Boston Business Journal's quest to find where the wealthy live in the Bay State has resulted in its latest data collection of income and housing values in the state's 490 ZIP codes. Using information from the Department of Revenue, BBJ's identified the toniest ZIP codes, and the not-so tony.
Using income and other demographic data provided by Esri, a California-based provider of database-mapping software, the BBJ has identified a handful of candidates to potentially carry the crown as the wealthiest ZIP code in Massachusetts. Not surprisingly, most of the communities in the running are located in Boston's western suburbs.
At the top is Weston, with a median household income of $200,001 and median home value $1 million.
So how did the Berkshires do? Well, we might think certain areas are "wealthy" but they came up short compared to the rest of the state (with the caveat that rich and poor are relative).
We did crack the top 100, No. 80 to be exact. Our 90210 is 01258, better known as South Egremont.
The village, population 167, boasts a median household income of $72,768, a median home value of $292,500 and an average net worth of $1.05 million.
Also with an average net worth of a $1 million is Richmond, coming in at spot 105. (Richmond was also ranked No. 42 in the state with the most millionaires per residents; Alford was 18.) The top six in the Berkshires are all small towns, the biggest being West Stockbridge with a population of 1,678. Hmmm, do second-home owners get counted twice?
The county's two cities are in the 400 range, but they're not last in the state. Springfield, Lawrence and Lynn make up the bottom.
Well, the Doc made up for it in his followup, 'I'm from Western Mass," which was released Thursday evening. The newest video features locations throughout the county.
After Thursday's release, Dr. Westchesterson plans on hitting the road, which will take him to the Berkshires. He is scheduled to perform at Chameleon's Nightclub on Saturday, Nov. 24.
Since dropping on YouTube last Friday, the catchy "413" has gone viral with nearly 58,000 hits.
Dr. Westchesterson claims to have fled Portland, Ore., after dispensing medical marijuana and now spends his time with select patients and working on his music career. He also says he graduated from Agawam High School ("Shake yourself from the senior prom, 'cause I come straight out of Agawam."), which he features in his video along with chillin' at Yankee Candle and shooting hoops at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Also getting shoutouts are Friendly's, the food court at the Holyoke Mall, UMass, Springfield, Dr. Suess and local eateries.
What's missing? Berkshire and Franklin counties, which has caused some griping from fans. On his blog, Dr. Westchesterson promises to remedy that oversight:
When I read comments on my YouTube channel that certain people in Pittsfield and Greenfield and Holyoke were a little dissapointed that their particular little corners of W. Mass weren't represented in the video - it made me want to do one thing and one thing only.
Make another video that includes even MORE gems and hidden treasures of the 413. Like the Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke. And the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne. And the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. And the inside of the womens' only dorms at each of the seven sister schools. ;)
May we also suggest Jack's Hot Dogs in North Adams, Joe's Diner in Lee or the Highland or Teo's in Pittsfield? We've also got lakes, a natural bridge, trains, Norman Rockwell, the Berkshire Museum, Williams College, Tanglewood and the tallest mountain in the state.
"Put your hands in the air for the 413!"
Great Barrington Ranked No. 1 In Small Towns
Staff Reports On: 09:56PM / Tuesday April 17, 2012
Great Barrington has been named the best small town in the country.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Smithsonian Magazine has ranked Great Barrington as No. 1 in its annual listing on the best small towns in the country.
The magazine characterizes the town as "big-city smart meets New England natural in an art-rich mountain setting." Even with a population of only 6,800 people, the Smithsonian writer raved about the downtown where one can get "anything you want."
But its "cozy" with scenic views. The writer cites the town's "devotion" to farming, historic mansions and art venues. The entire review can be seen here.
Great Barrington beat out runner-up Taos, N.M., followed by Red Bank, N.J. The neighboring state to the north popped in at No. 11 with Brattleboro, Vt.
ABC Broadcasts Travel Video on Berkshire Winter
By: Staff Reports On: 08:04PM / Monday March 07, 2011
A bit on the wonderfulness of the Berkshires in winter (presumably made by people who don't live here — just kidding! Maybe.) finally ran on the weekend edition of ABC News' "Good Morning America."
The video, "Berkshires: A Beautiful Winter Getaway," was bumped by events in Libya but was broadcast on Sunday after a two-week delay.
The 2 1/2-minute travelogue looks pretty but sounds cold — literally. It features Cranwell, Blantyre and some lovely scenery.
Using income and other demographic data provided by Esri, a California-based provider of database-mapping software, the BBJ has identified a handful of candidates to potentially carry the crown as the wealthiest ZIP code in Massachusetts. Not surprisingly, most of the communities in the running are located in Boston's western suburbs.
A bit on the wonderfulness of the Berkshires in winter (presumably made by people who don't live here — just kidding! Maybe.) finally ran on the weekend edition of ABC News' "
