$539,465Average Value$275Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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?
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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 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Charlton, MA over the last 12 months is $530,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated 2 bed, 2 bath home on 2.1 acres across from Prindle Lake with water views, deeded lake rights, and access at the end of the street. Set on a quiet, private dead-end road, this home was extensively renovated and expanded in 2020, including a 500 sq ft addition featuring an oversized primary suite (15x18) with custom walk-in closet and full bath with walk-in shower. Main home
Just steps to Glen Echo Lake with deeded water rights, this beautifully maintained 3 bed, 2.5 bath home offers the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and opportunity. At 24 years young, this home sits on a beautifully landscaped lot with colorful flowers, a charming front porch perfect for sunrise views, updated light fixtures, oversized back deck, 50 year roof, updated decking, and Mass Save
Bright, open and airy home is ready for you to enjoy! The dining area, kitchen and family room are beautifully arranged for room for the chef to keep an eye on little ones while in the kitchen or while visiting with friends. This dead end street is past many beautiful homes in a sprawling neighborhood. Cul-de-sac location has sidewalks. The yard is level and ready for all activities from play
Beautifully updated 2 bed, 2 bath home on 2.1 acres across from Prindle Lake with water views, deeded lake rights, and access at the end of the street. Set on a quiet, private dead-end road, this home was extensively renovated and expanded in 2020, including a 500 sq ft addition featuring an oversized primary suite (15x18) with custom walk-in closet and full bath with walk-in shower. Main home
Welcome to your brand-new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse—where modern comfort meets thoughtful design! This spacious home features an open-concept first floor perfect for entertaining, with seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. There's still time to personalize your dream home by selecting your preferred finishes! Enjoy the convenience of a finished basement for extra living
Just steps to Glen Echo Lake with deeded water rights, this beautifully maintained 3 bed, 2.5 bath home offers the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and opportunity. At 24 years young, this home sits on a beautifully landscaped lot with colorful flowers, a charming front porch perfect for sunrise views, updated light fixtures, oversized back deck, 50 year roof, updated decking, and Mass Save
More than just a house, this is your opportunity to step into comfort, style, and peace of mind. Nestled in a sought-after Charlton neighborhood, this beautifully updated home offers privacy without sacrificing convenience. The updated kitchen is designed for both daily living and entertaining, while the fully finished basement provides flexible space for a home office, recreation, or in-law
Bright, open and airy home is ready for you to enjoy! The dining area, kitchen and family room are beautifully arranged for room for the chef to keep an eye on little ones while in the kitchen or while visiting with friends. This dead end street is past many beautiful homes in a sprawling neighborhood. Cul-de-sac location has sidewalks. The yard is level and ready for all activities from play
Welcome home to 12 McKinstry Drive! With 5 spacious bedrooms, inviting areas to gather, and a layout that welcomes multigenerational living, this home will check all your boxes. The main level features an open-concept kitchen that flows naturally into the dining and living areas, where beautiful southern yellow pine hardwood flooring adds warmth and character. The primary bedroom offers an
Beautiful 2-acre lot abutting the Golf Course is the perfect place to custom build your dream home! This proposed plan has a first-floor primary bedroom and 3 additional bedrooms on the second floor. 2 story foyer and vaulted fireplaced great room. Upgraded allowances including hardwood throughout the first floor, stairs and upstairs hall. Build this plan, or a custom design can be discussed and
30 Day Delivery ~ 3 Additional Lots to Be Built*New Construction on a beautiful lot on lovely country road*Built by one of the area's top builders, this home offers exceptional quality and attention to detail*Special incentive from the Builder who is offering 5% financing (call for details)*The kitchen & bathrooms feature custom cabinetry and luxurious granite or quartz countertops*The home
Desirable cul-de-sac location & a backyard retreat that will make you want to vacation at home! Lovingly maintained & upgraded home has private, fenced yard & deck. Perfect, professionally designed firepit patio has built in seating. Many recent upgrades include 30 yr roof, new septic system & FHA/Oil system in 2022 has central air! Just finished- water heater, fresh paint, refinished hardwood
One of 9 ANR lots newly approved on a mid-state rail trail country road. Lot 9 has a stream crossing the lower left corner leaving 2.6 acres of continuous upland to build on. Pole 21 to the right of the brook is close to the right lot lone. There are 6 other lots listed in MLS if you need more land. Survey with pole locations and soil test results that were witnessed and approved by the Board of
One of 9 lots in a new subdivision of ANR lots with frontage on a mid-state rail trail country road. Lot 2 has over 300 feet of frontage on Gould Rd with 1.46 acres of continuous upland. Will require some fill, but will also allow a walkout basement. Wetlands are located in the back half of the lot. There will be an easement over this lot and Lot 3 for a shared utility, access and wetland
Welcome to lakeside living at its finest! This beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, scenery, and year-round recreation on one of Charlton’s most desirable and private waterfronts.Nestled on a meticulously cared for lot, the property showcases professional landscaping with lush greenery, manicured lawns, and inviting outdoor spaces ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
Looking for a 2 bedroom apartment for rent in Charlton, MA with parking and a simple layout? Unit 2 at 32 Worcester Rd offers a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment for $1,850/month in a convenient location.This is a second-floor unit, giving you a bit more privacy and a quiet space. The apartment includes off-street parking, so you have a place for your vehicle.The home is well
Come take a look at this adorable, spacious 1 bedroom apartment! featuring an abundance of closet space and some built-in storage. Offstreet parking. 2 mini split units and electric baseboard heat ensure your comfort year round! Minimum credit score is 650, first, last and security. Application is $48 per person.
Welcome to the Lake! Located in peaceful Dudley MA, right off major highways (Pike / 395) you will find this retreat easily accessible and remote at the same time. My wife and I were fortunate to spend summers at the lake with our family so we decided to buy and fix this cottage up to give our family that same beautiful experience. While called a pond, Pierpont Meadow is over a mile long and wide
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 29TH FROM 1-2:30 PM Come view this Beautiful, Clean and Bright freshly painted apartment *** It is available NOW! 26 Nugget Drive Charlton This is the owner unit in the building...its the right side middle unit... owner is hands on when something is needed. This rental is on the 2nd floor of complex and it offers 4 large rooms with Living room, eat in kitchen, range and
Come view our recently renovated 2 bedroom apartment on a private street that exits from route 20. The apartment features laminent wood floors, similar size bedrooms with parking in a commong driveway with coin operated laundry located in the building. Tenant's are responsible for electricity only. This will not last long.
Experience sophisticated loft living in this approximately 650 sq. ft. residence at 191 City Depot Rd, Charlton, MA. This mixed-use building offers a bright and airy open floor plan, accentuated by cathedral ceilings, expansive windows, and skylights that bathe the space in natural light. The main level seamlessly integrates a dining area, living room, kitchen, and a full bathroom, creating an
Bright and inviting above-garage apartment on a peaceful Charlton farm. This 1-bedroom offers an open layout, brand-new in-unit washer/dryer combo, oversized pantry, spacious living room with additional storage closet, and a sun-filled bedroom with double closets. Central air and two ceiling fans keeps you comfortable year-round. Heat, hot water, electricity, trash, and snow removal included in
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