What Pittsfield area like ?

[Madknitter]

I really appreciate your post. My husband and I are looking hard at Pittsfield after 20 years in Ithaca (via Boston). Want to be closer to New England family and love the Berkshires. We want a small, affordable, walkable city. Visited a couple weeks ago and really loved the Southeast part of town. I hope you're still happy there.

Originally Posted by bibliotreka

I'm very new to the area, so maybe can offer a fresh perspective that lacks some of the history (given the hard times central/north Berkshires have had in the past few decades, maybe for the best.. I get the sense that those who grew up here are more likely to think that there's not enough to do, vs those who move in by choice).

Having lived in other parts of rural New England, I'd say that Pittsfield is different in a few ways from other cities in rural areas. You are adjacent to mountains, waterfalls, Tanglewood, and all the other arts & culture. It's really picturesque country. I've found in NE that there are some towns and under-20k cities right next to the mountains, but for cities of Pittsfield's size, it has fairly unique access (like you can see mountains from your window, not just drive 30 min to them). The artsy/crunchy crowd that the Berkshires are known for can be found in Pittsfield too without too much effort. Lots of "shop small" and farm-to-table opportunities to keep it local. A bit more diverse than the rest of the Berkshires too, for what that's worth.

The downtown has been very quiet so far this winter, there is something of a gritty feel when it gets quiet, but I've found it very walkable and compact especially with the recent re-do of main street with the "complete street" improvements. Urban renewal seems to have been somewhat gentle on downtown, with much of the historic streetscape still intact. Amtrak access downtown is a perk. Lots of bike-friendly improvements on the way with Ashuwillticook coming eventually to downtown. City hall seems keenly aware that it needs to attract more young professionals.

The homes tend to be older, if you like old homes with character that are built to last. Southeast part of the city has some handsome neighborhoods of arts & crafts (ca. 1920's) homes, walkable to some coffee/bakery options on Elm St, and you can buy a charming little place for a steal compared to anywhere else in MA.

Some "best places to live"-type lists will give Pittsfield some good rankings, that's often because they're looking at Pittsfield metro which covers all Berkshire county. I do think that Pittsfield is on the cusp of change though, between the money moving upward from south county (as people get priced out down there) and the rise of remote workers coming into the Berks.

I think those who have seen more of the drugs/crime will consider that too rosy an assessment, but I do think there's fertile ground here for a good life for those who have stable work nailed down and can see the city for what it can be, not just what it was.

[G1..]

Originally Posted by Madknitter

I really appreciate your post. My husband and I are looking hard at Pittsfield after 20 years in Ithaca (via Boston). Want to be closer to New England family and love the Berkshires. We want a small, affordable, walkable city. Visited a couple weeks ago and really loved the Southeast part of town. I hope you're still happy there.

I would look at Lee or even Great Barrington instead. Still in the same area but IMO nicer smaller towns.

[Saguarogirl507]

Originally Posted by G1..

I would look at Lee or even Great Barrington instead. Still in the same area but IMO nicer smaller towns.

I second Lee. It is a little less expensive than Great Barrington and literally steps to the Mass Pike.

[Madknitter]

Thanks to you both on your suggestions of Lee and Great Barrington.

[matrix5k]

Lenox has better schools in that area. Lee and Great Barrington are nice too.