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Sprawled across the western reaches of Massachusetts, the Berkshires have been one of America's most popular tourist destinations for more than a century. Rich in history, culture and natural splendor, the region is best known for its excellent recreational opportunities and its thriving arts community. Once a largely unexplored backcountry at New England's western margin, the Berkshire County are now home to a growing regional economy in tourism, culture and higher education. Whether you're looking for a summer cottage or a permanent residence, the Berkshire County offer great opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor recreation, entertainment and leisure.
Originally inhabited by the Mohican Indian tribe, the Berkshires were first explored by Europeans in the early 1700s. Most of the land comprising present-day Berkshire County was purchased by the English in 1724, and a county government was established in 1761. Named by the Royal Governor, Sir Francis Bernard, for his home county in England, Berkshire County remained largely agricultural in nature until the early 19th century, when several mills were built along the region's waterways. With the arrival of railroads the Berkshires emerged as a popular summer resort for wealthy families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Several fine examples of the summer estates they built, called "Berkshire cottages," still stand today. By the early 20th century, the region's industrial fortunes had diminished along with its patrician elite, though the area would enjoy a major economic and cultural revival in succeeding decades. A strong regional commitment to historical and nature preservation paid off as the many historical sites and state parks drew new residents and visitors to the Berkshires
Geographically, the Berkshires stretch from the Connecticut River valley in the east to the New York border in the east and from the Vermont border in the north to Connecticut's Farmington River valley in the south. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Berkshires from Mount Everett State Park at the Connecticut border to Vermont's Green Mountains. Rolling hills, lush forests and rushing mountain streams dominate the natural landscape, interrupted only by cozy village squares, church steeples, dairy farms, small colleges and a handful of modest cities.
Outdoor attractions in the Berkshires include Mount Greylock, the state's highest peak; Bish Bash Falls, the state's tallest waterfall at nearly 200 feet; Berkshire Botanical Garden; Natural Bridge State Park, which features the only naturally formed white marble bridge in North America; and the recently opened Herbert Arboretum. The 11-mile Ashuwilticook Rail Trail passes through the Hoosic River Valley between the Hoosic and Mount Greylock Ranges, flanked by wetlands, the Cheshire Reservoir, and the Hoosic River; a former railroad corridor that has been converted into a scenic recreation path, it offers excellent opportunities for cycling and scenic day hikes. The more than two dozen state parks in the Berkshires feature hiking trails, beaches, scenic views, historical exhibits and abundant wildlife.
Along with its recreational attractions, the Berkshire region is known for its growing arts community. By the dawn of the 21st, many old mill buildings had been converted into art galleries, museums and performance spaces, with perhaps the most famous example being the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (or Mass MoCA) in North Adams. Opened in 1999, Mass MoCA is the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the nation. Other cultural attractions in the Berkshire County include Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra; the Norman Rockwell museum, which features the iconic artist's original studio; and the Tony award-winning Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Through this site you can explore towns within the Berkshire County, MA real estate area. Through each Berkshire County town website, you will find extensive information on buying or selling real estate. If you are looking to invest in Berkshire County Massachusetts real estate, you will find a variety of opportunities available to you. The Berkshire County area offers residential homes, new construction, condominiums (condos), adult living communities (55+ communities), retirement homes and facilities, land, waterfront properties and multi-family investment properties. Towns surrounding Berkshire County offer vacation homes, farms, equine and country properties.