$526,153Average Value$273Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A rural town blends tranquil living with a convenient location
About 15 miles from Worcester, Charlton is a rural town that blends natural scenery with convenient proximity to modern-day conveniences and access to strongly rated schools. “The main reason Charlton attracts so many people is its central location,” says longtime resident Diane Dabrowski, a third-generation Charlton Realtor and top-seller in the area since 1990. “It’s within 30 minutes of good-sized cities like Worcester, which is stacked with colleges and employers. We’re also halfway between Hartford and Boston and within an hour from major airports like Logan.” While proximity to larger communities and access to stores and restaurants is a draw (“You’re only 10 to 15 minutes away from shopping,” Dabrowski says), major thoroughfares like Interstate 90 and Highway 20 lead residents back to rural landscapes and rolling woodlands of Charlton, providing a tranquil backdrop to the New England housing stock. “People that don’t know Charlton say they are amazed at the size of house lots, how quiet it is, and how easy it is to get everywhere,” Dabrowski says.
Just a short drive from Worcester, Charlton offers the perfect blend of peaceful country living and convenient access to city jobs, culture, and amenities.
Charlton’s sparkling lakes and tranquil ponds create the perfect backdrop for endless outdoor adventures and peaceful escapes.
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Traditional New-England homes on larger lots
Traditional New England-style single-family homes sit on larger lots on the country roads of Charlton. “Real estate wise, we have a low tax rate and a large land area, so we have much better prices compared to Shrewsbury or Framingham,” Dabrowski says, adding that the rural nature of the town offers more space. “Plus, you don’t get the light pollution of nearby cities.” Architectural styles range from small ranch-style homes to countryside Cape Cods, though Dabrowski says generally two-story Colonial Revival homes are most common. Due to a variety in home sizes, prices typically range from the low $300,000s up to $1.7 million for estates and horse farms situated on expansive lots. Waterfront properties are also available along the reservoirs, ponds and lakes scattered around town. Parcels of land are also for sale, offering opportunities for new construction. Condos price within the $200,000s and $300,000s, and townhouses range in the $300,000s and $400,000s.
Charlton features beautiful new traditional homes, combining classic design with modern comfort in a peaceful setting.
Charlton is home to spacious lots and scenic farms, offering a blend of rural charm and open landscapes.
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Shared school district and vocational programs
Dabrowski says that if Charlton’s biggest draw is its location, then its schools are the second biggest draw. The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District serves students in Charlton and earns a B overall grade from Niche. Charlton Elementary School gets a B-plus grade and serves kindergarten and first grade. Students continue to Heritage School for second through fourth grades, and Charlton Middle School for fifth through eighth grades. Both earn B scores. Shepherd Hill Regional High School also gets a B and serves kids from both Charlton and Dudley. “Shepherd Hill is always getting top scores,” Dabrowski says. “Because there are two towns involved, they can pay higher salaries and attract better teachers and staff.” Charlton is also home to Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical School. The B-minus high school provides an array of vocational programs, such as culinary arts, nursing and more. “There are multiple surrounding towns that can attend that school, and it’s like a competition to get in,” Dabrowski says. “It offers everything from automobile repair to hairdressing and carpentry. It’s amazing.”
Charlton Elementary School provides a well-rounded education and promotes academic excellence.
Empowering young minds through excellence, tradition, and innovation at Heritage School.
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Outdoor recreation at Buffumville Lake Park
While green spaces surround residents in Charlton, nearby parks offer sporting facilities and recreational opportunities. Buffumville Lake Park surrounds the 200-acre Buffumville Lake, providing lakeside recreation like fishing as well as water recreation such as boating. Paddlers launch their kayaks and canoes from the boat launch, while hikers and mountain bikers take to the 7 miles of trails — some of which have steep and rocky stretches. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course. Additionally, kids may hone their skills at the Charlton Skate and Bike Park or play at the Charlton Community Playground. Manyard Recreation Field is home to many of the town’s youth programs, which Dabrowski says are a central part of the community. “Sports for kids are huge year-round,” she says. “There are soccer leagues and little leagues, but they all create a lot of activity in the community.”
