The Town of Berkshire, originally settled in 1791 as Brown's Settlement, encompassing all of present Berkshire, Newark Valley and Richford, is located in northern Tioga County, New York. The Town is bisected by NYS Route 38 running north-south parallel to the east branch of the Owego Creek. The area is frequently referred to as being "centrally isolated" as Berkshire is about equidistant from Cortland, Ithaca and Binghamton in the central upstate region.

Berkshire is rural in nature with several active dairy farms and a variety of other agricultural enterprises. The primary industry is a sawmill, and there are several "cottage industry" endeavors in Town. Most residents commute to neighboring industrial cities for employment. The crime rate is very low and education in the Newark Valley Central School System is generally considered first rate. The summers are relatively cool and there is ample opportunity for winter outdoor activities.