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individual_328 t1_jd14s23 wrote

North Adams? Sure. Mass MoCA is great.

Adams? Sorry, no. Claiming Greylock is lol. You have to leave Adams to get there by road. And the Cheshire reservoir is, uh, in Cheshire. As is most of the Ashuwillticook trail.

And who is underrating Great Barrington? It's absolutely packed with tourists all summer.

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BlaineBMA t1_jd1cg4r wrote

It's a beautiful part of the state. North Adams is a great place.

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JaKr8 t1_jd1l0fi wrote

Great Barrington probably has more great restaurants per capita than any place I've ever been in my life. It's 30 minutes from our home in the area but man is it worth the drive. And the entertainment on railroad Street on weekend nights is a nice way for the entire family to spend time together....

We only spend part of the year here, but we always look forward to it.

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G2KY t1_jd28i62 wrote

I think Erving and Orange are ranked appropriately at the first place lol

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SpyCats t1_jd2c5lf wrote

I used to write a lot of pieces like when I contracted with a travel website and this gives me strong “I’ve never been to any of these communities” vibes.

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bemest t1_jd2cmzv wrote

They forgot that famous UFO abduction site.

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bemest t1_jd2fvi6 wrote

My list might be a bit shorter.

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rolandofgilead41089 t1_jd2mgci wrote

Replying to G2KY (#2,288,838)

Erving and Orange should not be compared at all. Erving is a really nice little town with a great elemtary school and almost no property taxes due to the money made from the Northfield Mountain Project. Orange though... Orange has always been a shithole.

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maybeafarmer t1_jd2q6a9 wrote

It's actually not that bad out here, there are jobs. Like, one or two! Seriously.

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UniqueCartel t1_jd2r6rg wrote

If I can offer my own list of underrated (mostly) Western Mass towns. Sunderland, greenfield, Southbridge (controversial pick!), shelbourne falls, and most of the towns along Rt 7 in the Berkshire’s depending on what you think of Pittsfield (I think it’s fine)

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Mysterious-Sorbet-38 t1_jd2u226 wrote

Western mass is actually shit. There’s 5 decent towns that are small and quaint, yet still filled with drug addled locals. Once you’ve seen one part of New England, you’ve essentially seen them all.

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Angel_ariaa t1_jd30315 wrote

As someone who's lived in Western Mass for a few years now, I can definitely vouch for the fact that there are some seriously underrated towns in this part of the state. From the quirky art scene in Northampton to the charming, small-town feel of Shelburne Falls, there's a lot to love about this region. If you're looking for somewhere to visit that's a bit off the beaten path, I'd highly recommend checking out some of the spots on this list!

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irishgypsy1960 t1_jd30j40 wrote

For all those mocking Orange, I think you will eat your words in a few years. It has a makers space, a brewery, a riverside kayak business, the annual river rat race. A nyc investor bought a riverside brick building a few years ago. Check out the aerial views on the intro to the show Castlerock. They are stunning. Also, the old Victoria homes featured in the show. Finally, look at Athol, next door. If one had bought in athol 10 years ago, it’s more than doubled. Athol has everything now. Cinema, chain stores, new roads and traffic lights. Oh, and Tully Lake in Orange is gorgeous.

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Massive-Prophet t1_jd31l3t wrote

Western Mass is Bestern Mass.

Moved here (Greenfield) recently and can feel my blood pressure drop as soon as I get out of the Boston Metro traffic.

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The_Mean_MacKean t1_jd33oeq wrote

Yeah I don’t know man. Living near Boston is good for me. It’s where the money is. I don’t think I could do what I do and make the same money in Western Mass. Not for my union, anyways. Once you remove that from the equation I’m suddenly paying for retirement, healthcare and all kinds of other add ons out of my check instead of behind the scenes separate from my wage. I’ll stay my ass on the south shore. It’s nice over here.

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JaKr8 t1_jd356uk wrote

Replying to clipperdouglas29 (#2,289,594)

On certain Saturday evenings, they close off Railroad St and have booths, food, and street performers. Almost seems like you're in a hallmark movie.

