2019 Best Places to Live in Franklin CountyAbout this List

Deerfield

• Town in Massachusetts
• 3

• A

• B

• 5,049 Population

South Deerfield

• Town in Massachusetts
• 2

Niche User: Very nice town to live in, especially for a growing family. Small town.
Read 2 Reviews

• A-

• B

• 1,580 Population

Sunderland

• Town in Massachusetts
• 22

Parent: I love this entire area, and feel very lucky to be able to live here. We have a gorgeous rural countryside with rolling hills and farmland and a small-town community atmosphere but are still within a short drive to city amenities. We also have nearby small towns with great shops and restaurants. During the summer we have abundant fruits and vegetables from the surrounding farmland. The people are diverse, and there is a vibrant art and culture scene as well as a thriving academic community consisting of the five colleges of University of Massachusetts, Smith College, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire College and Amherst College.
Read 22 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 3,662 Population

Shelburne

• Town in Massachusetts
• 2

• B+

• C+

• 1,935 Population

Gill

• Town in Massachusetts
• 1

• B+

• C+

• 1,604 Population

Whately

• Town in Massachusetts

• B

• B

• 1,339 Population

Greenfield

• Town in Massachusetts
• 33

Current Resident: First is to correct the ill-informed and unfair characterizations of this town by some others who have posted here. Greenfield is a city, the county seat, and it has the positives and negatives of cities. Drug problems are everywhere, and it's unfair to single us out like some have done. We don't put on facades like our supposedly hip neighbors to the north and south. But we have most of what they brag about, like a vibrant music scene, the arts, and great food choices. We were named one of Massachusett's Cultural Districts. We have the most cooperative worker-owned businesses than probably any town or city in the area. There's a lot of easily accessible outdoor recreation, and
we have a great range of shopping choices, both in town and nearby, and one of the last true independent department stores, Wilsons.
Read 33 Reviews

• B-

• B

• 17,474 Population

Montague

• Town in Massachusetts
• 11

Current Resident: I have lived in Montague for the past 19 years and I think that it is a good place to live overall. The only downside is that the taxes have been increasing in price and they are becoming more expensive.
Read 11 Reviews

• B-

• C+

• 8,311 Population

Erving

• Town in Massachusetts
• 4

Current Resident: The community newsletter always makes me feel like a part of the town. I love our library and it's programs. Neighbors are mostly quiet.
Read 4 Reviews

• B-

• C+

• 1,841 Population

Millers Falls

• Town in Massachusetts
• 8

Niche User: Everyone is friendly and the schools are great
Read 8 Reviews

• C+

• C+

• 1,234 Population

Turners Falls

• Town in Massachusetts
• 22

Current Resident: I like the small town vibe that Turners has. The bike path and the river are wonderful. It isn't too busy so I can walk around and enjoy the day. It is close to Greenfield and not that far away from Northampton so it is easy to visit people. I wish that it was more diverse.
Read 22 Reviews

• C+

• C+

• 4,124 Population

Orange

• Town in Massachusetts
• 3

Current Resident: Great small town in western Massachusetts. I grew up in and still reside in Orange. The community is overwhelming with support, specially when someone or a family is in need. It's an everyone knows everyone type of place.
Read 3 Reviews

• C+

• B-

• 4,044 Population

Shutesbury

• Town in Massachusetts
• 5

Niche User: The local law enforcement is amazing
Read 5 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 1,752 Population

Leverett

• Town in Massachusetts
• 5

Current Resident: I love the town of Leverett! It has a lot of nature to appreciate and it is very quiet. I would love if there was more public access to Leverett pond, however.
Read 5 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 1,997 Population

Conway

• Town in Massachusetts
• 2

• A

• B+

• 1,800 Population

Ashfield

• Town in Massachusetts
• 1

Current Resident: It is a small, safe town. There is a strong community and it is a nice drive to any towns with stores which you may need. It is about 20 to 30 minutes away from any major stores but all the essentials can be found close by.
Read 1 Review

• B

• C+

• 1,598 Population

Rowe

• Town in Massachusetts

• B

• B-

• 400 Population

New Salem

• Town in Massachusetts
• 3

Current Resident: Salem is a semi-quaint place to live. There are fantastic restaurants, local artist, museums, live music, and much much more. Everything is relatively within walking distance. Lovely place to visit or live.
Read 3 Reviews

• B

• B

• 1,019 Population

Northfield

• Town in Massachusetts
• 2

Current Resident: Stuffy boring town. Nothing ever changes. We don’t even have a gas station you have to go to the next town over for gas. We have two small restaurants, two corner stores, and a salon. We used to have a pool but they no longer allow public access. We have a golf course and our library is the prize possession of our historic town.
Read 2 Reviews

• B

• B-

• 3,012 Population

Hawley

• Town in Massachusetts
• 2

Niche User: Though there aren't police in my town, it's safe.
Read 2 Reviews

• B

• C+

• 425 Population

Wendell

• Town in Massachusetts

• B-

• B

• 864 Population

Buckland

• Town in Massachusetts
• 1

Niche User: Everybody knows everybody is a quote that is true around here. Small town life is great the only reason why the quality is not top notch because the school system is going down hill. If you want a great scene surrounding your life and friendly neighbors, come join us!
Read 1 Review

• B-

• C+

• 1,927 Population

Warwick

• Town in Massachusetts

• B-

• B-

• 750 Population

Bernardston

• Town in Massachusetts
• 2

Current Resident: Bernardston is a small, quiet town with a lot of charm. There are a few restaurants, a corner store, a gas station, and a Dunkin Donuts, and its about a 15 minute drive to the city of Greenfield which has a little bit more for shops and nightlife. Bernardston is perfect for families and there's usually fun events happening during the summer and fall seasons that bring the community together.
Read 2 Reviews

• C+

• B-

• 2,191 Population

Shelburne Falls

• Town in Massachusetts
• 3

Current Resident: Shelburne Falls has become a bit of a tourist town in the summers, but that just means that there are big draws. People come to take in the breathtaking views of the Deerfield River Valley, and there are incredible dining experiences to be had. It is close to outdoor activities like skiing, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining, and if you ask around with the locals, you may be able to discover hiking trails and swimming holes. 100% worth the visit.
Read 3 Reviews

• C+

• C+

• 1,738 Population