120 Onota Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Side By Side Costs & Pricing
The Side By Side facility offers a competitive pricing model for its studio accommodations, charging $2,250 per month. This rate is significantly lower than the average costs in Berkshire County, where similar studio options typically run around $3,741 monthly. Moreover, when compared to the broader Massachusetts state average of $5,312, Side By Side presents an appealing financial alternative for those seeking quality living arrangements without the hefty price tag. This pricing strategy not only positions Side By Side as a more accessible option but also underscores its commitment to providing value in a region known for its rising housing costs.
| Floor plans | Side By Side | Berkshire County | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,250 | $3,741 | $5,312 |
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Overall Review of Side By Side
Pros
The staff is superb.
Emily is delightful and attentive to residentsâ needs.
The ambiance is very good and feels down to earth.
The facility is clean and well-staffed.
Engaging activities such as Bingo, card games, and social hours are offered.
The new veterans wing provides excellent meals and attentive staff.
The owner is proactive, accessible, and supportive to families.
Payment terms are straightforward, with a flat rate and no extra charges for services.
Cons
The reviewer warned that no one should live there.
The room there was described as very small.
He did not like the food and repeatedly complained about it.
The initial meal portions werenât as large as he would have liked.
He experienced paranoid episodes regarding the cook, believing smaller portions were being served, which he was convinced were true.
It was very sad and depressing to watch his father deteriorate physically and mentally over several years.
Review
Side By Side in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who want a down-to-earth, neighborly atmosphere with hands-on attention from a locally owned operation. The community feels intimate and energetic, not pretentious, which appeals to families seeking personal connections and straightforward, predictable caregiving. It works well for residents who can navigate daily life with moderate assistance and who value a sense of belonging, social activities are ongoing, staff are visible, and a small-community vibe keeps things personal.
Those considering alternatives should note that this facility may not meet every need. Seniors requiring robust medical oversight, extensive skilled nursing, or specialized memory care could outgrow what Side By Side can offer under its standard plan. The footprint and amenities come across as modest compared with newer campuses, and the dining experience may not satisfy gourmets or residents who expect larger portions. For families prioritizing luxurious surroundings, expansive common areas, or highly formal dining, other options will feel more aligned with those preferences.
The strongest positives hinge on the human-facing strengths that tend to offset several drawbacks. Staff appear engaging and responsive, with particular praise for Emily and her ability to meet residentsâ needs. The privately owned model allows direct owner involvement in transitions, including individualized attention during relocations, which can ease the fear and logistical strain families endure. The veterans wing adds a focused, specialty option within the same building. A flat-rate approach to pricing provides budget predictability and reduces the risk of surprise charges, which matters for families navigating state funding or fixed incomes. The social calendar, Bingo, card games, and social hours, helps residents stay connected and engaged day to day.
Yet the downsides warrant careful scrutiny. Room sizes are small, which can feel cramped for couples or residents who accumulate belongings over time. Meal service is a mixed bag; some residents feel the portions are not generous enough, and while staff can accommodate seconds, the perception of dining quality varies. The facilityâs care model has clear boundaries, assistance is provided within defined limits, which may leave residents with escalating needs requiring transfer to a more capable setting. The building itself is not a new build, so modern conveniences may be less abundant than in newer campuses, and this can influence daily routines and perceived comfort.
On balance, Side By Sideâs advantages, affectionate, hands-on staff; a genuine sense of community; affordable, predictable pricing; and the ownerâs willingness to engage with families, tend to compensate for the smaller rooms and occasional dining concerns for many residents. This is a place where staff familiarity and personal attention can offer stability during a transition, especially for those who prize a warm, local, family-like environment over institutional polish. The veterans wing and multi-floor layout with an elevator add practical value for mobility and niche care within a compact campus.
For families weighing options, the practical approach is clear: tour with a pragmatic checklist focused on room size, current menus, and the specific level of daily care included. Ask to speak with staff beyond a single point of contact to gauge consistency in care and responsiveness. Compare Side By Sideâs strengths, staff warmth, personal engagement, predictable pricing, and a tight-knit atmosphere, with rivals that offer larger rooms, more intensive memory care, and broader dining selections. When the priorities are personal connection, budget stability, and a locally owned, approachable setting, Side By Side delivers decisively; when the priorities lean toward high-end accommodations, extensive medical services, or expansive dining programs, alternatives should be pursued.










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