$355,363Average Value$248Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes For Sale
Starrett Tools is the largest employer in Athol, MA.
Still making things in Massachusetts
Athol is the rare mill town where manufacturing persevered into the digital age. This hilly, rustic village in the Quabbin Valley of Massachusetts is home to precision tool maker L. S. Starrett Company, which started operations at its massive brick mill on the Millers River in 1880. Starrett’s perseverance is a source of pride for Athol. “That’s the world headquarters of Starrett,” says Keith McGuirk, a now-retired Realtor and Athol native who sold houses in the area for 25 years. “They don’t employ as many people as they used to, but they’re still the town’s largest employer.” The town maintains a rural, old New England feel with its 19th-century farmhouses, industrial-age downtown, ample acreage and streetscapes lined with leafy deciduous trees.
Queen Anne style homes are available in Athol.
Aging colonials and New England farmhouses
Houses in Athol came online in the 19th- and 20th centuries, but new construction is underway. Rustic wooden houses built in the late 1900s show their age, with fading wooden porches and red siding that lost its brightness. Multifamily homes with shuttered windows, farmhouses on several acres, lakefront properties and early 20th-century colonials on sloped streets near downtown are typical. Home prices range between $132,000 and $585,500. The average home value is $290,487.
Athol was officially incorporated in 1762.
Turn-of-the-century downtown Athol
Downtown Athol came online around the same time Starrett began operations. The Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad provided direct service between Athol and Boston. Downtown features Italianate, Victorian and Second Empire structures built around the turn of the 20th century. Today, accounting offices, insurance businesses and pizzerias use the first floors of these century-old brick buildings. Athol House of Pizza Restaurant makes pies with homemade dough and sauce daily. After work, people head to the bar at Los Agaves Grill and order fajitas and margaritas. And in a nondescript brown building with two blinking Bud Light signs is Olde Tyme New England Seafood Company, a low-key eatery known for its large portion sizes of clam strips and fried shrimp. Neighbors catch the latest releases in town at Athol Cinemas 8.
The Athol-Royalston school to career pipeline
Kids in Athol can attend public school through the Athol-Royalston Regional School District, which serves about 1,700 students. The district has four schools. Children in Athol can attend Athol Community Elementary School, rated C by Niche. They then move to Athol-Royalston Middle School, which scores a C-minus, and Athol High School, which earns a C. Athol students can participate in Innovation Career Pathways, where kids can take post-secondary courses to gain industry credentials for free in fields like manufacturing and health care.
Athol is 70 miles west of Boston.
Nature and street hockey in North Central Mass
North Central Massachusetts is known for its hills, forests spanning thousands of acres and wide-open vistas, prime for viewing fall foliage. In Athol, neighbors stroll along a nature trail and launch their canoes into the river at Alan E. Rich Environmental Park, a conservation area in the center of town. Boaters and fishermen also use the 88-acre Lake Ellis, which has a sandy beach staffed by town lifeguards in the summertime. Neighbors come together to play hockey at the 202 Street Hockey Association. Hockey is huge in Massachusetts. People love the Boston Bruins, and nearby Worcester has the Worcester Railers, a minor league team.
Athol House of Pizza serves gourmet pizza.
All the essentials and Athol Hospital
Grocery chains Market Basket and Hannaford have locations in Athol. Walmart Supercenter is in Orange, about 4 miles west of the center of town. People buy clothing at Marshalls, dog and cat food at Pet Supplies Plus and miscellaneous goods at Hobby Lobby. Quick-service chains like Taco Bell, Dunkin and Starbucks are next to Hobby Lobby, in a retail plaza McGuirk says was built in the 2010s. “The state moves westward due to increasing real estate values primarily, but people can find much better deals out here,” he says. “With that higher population and increase in commuters, there was an impetus for retailers to open here. That customer base didn’t exist 20-30 years ago.” Athol also has its own hospital, Athol Hospital, part of Gardner-based Heywood Healthcare.
