$392,151Average Value$264Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes For Sale
Mill town turned bedroom community
Paper mills along the Nashua River powered Fitchburg, Massachusetts’s economy for generations. “I remember when I was a kid, the river would be a different color depending on what color paper they were making that day,” says Brenda Cormier, a Realtor with Re/Max Vision who grew up in the neighboring town of Leominster. “There’s still industry over there, but it’s nothing like it used to be.” Today, the city of about 41,000 residents is mostly a commuter community for those working in Worcester, about 30 miles south, and Boston, about 50 miles east. Fitchburg is surrounded by conservation land and is home to New England’s Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Fitchburg State University. “There’s a lot to do in Fitchburg, and it’s a great community,” Cormier says. “For a little while, it didn’t have the greatest reputation, probably because of the industrial presence. But it takes a while for a place to outgrow its reputation.”
Fitchburg State University is a hub for artists and creative minds.
Monument Park near Southside Fitchburg is a great spot for walks with your dog.
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Fitchburg's parks and arts
“Fitchburg is a great place to live for people who like to go outdoors,” Cormier says. The city gets snow in the winter, colorful foliage in the fall, blooming flowers in the spring and warm summers. Hiking, camping and hunting are popular activities. High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Pearl Hill State Park and Willard Brook State Forest are all less than 10 miles away. Within the city, the 150-acre Crocker Conservation Area leads into Audubon Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary and watershed land. Along the way, walking trails loop around Overlook Reservoir, a glassy body of water surrounded by mature oak trees. Nearby Coggshall Park spans 250 acres and offers an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground and a softball diamond. A stone house with meeting rooms and grills overlooks Coggshall Park’s Mirror Lake, where a red-topped gazebo seems to float on the water. Golfers tee off at the private Oak Hill Country Club, which has hosted seven Massachusetts Opens; Parkhill Park has a fully wheelchair-accessible playground and a summertime splash pad; and the West Fitchburg Streamline Trail follows the Nashua River for half a mile, passing a defunct factory’s rusted ironworks and aged pipeline. The Great Wolf Lodge Water Park is a top employer and Cormier says it’s popular for a family weekend getaway. “Everyone had been to the Great Wolf Lodge at least once,” she says.
There are also many cultural institutions in Fitchburg. The city’s industrial history is displayed and studied at the Fitchburg Historical Society, while the Fitchburg Public Library has programs for kids, teens and adults. The Fitchburg Art Museum – or FAM – has 12 galleries showcasing works from around the world and rotating exhibits. Vendors selling local produce and artisan goods line the museum’s parking lot every third Thursday from June to October during the Fitchburg Farmers Market. The event is also held on the second Saturday of those months at the historic upper common downtown. In December, the Santa Parade and Holiday Tree Lighting gets residents in the festive spirit as participants march down Main Street.
Folks let their dogs socialize and play at the dog park near Southside.
Coolidge Park offers wonderful features for young children to enjoy.
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Historic homes near Nashua River
Homes in Leominster sit up and down the city’s hills. On cracked, bumpy roads, colonial-style triple-deckers sit across from single-family homes with gable-front roofs and shaded porches. There are many historic houses, particularly near the Nashua River. In most of the city, mature oak and pine trees shade front yards, sidewalks line streets and cars are parked on the curb. Two-story Colonial Revivals and modest Cape Cods are common housing styles in Fitchburg, and the city’s median single-family home price is $400,000, slightly lower than the national median of $406,100. Townhouses and condos are also available.
A multifamily home in West Fitchburg is situated above the street with steps leading to it.
A multifamily style home in Cleghorn has three separate units with a large front porch.
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Fitchburg Public Schools and Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg Public Schools serve the community. The district receives a C-plus from Niche and consists of four elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Fitchburg State University, a public four-year college with about 3,400 undergraduates, is also in the city and offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree options. “A lot of local kids go to Fitchburg State. It attracts students who want to stay in town or be close to their families. They usually live at home and commute,” Cormier says. “You don’t really notice a difference when school is or isn’t in session since the student body is so small.” Fitchburg State also employs many residents.
Memorial School is located in Cleghorn, a neighborhood of Fitchburg, MA.
