Massachusetts is known for many things, but one thing I appreciate about the Bay State, especially where I live, is its quietness. My neighborhood is ideal for walking and playing outside, but it is generally very quiet. This is not surprising given how many counties and towns in Massachusetts provide peace, quiet, and serenity.
If you want to unwind and get away from the high energy and hustle and bustle of the city, there are two quiet towns in Massachusetts to consider. The towns we’re exploring today are part of a larger list provided by World Atlas.
Rowe is the first town you should consider for a quiet experience. According to the 2020 census, the town’s population is slightly more than 400. This is World Atlas’ review of Rowe.
Rowe is tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state, bordering Vermont. This small town was settled in 1785 and has maintained much of its quiet, rural character ever since. Rowe is distinct for its historical ties to the early quarrying industry, as well as the now decommissioned Yankee Rowe Nuclear Power Station, which was the third nuclear power plant to be built in the United States and the first in New England.
I can attest to this review because I spent time in Rowe as a child. As strange as it sounds, my father, uncle, cousin, and I used to go fishing at the Yankee Power Station at night. We did it for fun, as we had no intention of consuming what we caught. But it was a fun outing, and seeing the power plant in the distance enhanced the experience.
World Atlas also recommends visiting Rowe’s Pelham Lake Park, which is a peaceful retreat with swimming, fishing, and picnicking facilities. In retrospect, we probably should have fished there instead of the power plant.
New Marlborough is another town on the World Atlas list that deserves to be mentioned. This town in southern Berkshire County is close to where I work, so it feels familiar. I’ve had a few positive experiences in New Marlborough. I was the DJ at a private residence, which turned out to be a great time.
Being a waterfall enthusiast, I enjoyed visiting Umpachene Falls. The falls are in Southfield, one of New Marlborough’s five villages. According to the 2020 census, New Marlborough’s population is approximately 1,530.