Charlton Community Park's skate park features ramps, rails, and obstacles for all skill levels, welcoming skateboards, scooters, and bikes.
Buffumville Lake Park offers a scenic escape where nature’s beauty meets endless outdoor fun.
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Local eats and attractions, big-box and grocery shopping nearby
Along Highway 20, convenient fast-food stops include Dunkin’ and McDonald’s. Sturbridge Coffee Roasters serves fresh roasts and specialty coffee drinks, while Yankee Diner 2020 is a popular spot for its diner atmosphere and feel-good comfort plates, including a loaded brunch menu. For a sweet treat, locals get a cone at Dresser Hil Ice Cream Bar. “A point of interest and drive-to destination is the ice cream stand on top of the hill,” Dabrowski says. “It’s easy to get to, on top of a really high point in Charlton on Route 31. They have incredible ice cream, and it’s almost always packed.” Other attractions include Tree House Brewing Company and St Mary’s Spiritual Vineyard. For national retailers and groceries, nearby towns fulfill shopping needs. “In surrounding communities like Sturbridge, Oxford and Southbridge, you have everything from Shaw’s to Walmart and Home Depot,” Dabrowski says.
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters crafts rich, flavorful coffee that brings warmth and community to every cup.
Tree House Brewery crafts adventurous brews that spark connections and ignite the spirit of craft beer.
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Celebrating Charlton's Old Home Day
Charlton celebrates its past and its community during Old Home Day, a weekend-long celebration during Labor Day Weekend. The festival features multiple smaller events along with food and craft vendors and family-friendly activities. “It’s usually spread out over 2 days, with fireworks at night and on Monday they have a road race, frog jumping contest, a parade and a car show,” Dabrowski says. “It’s a time to come together as a community and see old friends.” Though activities within the festival change year to year, they remain free of charge and open to the public.
Every Wednesday, Charlton's Farmers Market fills downtown with fresh, local goods and lively community spirit.
Each year, Charlton's Old Home Day brings the community together to honor its history with hometown pride and festive celebration.
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Major thoroughfares and nearby airports
Interstate 90, or Massachusetts Turnpike, and U.S. Route 20 run east-west through Charlton, connecting residents to Worcester and into Boston. State Route 31 bisects the town from north to south. Worcester Regional Airport is the closest to Charlton at only 13 miles away, residents can take international flights at Boston Logan Airport, Bradley Airport in Connecticut or T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island.
Just a short drive from Charlton, Worcester Airport offers easy, convenient access to regional and national travel.
Route 20 serves as Charlton’s main thoroughfare, running through town and connecting the community to the region.
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Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Jack Lourenco
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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 Charlton, MA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Charlton, MA over the last 12 months is $649,900, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Cape home offers the perfect blend of charm, space, & modern comfort. Step inside to find a large living room that opens into your kitchen & dining area both equipped with new floors. The dining area that opens to the back deck—ideal for entertaining or enjoying a quiet morning coffee. The main level of the home also has a bedroom, office, mudroom & hot tub room complete with a hot tub.
New Construction is completed and ready for you to move in . This home has been designed with an open concept plan offering gleaming hardwood floors on the main level , propane fireplace in the living room , spacious front dining room perfect for entertaining or large gatherings . The focal point is the gorgeous kitchen ....offering white shaker cabinetry with soft close features, SS appliance
Framed, sided, and ready for your finishing touches—this stunning 3-bed, 2.5-bath new construction townhouse COULD BE YOURS BEFORE CHRISTMAS! The first floor features luxury vinyl flooring, an open floor plan, and a cozy electric fireplace. The kitchen shines with granite countertops, large pantry, and sleek cabinetry. Enjoy the electric fireplace in the wide open living/dining room. Upstairs
This Cape home offers the perfect blend of charm, space, & modern comfort. Step inside to find a large living room that opens into your kitchen & dining area both equipped with new floors. The dining area that opens to the back deck—ideal for entertaining or enjoying a quiet morning coffee. The main level of the home also has a bedroom, office, mudroom & hot tub room complete with a hot tub.
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