We love it, the only drawback is the massive lines at SoCo creamery on those evenings...

Dinner at Number 10, and a show at Mahaiwe is a new date nite tradition for the missus and I now...

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CoolAbdul t1_jd360iy wrote

As someone who truly loves North Adams... it's not in any way underrated. It's a very troubled place.

Also - is there anything in Williamsburg?

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itsbernstein t1_jd368y7 wrote

No Pittsfield?

Good there’s really nothing here. Wachona park and what? Colonial theater?

North adams though. That’s a whole different evil

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maralagosinkhole t1_jd36qzb wrote

This is all lies. I live here and it's terrible. Nobody should think about moving here. The author doesn't know what the hell they're talking about. Probably written by Chat GPT

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Speedwagon1935 t1_jd39tl5 wrote

Finally a list from an article ESPECIALLY from Boston.com not praising the hellholes of mass, I have dealt with enough lost and confused souls moving to the wrong places here.

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TecumsehSherman t1_jd3ar4b wrote

Replying to CoolAbdul (#2,291,420)

While I would love some kind of Lovecraft or Steven King type spooky rural Massachusetts situation, I bet they just suck because they have no business or industry, and the nearest city is Springfield.

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JaKr8 t1_jd3f5uk wrote

Replying to clipperdouglas29 (#2,291,468)

We saw graham nash there last summer. The guy's worth something like 50 to 75 million dollars, and he still plays these <1500 seat theaters because he just loves to play.

The theater itself is gorgeous and is supposed to be acoustically excellent, from my experience I would have to agree.

Just curious have you ever tried Pleasant and Main in Housatonic? Another favorite.. Very eclectic decor.

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UniqueCartel t1_jd3ub4y wrote

Replying to CoolAbdul (#2,291,265)

A lot has closed that was great 10 years ago. The bowling alley and the cannery (a great performance space for bands). My pitch for Southbridge is that I lived in their downtown for a couple years. Although dumpy and depressed, my car was never broken into, and most people were pretty friendly. I think Jerry has since passed away (iykyk). Nearby to some pretty good restaurants, mostly in Sturbridge but some pretty decent in Southbridge itself. Margaux’s Deli is a really good sandwich shop too. Sturbridge coffee roasters is decent I hear. Good access to some farms to get fresh turkeys for the thanksgiving and farm fresh produce most of the year. Has access to west like dam with us a great spot to go jogging or throw a frisbee, walk the dog. My only complain is that it’s just too far away off the beaten path. Like I said, controversial pick. I get it.

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adamdreaming t1_jd3uhvp wrote

Replying to streetbum (#2,290,214)

And the NESFI project which is a neat thing to visit when they are hosting events.

But yeah, Belchertown.

Also Williamsburg being on there. I live there. The Grange? As a main attraction? I've never even been in that building.

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RedPandaActual t1_jd3w5op wrote

Replying to streetbum (#2,290,214)

Antonio’s is garbage. Belchertown pizza is way better and closer to red rose in taste. At least Amherst has Bueno y Sano.

Also, Lanesborough? Has anyone been there before? Williamsburg? Really? Williamsburg at least has the brewmasters pub but even then it’s just alright.

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Zorro6855 t1_jd3wlk2 wrote

Missing from list is Southwick. Boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and motocross. Mrs. Murphy's Donuts. Moolicious (stupid name, great ice cream). Come visit!

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ProdigiousNewt07 t1_jd40liq wrote

Replying to UniqueCartel (#2,293,042)

I agree with you! I grew up just next door in Sturbridge and recently moved back (partially because I literally can't afford rent anywhere in the country anymore, but also because MA is a good place to be) and I always thought Southbridge got way more shit than it deserves. Yeah, it can appear a bit shabby and sketchy in parts, but the people are good, genuine, and unpretentious. Mill Street Brews was cool while it was around and there's still a lot of great food for way less than you'd pay elsewhere. I think Southbridge would be fertile ground for someone with vision and lot of money to resuscitate the local economy. Independent businesses could survive there whereas it seems like they're getting squeezed out in other parts of the state and the town has a lot of the walkability and "vibes" younger people are looking for.

