Orange, MA

Set along the Millers River in western Massachusetts, Orange is a quiet Franklin County town with deep roots and a classic New England feel. It grew around riverside mills in the nineteenth century, even earning a spot in history as the home of the early Grout steam automobile. Today, with around 7,500 residents, Orange offers an unpretentious, small-town atmosphere where historic downtown streets sit right alongside peaceful wooded hills and quiet back roads.

ATTRKenneth C. Zirkel / CC BY 4.0

Outdoor recreation is a huge draw for locals and newcomers alike. Lake Mattawa is a favorite spot for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer, while nearby Tully Mountain gives hikers great views across the North Quabbin region. Daily routines revolve around neighborhood schools, local diners, and community parks, with the small municipal airport even bringing in regional skydiving enthusiasts. For anyone looking for affordable homes and a slower pace along Route 2, Orange delivers plenty of open space and a down-to-earth community.