How many Berkshire homes are for seasonal/vacation use?

According to by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, almost 8,000 housing units, out of a total of 68,500 units (12%) are seasonal countywide. [Sustainable Berkshire Land Use Report]

  • 1/3 of all new homes being built are for seasonal/vacation use
  • The rate of seasonal home creation (new homes and conversion of year-round to seasonal) has averaged 2.35% per year
  • Over 50% of seasonal homes are built on more than 5 acres, compared to 25% of primary homes built on 5+ acres
  • Most seasonal homes are in southern Berkshire, 35-60% of the homes in 11 towns (all south of Lenox, except Hancock) being seasonal; 20-35% of homes are seasonal in another four towns, primarily south of Pittsfield.