St. Bernard's High School has 235 students in grades 9-12 with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Converted mill buildings, shopping in nearby Leominster
Many mill buildings have been converted into restaurants, businesses, office space or entrainment facilities. There are also many shopping centers and strip malls throughout town with grocery stores, pharmacies, various small businesses and eateries. In the neighboring city of Leominster, residents will find a larger commercial presence, with the Mall at Whitney Field hosting a movie theatre and well-known retailers, and the Water Tower Plaza and Twin City Plaza both offering big-box shopping. HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital - Fitchburg Campus is on Nichols Road.
Stop by for delicious Dominican lunch at Mamajuana Restaurant, near Cleghorn.
Locals of Fitchburg enjoy coming in to buy some cookies from Dutch Kitchen & Bakery.
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30 miles to Worcester, 50 miles to Boston
While sidewalks make some areas of Fitchburg walkable, residents will need a car to get to surrounding cities. Massachusetts state Route 12 cuts through Fitchburg and connects with Interstate 190, leading about 30 miles south to Worcester. The road also travels about 5 miles south to Downtown Leominster. The 5-mile Twin Cities Rail Trail, popular with walkers and bikers, also connects the sister cities. Boston is about 50 miles east, and locals can get there using the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s Fitchburg Line at Wachusett station. The Fitchburg Municipal Airport is on Crawford Street, and the Boston Logan International Airport, which has flights to more than 80 domestic and 50 international destinations, is about 56 miles east.
Crime
According to FBI data, Fitchburg’s violent crime rate is higher than the national average, while the property crime rate is lower.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Luis Martins,
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.
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On average, homes in Fitchburg, MA sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Fitchburg, MA over the last 12 months is $388,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful end unit at sought after Saw Mill Pond Condominiums. This well maintained 2 bed 1 1/2 baths unit had the kitchen updated approximately 8 years ago with stunning Wallace Square Cherry cabinets and granite counter tops. The kitchen is open to the living area with gorgeous hardwood floors and a gas fireplace. Enjoy summer nights on your screened in porch that looks out to quant wooded
Beverly dagostinoKeller Williams Realty North Central
This two family property features two spacious one bedroom apartments, each with separate utilities. Long term tenants. Close to bus and train station, minutes from shopping, schools and area amenities. Conveniently located in the heart of Fitchburg with easy access to everything you need at your fingertips. Don't miss this opportunity to start or expand your portfolio.
An Investor's DREAM! This five family home with commercial space is the perfect addition to any investment portfolio - or an ideal starting point for those looking to break into Real Estate with confidence. Each unit is occupied with long term tenants, ensuring consistent cash flow from day one. The interior has been lovingly kept with many updates, offering modern comfort and minimal
Seller willing to cover closing costs and buy-down rate —an updated three-family property featuring eight bedrooms and three bathrooms, ideal for owner-occupants or savvy investors. Major capital expenditures have all been completed in the last three years, including updated boilers, electrical systems, a rebuilt deck, and a roof with over fifteen years of useful life remaining. Each unit has
Attention Investors! 318 Charles Street is a 3 family property offering strong rental potential on a dead end street. Two of the units — both 1 bed, 1 bath and located on the first level — are beautifully refreshed and move-in ready. Both are freshly painted with brand-new stainless steel range ovens. The third unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, offering even more income potential. Whether
BACK ON THE MARKET, buyer could not secure financing. Spacious and affordable! This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in Fitchburg offers 920 sq. ft. of comfortable living space for under $200K. Enjoy an open floor plan with generous-sized bedrooms, a bright living area, and the convenience of in-unit laundry. Perfect for first-time buyers or investors looking for value and low maintenance living.
This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment features a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, modern finishes, and plenty of room for cooking and entertaining. The unit showcases a stylish blend of tile, hardwood, and pine flooring, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ideally located near Fitchburg State University, Coolidge Park, local shopping, restaurants, and just minutes from the
Spacious and fully updated, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse is ideal for off-campus living near Fitchburg State University. Features include central A/C, hardwood flooring throughout, and modern granite countertops. Recently renovated with attention to comfort and style. Multiple units available great option for students or roommates looking for quality housing in a convenient location.
Five bedroom and 1.5 bath. Enjoy a large kitchen with granite countertops, modern finishes, and plenty of space for cooking and entertaining. This unit boasts a mix of tile, hardwood, and pine flooring, giving it a warm and stylish feel. Located in a prime area close to shopping, Fitchburg State University, Coolidge Park, and just minutes from the commuter rail, restaurants, and more perfect for
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