Berlin is just around 40 miles from Boston, but it's a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the state's capital. The town is nestled in the low hilly region between the Nashua River and Assabet River valleys, and locals enjoy a small-town rural lifestyle. Historic colonial homes on spacious lots sit alongside farmland and ranchland. The community has strived to maintain the town's culture of conservation and slow-paced living, limiting commercial development to the outskirts of the town and offering residents access to many outdoor spaces. Locals can pick berries during the warmer months or check out endangered barnyard animals at some of the town's farms. Horse ranches and riding facilities are scattered throughout Berlin. “It's like Vermont in Massachusetts. People still meet at the old-fashioned general store, government officials are actually for the community and there are great tiny schools," says James Holyoak, a Realtor with Bridge Realty, who lives in Berlin. "People here don't want Berlin to become a popular town."
Colonial and ranch-style properties bordering farms and ranches
Houses in Berlin sit on large parcels of land, nestled among farmland, horse ranches and conservation land. They range from historic, mid-19-century colonials to a few new contemporary dwellings. Custom-built properties and ranch-style homes are also in Berlin. The median price for homes in the town is around $700,000, but it can range from about $450,000 to over $1.5 million, depending on the property's size and acreage. Houses are rarely available, and they often sell after an average of just 20 days on the market. Most people own their homes, and many have attached garages. Tall trees border narrow streets that do not have sidewalks, creating a secluded feel to the area, and many roads are lined with stone or wood fences.
Spacious homes on large lots of land make up the majority of Berlin, MA.
Colonial homes pack a lot of charm in Berlin, MA.
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Conservation land, farms and horseback riding spaces
Berlin's commitment to conservation and promoting a sustainable, rural lifestyle makes for an array of outdoor spaces that locals can take advantage of. Hikers meander through open fields and white pines alongside the water on the Brewer Brook Dam Trail, which connects conservation and privately owned land. The trail passes through areas frequented by turkeys and deer, and locals will want to try to spot the 250-year-old oak tree. Bikers can get their workout in on the Mount Pisgah Northborough Mountain Biking Trails. The historic Berlin Farms works to breed and care for endangered barnyard animals. It also hosts seasonal events like an egg hunt in the springtime. During the warmer months, locals can head to Cordelia's Farm to pick flowers and berries, and in the fall, they can pick apples at Berlin Orchards. Horseback riding is a popular activity here, and locals can head to one of the many equestrian spaces like Maplewood Farm. Community events like craft fairs are housed in the historic 1870s town hall.
Horse ranches and training facilities can be found all throughout Berlin.
Hand-picked apples are for sale at Berlin Orchards in the fall.
Berlin Farms hosts events and offers homemade ice cream in the summer.
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Shops on Central Street and The Shops at Highland Commons
Central Street is home some of the establishments in the town's center. Berlin General Store is an old-fashioned gem and a favorite among locals wanting a quick breakfast or lunch with their friends. Those wanting to buy new clothes sustainably can head to Many Hands Thrift Shoppe to peruse through the store's collection, and National Lumber is there for anyone searching for building supplies. Shopping and dining opportunities are relatively limited in the heart of Berlin as locals have made an effort to keep shopping centers limited to the town's outskirts to help conserve the rural, slow-paced lifestyle. Locals wanting to dine out can head to Village Cafe & Pizza, and those wanting to shop at chains and grocery stores like Market Basket can head to The Shops at Highland Commons. The shopping center is also home to restaurants like 110 Grill Berlin, which serves classic American cuisine.
Berlin General Store is right off Central Street, making it a perfect stop for snacks.
Berlin residents can stop at Village Cafe & Pizza for lunch.
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Berlin-Boylston Regional School District
Children enroll in the Berlin-Boylston Regional School District, which boasts a teacher-student ratio of 12 to 1 and is ranked as the 7th best school district in Worcester County by Niche. Students attend Berlin Memorial School for kindergarten through fifth grade. They can then finish their schooling at Tahanto Regional Middle/High School. Both schools received an A-minus rating from Niche. Students at the high school level have the opportunity to take AP-level courses and can participate in extra-curricular activities like Leos Club, a community service group.
Commutes to Boston and Worcester
Public transportation is not easily accessible, so residents drive to work and other establishments. Many locals work within the community at locally owned shops, the town's government or UPS. Marlborough Hospital Heliport is just around an 8-mile drive away via Interstate 495. Those wanting to explore Boston or go to the nearest international airport will need to take the 40-or-so-mile drive via Interstate 90. Downtown Worcester is just 15 miles away via Interstate 290.
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.
