Berkshires...right for us? (Boston, Pittsfield: transplants, for sale, crime)

[eatcoldpizza]

I'm looking for some honest opinions as to whether the Berkshires are right for us. We are a family of 3: work at home Dad (59), stay at home Mom (36) and child in K (6). We are looking for a place to relocate that we can afford to buy a home (6-7 digit range) and maintain our lifestyle of living off investments so my husband doesn't have to go back to an office job. My husband needs some guys to converse and hang out with during the day who are somewhat educated and not afraid of politics, alternative health care, exercise (tennis) and animated conversations in general. I need to not be the only non-working Mom who carries the burden of volunteering for school/church/community events. We both need people who aren't so busy they can't take time to make new friends or come over for dinner at the last minute. My child needs a great public (or private) school and a community that has kids and is kid-friendly. IE: I can feel safe sending my child down the block to play at a friend's house without an escort, or I can let my child roam around town without fear of abduction. We feel the need for a community where people know one another and hold each other accountable for their actions. We feel the need for a community where different opinions and lifestyles are accepted, but where common decorum and decency are observed. We are both into yoga (Kripalu?), health food (organic grocery stores?), alternative healing, more liberal politics (although in San Fran we're considered conservative), church, supporting public schools, great live music (classical, folk, acoustic rock), theatre, dance, art, fabulous restaurants (we're spoiled in San Fran on that account) and keeping fit. I realize the San Fran winter is a bit different (tounge in cheek) than a MA winter, but I think we can anticipate and deal with the change, he being from Maryland and me Minnesota, originally. Can anyone give us some solid advice as to whether we're crazy to consider The Berkshires? I've scoured other threads and it seems Great Barrington, Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, Richmond and environs are in line with what we're searching for. However, it's hard to guage whether we'd go mad in these communities. We don't want to be surrounded by retired folks with no kids, or empty vacation homes for NYC and Boston escapees. Are these vibrant communities, relatively, on their own? Should we look elsewhere? Can you suggest which schools in which towns would be the best to consider? We are very appreciative of any offered opinon. Kind thanks...

[skytrekker]

Great write there eatcoldpizza

Another possible escapee to New England from CA- you are one of many; we have many here in Connecticut. Been to San Francisco and the bay area 10 times, love the climate, the liberal attitudes, so much to do.

Ok, I like western Mass- Lennox, and Stockbridge are very pleasant towns with lots of art and culture. The towns however are rather small in population.
So its difficult to fathom if you will go 'crazy'. During the spring, summer and autumn perhaps not; the winters may prove to be difficult unless you like to ski or snow mobile.

As much as I like the beauty of the Berkshires and the charm of these towns, frankly when in western Mass. I always fall back toward Northampton and the Pioneer Valley. More people, larger arts and culture scene, more alternative venues in organics, medicine and A great music and arts scene, fabulous ethnic restaurants and the close proximity of Smith College, Amherst and the University of Mass insure a steady stream of new ideas and learning. The area is big enough so a former San Franciscan will not become bored.

Beyond the Pioneer Valley; some other ideas- to the south the greater Hartford area- has one one of the best arts scenes in the nation- rated 21 out of 355 metro areas in the USA and Canada. Lots of former Californians here; especially in the Farmington Valley west of Hartford, also many along the southeastern shoreline and lower Connecticut river in Essex and Lyme. Also popular is Tolland and Windham counties eastern Connecticut's 'Quiet Corner' which is halfway between Hartford and Providence- offering rural pastoral landscapes, small towns, Bed and Breakfasts, lots of history and a good arts scene. Eastern Connecticut also has some excellent wineries and a renowned herbal farm.It is also close to the beaches on the coast. Providence is a great city as well with much to do. The beaches in Rhode Island on the Atlantic are beautiful- and CT offers some fine beaches on Block Island sound and the Atlantic.

Hartford and Providence are medium sized metro areas that offer enough activity so one does not become bored in the winter months.
Yet another possibility are the western hills of Connecticut- which have some very pleasant towns.

Climate wise the Berkshires have a more rigorous climate then eastern and central CT- with much more in the way of snow in the winter. For example here in eastern CT we may have all rain, while Great Barrington gets a foot of snow- the Atlantic ocean plays a large role in winter weather here.

Housing prices in western Mass and the Berkshires will be much less then the bay area. In eastern CT a new colonial 3 bedrooms 2 baths, double garage, basement, fireplace on 1 acre or more will start around 299K.