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LumberJack732 t1_jd4c50p wrote

Replying to Applecocaine (#2,289,292)

Born and raised and I gotta agree. I love going back for a weekend and visiting it’s absolutely beautiful but I don’t think I’d like to move back even tho the housing prices are so enticing. I have a ton of friends that have carved a very happy life staying put but it can certainly bog you down with out the right mentality. It’s also a lot better then when I was a kid that’s for sure.

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rolandofgilead41089 t1_jd4ru8p wrote

Replying to LetsPlayCanasta (#2,295,209)

We bought in the Turkey Hill area and the only reason we had our offer accepted was because the house needed new windows and some siding replaced, plus the interior was very lived in, but I saw past it all easily. We went with the adage of, "buy the worst house in the best neighborhood" and have absolutely no complaints because we never would have been able to afford a turnkey home anywhere in town.

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Sheeshka49 t1_jd4yszl wrote

How in god’s name is Great Barrington an unknown underrated town? FFS, everyone know that James Taylor lives there—the town is no secret!

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Applecocaine t1_jd5j3qf wrote

Replying to LumberJack732 (#2,294,234)

Same. Born and raised. I got free though and have had the pleasure of seeing the outside world.

Unfortunately I work in North Adams, with the public. The people here don’t seem to realize that they kind of suck, mind you I prefer them to the stuck up assholes from Williamstown (fuck you Williamstown, I’ve met meth addicts friendlier than most of of you. I mean this literally). They are just, not okay in the head.

That all said, despite everyone kinda sucking, they all seem to mean well and don’t realize their weird. Unlike Williamstown, who can fuck right off.

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cowleidoscope t1_jd5o7bd wrote

Replying to individual_328 (#2,286,617)

Mmm, love to spend my vacation walking down the rail trail.

This was very clearly written by someone who hasn't spent more than a few minutes in each town. Especially if they think Great Barrington is some secret spot...

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chobrien01007 t1_jd5qlnx wrote

I live in Belchertown. Not sure I agree with its inclusion on this list.

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3720-To-One t1_jd5zl2s wrote

Is that dime store Old Man in the Mountain in that image?

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mallorn_hugger t1_jd656vj wrote

Replying to Chunderbutt (#2,293,166)

I grew up in Western Mass. I'm sorry, but Belchertown does kind of suck. Not as bad as Ware, which really sucks, but pretty bad. It's not far from Amherst and it has the Quabbin, so it has that going for it.

Unless Charlemont has changed a lot in the last 15 years, it also kind of sucks. Don't get me wrong - it is BEAUTIFUL, but remote, poor, and there isn't much there.

Is it bad that I hope a lot of these stay largely undiscovered? The Amherst-Hadley-Norhtampton hub, where I grew up, and where four generations of my family have lived, has become so crowded and over- developed, it's hardly recognizable. I don't want it to happen to the rest of Western Mass.

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Applecocaine t1_jd71pvf wrote

Replying to LumberJack732 (#2,298,428)

Oh yeah, it’s my native land. I had the misfortune of working during the storm last week.

This was Old West Shaft rd that night.

While looking at my photo roll I found photos I took of the fire in Williamstown while out on a job, weird few days.

And I will never understand their snobbery. They are rich, for the area, and have a college. Oh wow, so special, us plebes should bask in their glory. Dumbasses, you’re in the Berkshires and suck just like the rest of us. You just get to do it with a bit more income.

Only a little salty and done with their shit.

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dazzlingupstairz t1_jdcxp7c wrote

Fucking Adams and North Adams? Underrated? Their great-grandparents were all child laborers in mills and they do fentanyl to pass the time now. If you want a unique cultural experience, Oliver Twist in an Appalachian setting, then I've got just the place for you.

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dougunder t1_jdwlj5b wrote

Replying to UniqueCartel (#2,290,002)

Yeah no reason at all to go to Btown unless your going home

The location is pretty good. 20m in NoHo on Bay rd, 30m to springfield, 10m to amherst. Good thing too as there is bloody all in town.

My family is much happier since moving to Greenfield. IDN why it's not on the list.

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