Moving to Berkshire County
Visiting the Berkshires is a personal favorite of many. It’s no surprise that New Yorkers and Massachusetts residents alike find themselves making their home in Berkshire county. The population is growing, but because of the high demand, only a few properties are available at any given time. Those who do move here find a welcome change of perspective, and Home Sweet Home Real Estate are the realty experts who can help you find your dream home in the Berkshires.
Berkshire: The Geography of Tradition
Technically, the Berkshire communities are a result of an antiquated county that was dissolved of formal governance in 2000. Tradition and culture are what truly make the boundary lines of this region that many still recognize as a county. Berkshire is the only “county” in the state that’s represented by a historical legacy and not a municipal body. The end result is a region that’s led by a shared ideal rather than a body of governors. Since the county was abolished, the communities of Berkshire, though each independent, have managed to cooperate as one.
There are now more than 29 individual towns within the county’s historical boundaries. Each unique region falls into one of four divisions. The first, second, third and fourth districts make up the whole of Berkshire.
One of the reasons for Berkshire County’s popularity is its location at the center of three U.S. states. In addition to Massachusetts, New York’s Columbia and Dutchess counties come in direct contact with the borders of Berkshire, with Connecticut nearby. Berkshire has 134,953 residents, the majority of whom are descended from Irish, Italian and French families.
At 3,491 feet, Berkshire County’s highest point is on Mount Greylock, which is adjacent to the towns of Williams and Adams. What many recognize as Berkshire is mostly a hilly horizon with rounded peaks and smooth bends in the distance. A majority of the Berkshire communities settle at an elevation of 1,200 feet. Every year the maple and oak-covered hills of the Appalachians explode with vibrant colors that hikers, campers and hunters enjoy throughout the fall.
A Cultural Epicenter
The exact location of Berkshire continues to develop its unique culture. These experiences create a sentiment that independent artists exploit. Your experience might have already created nostalgia that can only come from Berkshire. The culture is banded through a multi-state bond of eclectic families and businesses. The county of Berkshire borders the states of Connecticut, Vermont and New York. The four jurisdictions rely on one another and are innovated by the connections that locals are nurturing. How locals speak is even distinct.
Food and Agriculture
Awe-inspiring restaurants are central to the identity of Berkshire. Social gatherings here are centered around exciting foods, with many fresh ingredients sourced from local growers. Red Apple Butchers in Pittsfield offers local pasture-raised meats, and the Berkshire Farm & Table Cheese Trail, which includes small farms and dairies in the Berkshires and New York’s Hudson County, offers some of the country’s finest cheeses. Pair that with a number of renowned restaurants, and you literally have a taste of the region through its booming farm-to-table scene.
MASS MOCA
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MOCA) is a reflection of the region’s passion for art and self-expression. The museum offers modern art and exhibits of antiquity alike. Its multiple galleries give you the chance to find an eclectic mix of modern art in a single visit. On special occasions, local talent and traveling artists put on live demonstrations and shows, and the museum offers rentable space for public and private events. Its youth programs are international and bring students in contact with renowned artists and musicians.
Other Berkshire Cultural Attractions
If you’re a history and/or literature buff, consider a visit to Arrowhead, also known as the Herman Melville house because the author of Moby Dick lived there from 1850-1863. The home is now preserved by the Berkshire County Historical Society and offers tours.
The Berkshires are also home to a number of festivals and fairs, such as the Berkshire Crafts Fair, the Berkshire Botanical Garden Festival, and many other theatre, art, music and film festivals and events.
Low Tax Burdens
Contrary to what its average income might suggest, Berkshire County’s property tax burden is relatively low. The average plot in the county appreciates at a rate of 3.7 percent annually, but prices vary. Also, the residential tax exemption of the State allows your property to be used as a deductible, which keeps a portion of that property from being taxed. This applies to all demographics but only residential properties.
Berkshire Medical Center
Berkshire County’s routine and emergency needs are met by a respected medical facility. The Berkshire Medical Center is all-encompassing and includes about 51 county locations. The 4,000-plus employees working for the center reflect how big of a role BMC plays in Berkshire communities.
Once In a Lifetime …
Finding the ideal place to call home can be difficult at times, but the life that awaits you in Berkshire is an adventure no matter what kind of lifestyle you enjoy. Once you move to the Berkshires, you’ll start to appreciate the complete picture and find the aspects of its culture and landscape that resonate with you the most.
With its mountainous landscapes and many amenities, Berkshire County is waiting for you to call it home. Contact the Berkshire County relocation specialists at Home Sweet Home Realty today to find out more about homes for sale in the Berkshires.