Do PM for additional info on CT

[kaday]

We lived in the Berkshires for three years for th same reasons you are looking to move there. If you do, live in Lenox. Send your kids to private schools. And make sure you find a neighborhood with a lot of transplants.

We lived in a very upscale Southeast Pittsfield neighborhood. The town is in a renaissance and we really liked the potential it had. For $500,000 we got a huge ten room house with an amazing mountain view and very upscale interior. We could not believe our luck.

However, while the people were nice, they never really accepted us. My kids were constantly excluded.

The public school we sent our daughter to was considered the best in Pittsfield and it's scores were the same as the el in Lenox. My daughter was the top student in her class. Everyone talked about how gifted she was.
Well my daughter is very bright, but once we moved to a "A" public school we realized the school was just not very challenging and she is very bright but definitely not gifted. I have talked with many people who have lived in the Berkshires then moved and as far as the schools we have all had the same experience.

The good things are the Fall and Summer. The cost of living. The pretty scenery. If your kids are young in the summer and fall there is always somethng to pick, or a farm to visit. You can ski often.

Anyway I've said enough!

[artichoke63]

What about North Adams? It's coming along and is the home of Mass Moca.

Artie

[gimme it]

North Adams scares me, but I do like Mass Moca. I think Coldpizza and her family would love Northampton or even Amherst MA. I am very familiar with the Berkshires, having parents who live in Stockbridge. I like the area, but I think it will seem small and even boring after awhile, especially since you are coming from SF. The college towns I mentioned are fairly close to the Berkshires (1.5 hrs or so), but seem more new agey and lively. If you really want the Berkshires, then consider Great Barrington which shows more signs of life. Stockbridge, while beautiful beyond belief is too sleepy, IMO. You have to see both areas to see what appeals to you.

[artichoke63]

Originally Posted by gimme it

North Adams scares me, but I do like Mass Moca. I think Coldpizza and her family would love Northampton or even Amherst MA. I am very familiar with the Berkshires, having parents who live in Stockbridge. I like the area, but I think it will seem small and even boring after awhile, especially since you are coming from SF. The college towns I mentioned are fairly close to the Berkshires (1.5 hrs or so), but seem more new agey and lively. If you really want the Berkshires, then consider Great Barrington which shows more signs of life. Stockbridge, while beautiful beyond belief is too sleepy, IMO. You have to see both areas to see what appeals to you.

Why does North Adams scare you? MASS MoCA is one of the largest centers of contemporary art and technology in the country. From what I understand, the town is up and coming.

Artie

[missionhill]

I'd consider the eastern side of the Berkshires, nearer the Connecticut River--towns like Ashfield, Shelburne, Buckland, Conway, Colrain, Williamsburg, Easthampton. Or right in the valley, like Wendell, Leverett, Pelham. These places are not seasonal; they have lots of community feeling, and, being on the Northampton to Brattleboro granola axis, you'll find a range of worldviews. Amherst-Northampton provide lots of restaurants/cultural activity. South Berkshire county is very nice but very oriented to summer residents, summer tourists, and retirees. North County not so much but pretty remote.

[devon123]

It sounds like you would fit right in in Amherst or Northampton. Close to the Berkshires, just as beautiful, and a bit more going on. You'll find no lack of educated people, liberals, organic/health food, yoga, arts and music, etc. Since your coming from a big city Northampton is probably a better fit, as Amherst without the students feels like a really small town in the summer. The Amherst public school system is outstanding, and Northampton has Williston, a good private day school.

[ontheroad]

Having just done New England--although there is so much more to see, and a former NYCer, I agree that some of the small towns, although both beautiful and delightful, may be too small for someone accustomed to San Francisco.

And, weather-wise, I wish I had more information on the whys and hows, but apparently even a few miles difference can either bring you "lots of snow" vs. "lots of rain" as pointed out above.

However, if you are both stay at home, many of the towns mentioned would fit the bill, and then you can search out some alternative shopping, and entertainment visits to adjoining towns.

If you're reading the boards, on and off, don't hesitate to ask specific questions.

[madevelopment]

You say you would like a good school system - I suggest "THE SUBURB" of North Adams - Clarksburg. Small classes - NO CRIME (1 part time police officer) and less then 5 minutes to North Adams. Your husband can go to the local coffee shops and indulge in lots of political conversations, etc. with others who have recently located here from across the country and world. There is a great scene beginning to arise here. There are presently two homes for sale in this town as they are rare to come on the market. Check it out. I would be happy to fill you in with more. Pittsfield area = crime and drugs! Google search North Adams for all the positive press!!!