define much of the landscape here, creating a rural retreat for homeowners seeking seclusion and proximity to nature. “October Mountain State Forest comprises basically the western half of town,” Rose says, who notes that the forest provides year-round recreation, including stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Residents can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski and snowmobile through miles of trails just outside their front doors. Fishing ponds are hidden deep within the woods, while campgrounds and scenic overlooks are tucked within the mountainside. A sliver of flat land along Washington State Road gives way to Washington Town Park, a well-maintained green space with a large playground, basketball court and soccer field.
Secluded homes with forest views
Most properties in Washington are single-family homes tucked behind dense tree lines, often hidden from the road and surrounded by wooded acreage. Styles range from rustic log cabins and early 20th-century farmhouses to modern Cape Cods, ramblers and Colonial Revivals. Many homes sit on multi-acre lots, offering serene views of the forest, meadows or nearby hills. “The Central Berkshires tend to be more affordable than the Southern Berkshires,” Rose says, with home prices in Washington ranging from the $100,000s to the $500,000s.
Access to amenities in surrounding towns
While Washington has no retail strip or commercial center, amenities are a short drive away. About 11 miles northwest, Pittsfield serves as the region’s commercial hub, boasting big-box stores, national grocery store chains, restaurants and entertainment venues. Fifteen miles south, Lee offers access to Interstate 90, along with local markets, cafes and shopping centers. However, Washington residents also have weekly entertainment options closer to town. On the south side of town, Becket Athenaeum and the neighboring art center offer a mix of weekly yoga classes, toddler playgroups, art classes and even whiskey tastings, and patrons can also catch up on the latest news, access the internet or browse the library’s collection of fiction, non-fiction and music selections at the Athenaeum.
Small class sizes in Central Berkshire Public Schools
Central Berkshire Public Schools, which scores a B rating from Niche, serves Washington students. B-minus-rated schools include Becket Washington School and Nessacus Middle School. Wahconah Regional High School earns a B and features small class sizes, with nearly 520 students across ninth through twelfth grades.
Getting around on Washington’s rural roads
Due to its rural, rugged nature, Washington is a car-dependent community. Massachusetts State Route 8, or Washington State Road, is the main thoroughfare through town, connecting residents to Lee, about 15 miles away. Pittsfield’s Berkshire Medical Center is about 11 miles northwest, while Albany International Airport is about 60 miles away via Interstate 90. Other nearby thoroughfares include U.S. Route 20 and Route 7.