Road and train access to New England
Athol sits along Massachusetts Route 2, a major east-west thoroughfare that goes west to Williamstown and east to Cambridge. The town sits about 10 miles south of the New Hampshire border, 44 miles north of Springfield and 75 miles west of Boston. Amtrak service is available in Greenfield, about 26 miles west, and the route runs south through Springfield and ends in New Haven, Connecticut.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Perez Folds
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
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On average, homes in Athol, MA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Athol, MA over the last 12 months is $341,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into the timeless charm of this turn-of-the-century landmark Queen Anne Victorian located in the heart of Athol on a 4791 sq ft lot. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and over 2,177 sq ft of living space, this home showcases classic architectural details including an original turret, formal parlor, spacious dining room, and traditional fireplace. There's also a pellet stove in the family
Welcome to the highly desirable 55+ Miller's Woods/Riverbend Association, where comfortable living meets exceptional amenities. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2 full bathroom manufactured home offers an inviting open-concept kitchen and dining area with sliding glass doors leading to a private deck—perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or entertaining guests with total privacy. The generous living
FRESHLY PAINTED on the 1st fl - this Colonial sits on nearly 2 private acres yet only 2 mins from Rte 2 access. With over 3,000 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, and 3.5 baths, this home offers space and flexibility. The heart of the home is the bright, open kitchen featuring a center island, and sitting area. Separate dining room. Just off the kitchen, the cozy living room offers hardwood floors, recessed
Step into the timeless charm of this turn-of-the-century landmark Queen Anne Victorian located in the heart of Athol on a 4791 sq ft lot. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and over 2,177 sq ft of living space, this home showcases classic architectural details including an original turret, formal parlor, spacious dining room, and traditional fireplace. There's also a pellet stove in the family
Looking for the perfect blend of modern updates and country charm? This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home delivers! Renovated from top to bottom in 2025, you'll love the stylish kitchen, updated bathrooms, and beautiful flooring throughout. Major improvements include the heating system, central air, electrical, roof, siding, and energy-efficient solar panels, offering comfort and peace
Welcome to the desirable Riverbend Street Condominiums! This beautifully renovated townhome is nestled in a sought-after neighborhood, conveniently located near shopping, schools, hospitals, downtown, North Quabbin Commons, and other community amenities. Thoughtfully updated throughout, this home seamlessly blends modern style with everyday comfort. The bright, inviting kitchen features
Move right into this beautifully restored 1955 ranch, retaining its mid-century charm, tucked away on a quiet side street surrounded by similar homes. This home features a freshly painted interior, beautifully refinished hardwood floors, new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen and bath, a new 200-amp electrical service, added insulation, and energy-efficient mini-split heating and air
Opportunity awaits this 4-bedroom, 1-bath home with a small side yard for its new owner. The first floor features a kitchen, living room, laundry room, and two bedrooms, along with a walk-up attic offering additional storage space. The second floor includes two more bedrooms and a bonus room, providing flexible living options. This property is ready for renovations, updates, and repairs and may
ATTENTION INVESTORS & DEVELOPERS......A fantastic opportunity awaits! Seller has secured an Approved Open Space Subdivision Plan for 8 single-family homes, offering a streamlined path to development. Approved for 8 Homes ...Utilities for each home site is designed with public sewer connection and private water. This Open Space Subdivision is a thoughtful design concept that maximizes neighborhood
Welcome to the highly desirable 55+ Miller's Woods/Riverbend Association, where comfortable living meets exceptional amenities. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2 full bathroom manufactured home offers an inviting open-concept kitchen and dining area with sliding glass doors leading to a private deck—perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or entertaining guests with total privacy. The generous living
Exceptional 3-Lot Subdivision Opportunity in Athol – Ready for Development This prime 8.6-acre parcel features a seller-approved subdivision into three spacious lots (1.28, 3.25, and 2.93 acres). Recent site work includes a newly cleared tree area and a freshly installed stone driveway, providing easy access for equipment and builders.-Turnkey Infrastructure: Electric is available at the street.
Miller’s Woods is a desirable 55+ community offering wonderful amenities and a welcoming lifestyle. This well-designed home features a sought-after open-concept layout with two spacious bedrooms positioned at opposite ends of the home, each with its own bath for added comfort and privacy.The bright kitchen boasts new appliances and an abundance of cabinet space, making it both functional and
PRIME INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!!!!CASH ONLY!! Unlock the potential of this multi-family zoned property at 21 Park St—a rare chance for builders, developers, and savvy investors to capitalize on a high-demand rental market. The existing structure has experienced fire damage and is being sold as-is, creating the perfect opportunity for a tear-down or full redevelopment. Positioned near downtown
FRESHLY PAINTED on the 1st fl - this Colonial sits on nearly 2 private acres yet only 2 mins from Rte 2 access. With over 3,000 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, and 3.5 baths, this home offers space and flexibility. The heart of the home is the bright, open kitchen featuring a center island, and sitting area. Separate dining room. Just off the kitchen, the cozy living room offers hardwood floors, recessed
Property Id: 2511863 Welcome to your new home at 245 Silver Lake St in Athol, MA! This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is perfect for small dogs. Enjoy amenities such as a dishwasher, washer/dryer, and fenced yard. With easy access to parks and a secure building, this unit won't last long. Don't miss out on this opportunity for $1750/month Move-in date available starting June 1,
Only 1 unit available Immediately!!! 15 Newly Constructed, ADA Compliant and Wheelchair Accessible Apartments. The prospective tenant does not have to be a low mobility person!!!Centrally located in downtown Athol, this building is a short walking distance to shops, banks, restaurants, and public transportation. This modern unit features 9 foot plus ceilings, huge windows, central heat and A/C,
Just Renovated & Move-In Ready! Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch located at the end of a quiet dead-end street. This freshly renovated home features three generously sized bedrooms, each with ample closet space. The spacious kitchen includes brand-new stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Refinished hardwood floors add warmth and character to the living room, kitchen, and one
Looking for a fully updated apartment in Athol? This bright, spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath second-floor unit is filled with natural light and features a large living room and large bonus rooms all with updated finishes, fresh paint, and brand-new appliances. In-unit laundry makes daily life easier. Conveniently located near highways, shopping, and Athol Hospital. First, last, and security deposit
Brand-New Renovation! Available August 1st, 2026. This fully renovated 4-bedroom apartment home, perfectly situated along the scenic Millers River. Every detail has been updated with brand-new finishes and appliances throughout. Residents will appreciate the convenience of coin-operated laundry located on the first floor of the building, as well as off-street parking included in the rent. Contact
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