I think this will be very dependent on OP's local municipality. My husband and I definitely toured a Shaker-style home that had (and I am not exaggerating) ZERO bedroom closets. There was a small closet in one office/room right off the kitchen. And one coat closet in the entry that had been fitted with a stackable washer/dryer. But none of the upstairs rooms had closets.

Oh for sure. Sorry I wasn’t trying to imply there aren’t good spots. It’s just not on every street corner the way it is in Birmingham.

I'm from Birmingham and now live in Western Mass. I can confirm this. Also a sad lack of authentic Mexican food, but there are hidden gems occasionally.

Keep in mind that Berkshire County also has school of choice, so you don't have to live in those cities in order for your kids to attend school there.