Dunstable offers a rural escape with access to nearby amenities
For those who enjoy a rural setting but want to stay connected to modern amenities, Dunstable is a suitable landing spot. This small town, with around 3,000 residents, is known for its rustic composition. “It’s a clean, bucolic town,” says Faun MacDonald, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty-Merrimack, who has lived near Dunstable for more than 40 years. “There are acres of rolling land and farm animals — it’s country living at its best.” A handful of stores and services allow locals to shop and dine out in town, though most head to Nashua, New Hampshire for major outings. Massive swaths of public land offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition to its pastoral setting, the town is known for having a strong school system and community events.
The small town of Dunstable offers a tranquil and charming community.
Hiking, hunting and fishing around Dunstable
Dunstable’s rural makeup is ideal for those who love the outdoors. There are a number of Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in town where residents can hunt and fish. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife keeps the brooks and ponds stocked with fish, and some people even ice fish in winter. In addition to acres of WMA land, a mix of town forests and conservation areas allows ample space for hiking, horseback riding and kayaking, among other pursuits. There are also town fields where children can meet up for soccer games or climb on playground equipment. In the summer months, kids can attend Camp Massapoag, which is organized by the local YMCA. It offers traditional camp activities, including games, arts and crafts and archery.
At just under 17 square miles, Dunstable offers ample space to enjoy nature's tranquility.
Unkety Brook is a 517 acre nature reserve offering hiking, fishing and hunting
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From Colonial-era homes to newly-built residences — housing in Dunstable
Dunstable largely eschews suburban-style residential developments. Homes sit along winding residential corridors on large lots adorned with collections of mature trees. Residential zoning in town requires lots of at least 2 acres, but many stretch even larger. Though a handful of well-preserved Colonial-era homes grace the streets of the town, most homes were built in the mid-to-late 20th century. Dutch colonials, Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods are common housing styles. There’s also some new construction, MacDonald says. As housing costs rise, the town has plans to create some affordable housing units in order to offer more opportunities for first-time homebuyers. Though buyers might find a few older two-bedroom homes listed in $400,000s, most single-family homes are priced between $700,000 and $1.5 million.
You can find stately colonials on large lots in the town of Dunstable.
Discover charming colonial-styled homes nestled in Dunstable's picturesque neighborhoods.
In the town of Dunstable you can find newly built homes such as this spacious colonial.
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Dunstable’s A-rated public schools and the nearby Groton School
Children in Dunstable can attend schools in the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, which is shared with the neighboring town of Groton. The district is well-regarded, and all the schools earn an A grade from Niche. Dunstable students are conveniently close to Swallow Union Elementary School, located right in the middle of town. Students progress into Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School from there, which hosts the district’s Art Quest festival in May, a weeklong display of art and music from students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. From middle school, students move into Groton-Dunstable Regional High School, where they may participate in extracurricular sports and clubs, including lacrosse and robotics. There are also several renowned private schools within a 10-mile drive, including Groton School, the No. 5 best boarding high school in America, according to Niche.
Swallow Union Elementary School in Dunstable serves grades K-4.
Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
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Getting into Boston and Nashua via U.S. Route 3
Dunstable’s location near U.S. Route 3 allows residents to get to and from Boston, which is about 40 minutes from the town. MacDonald says that many residents have switched to telecommuting in recent years, which eliminates the need for driving for work. Nearby Nashua, New Hampshire, also accessible via U.S. 3, offers additional employment opportunities.
US3 is a quick 10 minute drive from Dunstable offering easy access to Boston and New Hampshire.
Events at the historic McLoon Barn
Residents can enjoy annual events, including a Memorial Day Parade and festivals in fall and winter at McLoon Barn. The town also holds Concerts on the Common, a series of Wednesday-night outdoor music performances during summer months. In addition, the Tyngsborough-Dunstable Historical Society works to put together a strawberry festival as well as a music and art show.
Getting farm-fresh groceries from Tully Farms Dairy or stocking up in nearby Nashua
Locals can start their day with a sunrise sandwich at the Farmhouse Café on Pleasant Street. Tully Farms Dairy is an easy stopping place to grab supplies for dinner. A Dunstable institution, Tully Farms Dairy has a farm store with fresh milk, beef, produce and more. One of the draws of being on the border of New Hampshire, MacDonald explains, is quick access to tax-free shopping across the state line. In Nashua, around 5 miles north, there are multiple grocery stores, including Market Basket, Shaw’s, Trader Joe’s and Costco. Pheasant Lane Mall, also in Nashua, offers a wide selection of nationally known chain stores and restaurants.
For over 150 years, Tully Farms is the best place in Dunstable to get fresh milk.
Tully Farms offers many products including fresh locally made honey.
Tully Farms Dairy Store in Dunstable, MA serves fresh milk and dairy products.
In nearby Nashua, New Hampshire you can find a variety of shopping at Pheasant Lane Mall.
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Well water and septic
Though Dunstable does provide water services to around 100 properties near the center of town, most homeowners are responsible for maintaining their own wells and septic systems.
Photography Contributed By
Todd Beltz
Video By
Tyler Newbold
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Fantastic 4 bedroom Colonial with 3.5 baths on a private, desirable lot in a beautiful Dunstable neighborhood! The eat-in-kitchen has a center island, dining area, slider leading to an expansive deck, & is also open to the living and dining room. Located off the kitchen are stairs that lead to a massive cathedral ceiling fireplaced family room!! Half bath and laundry also found on the first
Beautifully crafted 4-bdrm, 2.5-bath home nestled in one of Dunstable’s serene locations. Built by homeowner, respected local builder—this custom craftsman-style residence offers timeless design & quality construction. Step inside to an open-concept layout perfect for entertaining. The living room features cathedral wood ceilings, large pic window w/a view of the lake, creating a warm atmosphere.
Don't miss this wonderful home with 3361 square feet of living are on a beautiful level lot! 2 car attchd garage leads you to a private screened in porch with cathedral ceilings. The backyard has a storage shed and garden area. The cozy family room with custom built cobblestone fireplace is great for chilly New England evenings. The kitchen with separate eating area includes gas stove,
Totally renovated, clean, open floor plan, sun drenched, home with finished walkout lower level. Gorgeous white kitchen, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, recess lights, hardwood floors, pantry, breakfast bar/island open to huge picture window living room and dining area. Full bath with tile and double sinks. Bedrooms with hardwood, and primary has his and her closets. Lower level
Spacious 2 bedroom, 2nd floor unit located just off Exit 1 in South Nashua. Large dining area, living room that leads to balcony. Heat and hot water are included in rent. Built in wall A/C units. Large primary w/ walk in closet and another 2nd large bedroom. Clubhouse with indoor heated pool, game room, tennis courts, kids playground, overflow parking, laundry room in building, security,
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