$345,089Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Valerie MacNeil,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Athol, MA sell after 41 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 $350,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with an inviting layout and plenty of character. The first floor features a convenient bedroom and full bath, bright sun-filled living room with a large picture window, hardwood floors and propane fireplace. The kitchen offers a functional breakfast nook with seating that flows seamlessly into the dining room—perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Upstairs,
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability. Ideally located in the heart of Athol - close to the YMCA and local shopping. This property is a fantastic opportunity for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize. The recently updated kitchen features a welcoming eat-in space, perfect for everyday dining. A first-floor
Linda DesaulniersERA Key Realty Services - Worcester
Versatility is a rarity which this home boasts! Registered as a 2-family with separate utilities and 2nd egress for both apartments yet layout perfect for a gorgeous single family large enough for everyone to enjoy privacy with 5 bedrooms, living room, 2 dens and 2 beautifully updated kitchens and baths. First floor's eat-in kitchen is a dream with granite counters and an abundance of cabinets
Well-maintained and move-in ready condo offering low-maintenance living in a convenient Athol location. This unit features a functional layout with comfortable living space, a bright interior, and easy access to local amenities, shopping, and major routes. Ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking an affordable homeownership opportunity without the burden of exterior maintenance.
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
Cozy, move-in ready ranch close to area amenities! Enjoy peace of mind with a brand-new septic system and new roof, plus all new flooring and fresh paint throughout. Updated kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops. Two spacious bedrooms and a newly finished basement bonus room with second full bath offer flexible living. Storage shed, good sized lot. Car port will be installed prior to
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.
Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with an inviting layout and plenty of character. The first floor features a convenient bedroom and full bath, bright sun-filled living room with a large picture window, hardwood floors and propane fireplace. The kitchen offers a functional breakfast nook with seating that flows seamlessly into the dining room—perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Upstairs,
Beautifully renovated home featuring major updates throughout in 2025. Enjoy energy-efficient living with solar panels that cover most electric costs — summer bills have reportedly been as low as $0-$37 even with central A/C running throughout the day. Brand new central A/C and heating system installed in early 2026, along with a new electric water heater and new water filtration system. New
Wooden 1 acre corner lot on a quiet road in Athol, MA with extensive prep work already done. Underground electric and water at the street and a 4 bedroom septic design ready to go. Peaceful setting with easy access to Rt 2 and 122. This is a great opportunity to build your dream home conveniently located near the high school and shopping centers. Shown as Tract 2 on deed for 89 Miles Rd, Athol MA.
Investors take note! Exceptional opportunity to own a spacious three-unit multi-family property offering strong income potential & versatile living options. Each unit features its own private deck & generous storage space & electric is separately metered for each unit. The 1st unit offers convenient single-level living w/ 2 bedrooms, full bath, a spacious eat-in kitchen & living room. 2nd unit
This Spacious single family with 5 bedrooms, ready for immediate occupancy. The culinary space within this residence is thoughtfully appointed, featuring elegant stone countertops that provide both durability and a refined aesthetic. A stylish backsplash complements the contemporary shaker cabinets, creating an atmosphere of modern sophistication. The inclusion of both a kitchen bar and a kitchen
DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS DON’ T MISS OUT ON THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY! This 1.46 acre lot is small but mighty. So much of the prep wok has been completed. This is a rare opportunity to develop on a level, cleared lot with multiple potential uses. Property offers development possibilities including multifamily homes, four duplexes, or as many as four single-family homes. Public water, sewer, and
MOTIVATED SELLERS.. A rare offering awaits at 1386 Pleasant Street, Athol where a legacy of history, was established in 1750. This unique 41.1 acre property formerly known as Nye Tree Farm (37.85 acres in Chapter 61B Recreation protection) is located in one of Athol’s prestigious neighborhoods. The property offers endless potential for those seeking privacy, recreation, or agricultural use. The
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability. Ideally located in the heart of Athol - close to the YMCA and local shopping. This property is a fantastic opportunity for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize. The recently updated kitchen features a welcoming eat-in space, perfect for everyday dining. A first-floor
Linda DesaulniersERA Key Realty Services - Worcester
HOUSING LOTTERY APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN 4/7/276-6/7/26. Apply on our website!Residences at the Park, a new residential apartment community located in Athol, MA will be open in August! Residences at the Park offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes to meet the needs of individuals and families. This beautiful property is a redevelopment of the historic Riverbend and Bigelow
One bedroom apartment, first floor, appliances. Off street parking for one car, no utilities included in rent. Trash removal, water, snow removal included. References required, non-smoking unit. Location is residential area.
Welcome to your dream duplex in the heart of Athol! This spacious 6-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers an incredible 3,248 square feet of living space, perfect for those seeking room to grow or entertain. With a blend of comfort and convenience, this property is ready to welcome you home.Key features that make this duplex stand out include:- Washer and dryer for your laundry needs-
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
Owner is highly responsive, readily available, and committed to providing a quality living experience for tenants. The property is exceptionally well maintained, featuring recent upgrades including a new roof, new gutters, and new water heaters. The unit itself has been thoughtfully updated with brand-new flooring throughout, a new refrigerator, and has been freshly cleaned and painted—offering a
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,
This property at 128 Main St offers a flexible layout with 2 to 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, accommodating a range of living arrangements. Total square footage of 1250, providing ample space for comfortable living. Key amenities include air conditioning, heating, and a security system for added convenience and safety. The kitchen is equipped for everyday cooking, and the unit comes furnished for
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.