When most people think of the Berkshires, they imagine artsy mountain towns filled with rustic outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and camping in the summer and ice skating and snowboarding in the winter. While this is true, what many people don’t realize about the Berkshires are all of the tech startups that have recently sprung up in towns like North Adams and Pittsfield. This begs the question, why would any company want to work remotely in such a beautiful area? Here are five reasons why

The region is beautiful

This part is obvious, but there’s a reason why photographers flock here. The Berkshires are known for their incredible views and wildlife—if you can drag yourself away from work, you won’t be disappointed by what you see around here.

The area is full of cultural events

Berkshire County offers an abundance of cultural events, including music festivals and outdoor concerts. If you’re looking for a change of pace from your usual work routine, Berkshire is for you. Berkshire is ideal for working remotely because it has so much to offer in terms of entertainment—from museums and art galleries to historical tours, there’s always something going on in these charming towns.

People are friendly

The Berkshires is home to a growing community of creative professionals, but it’s also brimming with local people who are welcoming and friendly. There’s no reason not to make friends and chat with your neighbors! Plus, there are always lots of activities happening—live music at our historic taverns and restaurants or monthly farmer’s markets—all of which are great excuses for getting out of your office and into conversations with your neighbors.

There are plenty of coffee shops

The most important piece of equipment you need when working from home is a great cup of coffee. And you can find plenty of cafes that serve great, high-quality java, from popular chains like Starbucks and Caribou Coffee to one-off shops, too. In fact, many people in these small New England towns will walk or bike their way to work just for a good cup of joe.

There are high-speed internet options

The first obstacle for any remote worker is a reliable internet connection. In and around Pittsfield, MA, you’ll find a variety of options from which to choose. From 50 Mbps DSL and cable connections to gigabit Ethernet connections with dedicated bandwidth packages, you can pick an option that works for your business and your budget.