$342,846Average Value$322Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Wendell offers rural, nature-filled surroundings in New England
The rural community of Wendell is a Massachusetts enclave of around 1,000 residents. Situated in the northwest part of the state, its largest feature is the Wendell State Forest, part of a thriving recreational scene for hikers, bikers, skiers and boaters. That access is what draws residents to Wendell, which is along Massachusetts Route 2 and within driving distance of towns like Orange, but retains a peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere removed from everyday life. Homes are spread out, many on several acres of land, and a local restaurant and bar puts on live music two nights a week.
Hiking, biking and enjoying nature in the Wendell State Forest
The Wendell State Forest is the region’s largest landmark, spanning more than 7,500 acres. Visitors can walk trails through dense forests, set up picnics and ride bikes. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing and non-motorized boating are allowed on the streams and ponds. Skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling are popular in the winter. “Wendell is a wooded retreat, nature-lover’s paradise and quiet area,” says Cathy Roberts, a Realtor with Cohn & Company Real Estate. “If you like hiking in the woods, cross-country skiing and access to simple, outdoor recreation, Wendell is the place.” Other recreation spots nearby include:
The Orange State Forest, with almost 8,000 acres to explore
A stretch of the New England National Scenic Trail, which extends 235 miles from southern Connecticut to northern Massachusetts
Lake Wyola State Park, where vistors can swim, fish and sail
Quabbin Reservoir, with more than 38 square miles for fishing and boating
Homes with acreage in the Massachusetts countryside
Though homes in Wendell are not plentiful, potential buyers will find split-levels, Cape Cods and custom builds. “As far as housing stock goes, Wendell is a little more out of the way,” Roberts says. “It’s a very quiet, out-of-the-way town.” Single-family properties often sit on several acres of land or more, often priced between about $400,000 and $540,000. Prices depend on condition, home size and acreage. The neighborhood’s CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, the lowest score possible.
Wendell residents need cars to get around
State Route 2A runs along the north side and is the nearest major route to this car-dependent area. “People take the back roads to Route 2,” says Liza Hurlburt-Melo, a Realtor and owner of Four Columns Realty, “but once they hit Route 2, they can go to their destination. That could be the Berkshires, Boston, Amherst, Northampton or even New Hampshire.” Orange is less than 10 miles away. Greenfield and Interstate 91 are around 15 miles west, and Amherst sits about 20 miles south. “When you’re in Wendell, you have to drive a little bit,” Roberts says. The nearest hospital is Baystate Franklin Medical Center, located in Greenfield.
Live music and local food at Deja Brew
The Deja Brew Café & Pub is the only restaurant in Wendell, offering menu items like pizza, nachos, salads and sandwiches. The spot, which has been serving customers for 20 years, hosts live music and is open every Friday and Saturday night. The Wendell Country Store sits beside the bar. Shoppers often head east to Orange, home to Walmart and Hannaford, via Route 2. “Orange is a bigger area,” Roberts says. “There are a lot of shops in Orange. Anybody could shop there within 15 to 30 minutes, tops, depending on where you are.”
Students have to travel to get to school
Part of Erving School Union 28, the Swift River School sits in southeast Wendell and serves kindergarten through sixth grade. Students can then move on to Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in Orange.
Residents gather at annual festivals near Wendell
Several nearby events bring the community together. “They do have events, entertainment, that type of thing,” Hurlburt-Melo says. “It’s a tight-knit community where people look out for each other.” The North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival has been held for nearly 30 years east of Wendell. The fall festival features local farmers, live music, crafts and games. Wendell also hosts the annual Old Home Day, when locals gather for dancing, parades and food trucks. The Diemand Farm is another popular destination. “We’ve been going to the Diemand Egg Farm for years,” Roberts says. “They raise turkeys and chickens, and their Thanksgiving time is wicked busy because they sell a lot of turkeys. It’s a small, family business.”
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
Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center
Transit
Airport
Worcester Regional
78 min drive
Reviews
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wendell
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Wendell Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wendell, Erving sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wendell, Erving over the last 12 months is $457,000, up 97% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away on 3 secluded acres, this rare and newly renovated gem offers a truly private oasis where a babbling brook and natural waterfalls meander through the landscape. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of protected conservation land, this charming home delivers tranquil forest living with all the modern conveniences. The home features a brand-new HVAC system, electrical upgrades with EV
What a beautifully updated Wendell retreat, set on almost 4 acres of peaceful land. This move-in-ready home offers warm hardwood floors throughout, 2 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, creating an easy, functional flow for everyday living. Step into a refreshed interior where every detail has been thoughtfully updated, including a new propane forced hot air heating system for year-round
Secluded 5-acre parcel in Wendell, MA, surrounded by protected land for lasting privacy. Conveniently located with easy access to Route 202 and the local elementary school. The Wendell Country Store and town center are just up the hill, offering a strong sense of community and local charm. Enjoy a peaceful setting in a small, close-knit town known for its events, natural beauty, and rural
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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.
