Pittsfield, MA


6 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Pittsfield, MA

About Pittsfield, MA

Pittsfield, Massachusetts lies within Berkshire County providing visitors great entertainment opportunities from the Colonial Theatre to Hancock Shaker Village along with food spots like Rubiner’s Cheese & Grocery Store. Mid-size metro area set in the rolling hills and forests of New England. Primary industries include healthcare and manufacturing. - In western Massachusetts, 40 miles northwest of Springfield and 45 miles southeast of Albany, New York..

Location Details

State: Massachusetts
County: Berkshire County
Metro Area: Pittsfield Metro Area
City: Pittsfield
Zip Codes: 01201
Cost of Living: -4.1% lower
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 994 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Pittsfield.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Pittsfield

The Pittsfield, MA metro area is a place with a long history, located in western Massachusetts. It's one of the oldest areas in the state, going back to the 18th century. Over the years, it played a big part in the industrial revolution, especially with textile and iron industries. But like many places, its economy has changed a lot since those days.

Geographically, Pittsfield is nestled in the Berkshire Mountains. This setting means residents are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including forests, hills, and lakes. The area is famous for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and fishing, thanks to these natural resources. The climate here sees all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers.

Economically, Pittsfield has moved away from its heavy reliance on manufacturing. Now, healthcare, education, and tourism are big parts of the local economy. Key players include Berkshire Medical Center and educational institutions like Berkshire Community College. However, despite these changes, the area still holds onto some of its manufacturing roots, particularly in aerospace and defense.

When it comes to politics, Pittsfield leans towards the Democratic Party. The area has a tradition of supporting progressive policies and candidates, reflecting a community that values engagement and participation in political matters.

Life in Pittsfield offers a blend of community feeling and access to nature and culture. It's more laid-back compared to bigger cities, and the cost of living is relatively low. This makes it an attractive place for people looking for a quieter lifestyle without giving up cultural attractions. The area is home to museums, theaters, and music venues, including the Tanglewood Music Center, known for its summer performances.

New residents should be ready for the seasonal weather. Winters are cold and require preparation for snow, while summers are a great time to explore the outdoors. The vibrant arts scene and numerous parks and recreational spots mean there's always something to do. Plus, the community is welcoming, making it easier for newcomers to feel at home.

In summary, Pittsfield, MA, offers a special mix of history, natural beauty, and a varied economy. It's a place where you can enjoy the peace of small-town living alongside a lively cultural scene and beautiful outdoor settings. Newcomers will find a friendly community ready to welcome them into this unique area of Massachusetts.

Pittsfield Cost of Living
$$$$

Low humidity, pleasant summers, and good health resources make Pittsfield a great place to live.

$263,800
-28.2% lower than avg
$59,522
-16.0% lower than avg
$1,480 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+3.4% higher than avg
Pittsfield Crime
40.9 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
$50,400
for a family
$45,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Pittsfield
   Low humidity
Harsh winters
   Pleasant summers
High taxes
   Good health resources
Losing population
Reviews for Pittsfield
    See all (6)

I have grown up in Pittsfield, moved away, and came back. The loss of the GE manufacturing plant in the 80's adversely affected this blue collar city. This is not the  More

   |    Reply

Pittsfield has done nothing to attract any form of business for the 40 of 47 years that I have lived here. The current tax rate is now 3.7% for business property - that  More

   |    Reply

Hello, I was surprised to see Pittsfield, MA, listed as one of the towns with least crime. We've had 4 shootings since the beginning of the year! Where do you get  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Pittsfield

Cost of Living
Compare Pittsfield, MA
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.