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Harvard

Harvard

Suburban Neighborhood in Massachusetts

Worcester County 01451, 01523

$980,639 Average Value
$353 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Charming New England town with history and community

Not to be confused with the university by the same name, Harvard is a small town in Worcester County that is still quite academic in its own right. With a highly-rated school district and former settlements from transcendentalist Amos Bronson Alcott and the Shakers, Harvard holds historical and literary significance. Today, the town still embraces its old-time charm and community-oriented outlook. "Time marches forward, as does the change. Harvard is no different; we're just a little slower at it," says Karen Shuttle, registrar at Harvard Public Schools and school employee for 25 years. "We have students who graduate and leave for college, but they find themselves coming back with their families to send their kids to school here. They want this experience for their children."

Harvard has beautiful landscapes in all directions just a short drive from the central town.
Harvard has beautiful landscapes in all directions just a short drive from the central town.
Harvard Massachusetts is a highly favored town providing a peaceful experience for locals.
Harvard Massachusetts is a highly favored town providing a peaceful experience for locals.
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Students attend the sought-after Harvard Public School District

Harvard has its own regionalized school district consisting of two schools: Hildreth Elementary, for Pre-K through fifth grade, and The Bromfield School, for sixth through 12th grade. The schools sit across from each other along Massachusetts Avenue, and both earned A-grades from Niche. Although small, the school district is highly regarded and high-performing, and community involvement and support are critical components of the school's success. "Most people do come to Harvard because of the school system. We have great, achieving children because we have great teachers. That in itself is a testimony to the staff we have here," Shuttle says. "The PTO support here is just phenomenal. It blows my mind how committed they are and the enrichment programs they have for the students." Shuttle also notes that students from nearby Fitchburg State University intern at the school as just one of many support and involvement programs.

Hildreth Elementary School is part of the Harvard public schools.
Hildreth Elementary School is part of the Harvard public schools.
The Bromfield School is located in the Bare Hill neighborhood of Harvard, Massachusetts.
The Bromfield School is located in the Bare Hill neighborhood of Harvard, Massachusetts.
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Colonial homes on large lots with mature trees

Harvard's housing stock largely consists of sprawling, colonial-style homes on large lots with mature trees and manicured green grass. Ron Morrison, co-owner and manager of MA Real Estate Center in Ayer says that homes in Harvard are double the average size of those throughout the country. "The average square footage here is 3,300, and the average price for a four-bedroom home is over $1 million," he says. Inventory is low, but homebuyers will find 1980s grand colonials on Candleberry Lane on 2.5-acre lots for around $1.1 million, and 1970s Garrison-style homes in the wooded Shaker Hills neighborhood go for between $875,000 and $975,000. Federal-style homes dating back to the 1770s on acres of forest and gardens cost around $2.3 million. On the lower end, newly constructed colonials on Pine Hill Way fetch around $700,000.

Large farm-style Garrison homes are everywhere in Harvard.
Large farm-style Garrison homes are everywhere in Harvard.
Traditional homes are popular and found nestled in the countryside of Harvard.
Traditional homes are popular and found nestled in the countryside of Harvard.
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Cyclists love Harvard's hills

Bare Hill Pond is a resource for residents year-round. In the summer, locals can float in the water, lay out in the sand or paddle board. In the winter, it's a great spot for skating, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Harvard's rolling hills and beautiful scenery also make it a popular spot for biking. "We have a lot of cyclists come through our town. When you're at the general store, there's always people pulling in with their bicycles, especially on the weekends," Shuttle says. Nearby Harvard Park off Lancaster Country Road has a playground, running track, and paved and unpaved trails to explore.

Cyclists can enjoy Harvard's beautiful biking trails in the area.
Cyclists can enjoy Harvard's beautiful biking trails in the area.
The Town Beach provides kayaks, paddle boards and canoes for residents to enjoy.
The Town Beach provides kayaks, paddle boards and canoes for residents to enjoy.
Harvard Massachusetts is a popular destination for cyclists.
Harvard Massachusetts is a popular destination for cyclists.
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Picking produce and the Harvard General Store

Harvard leans into its small-town feel, which can also mean sacrificing convenience. "As far as the luxury of grocery stores and gas stations, it just doesn't exist here. It's small and very charming," Shuttle says. "It's a quintessential New England town. There are three churches you can see standing in the center of town and a four-way stop." Residents can, however, stop in for wine, homemade baked goods and a few essentials at Harvard General Store. The store serves breakfast, lunch and specialty pizzas. Harvard also has an abundance of orchards, including Westward Orchards and Carlson Orchards, Inc., which grow apples, raspberries, blueberries and peaches for locals to enjoy seasonally.

Harvard General Store is famously known for delicious bakery and where they filmed Little Women.
Harvard General Store is famously known for delicious bakery and where they filmed Little Women.
Welcome to Carlson Orchards, the best apple and peach orchard Harvard has to offer.
Welcome to Carlson Orchards, the best apple and peach orchard Harvard has to offer.
Harvard's Unitarian Universalist chapel is located right at the center of Harvard town.
Harvard's Unitarian Universalist chapel is located right at the center of Harvard town.
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Harvard Flea Market and historical sites around town

In 2018, Harvard General Store was part of the set of Greta Gerwig's Little Women, which was filmed entirely in Massachusetts. Another filming location was Harvard's Fruitlands Museum, a property that was once part of Amos Bronson Alcott's Transcendentalist experiment. Now, the farmhouse museum houses art and artifacts, and the surrounding land and buildings are available for self-guided tours between April and November. Once a year, Harvard teems with life for the Harvard Flea Market at the Bromfield School. "The flea market in October brings thousands of people through. There are swarms of people, and it's a huge event in the town. It's just one day, but the town isn't so sleepy then." Vendors set up on Friday night, and the event lasts all day Saturday.

Order a delicious sandwhich at Harvard General Store.
Order a delicious sandwhich at Harvard General Store.
If you're up for an adventurous trip, be sure to stop by Fruitlands Museum in Harvard.
If you're up for an adventurous trip, be sure to stop by Fruitlands Museum in Harvard.
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Route 2 and I-90 are conveniently close for locals of Harvard, Massachusetts.
Route 2 and I-90 are conveniently close for locals of Harvard, Massachusetts.

Getting to Worcester and Boston from Harvard

Harvard is a car-dependent area about 45 miles west of Boston and 25 miles northeast of Worcester. Drivers can travel to Worcester via I-190 or to Boston via Route 2. Harvard is a small town, so residents will likely need to drive to larger surrounding cities to find major airports, hospitals and transit, such as Boston Logan International Airport, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Worcester Regional Airport and UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Harvard has a CAP Index score of 1, indicating a very low crime risk in the area.

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Faith Wakefield
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lauren Tetreault, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Worcester Regional

43 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Harvard US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$985,000
Median Single Family Price
$935,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$699,999
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$353
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
49
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$987,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,838
Median Year Built
1977
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,782
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,350
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,968
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
501
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
92,565

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 2pm

    17 Candleberry Ln, Harvard, MA 01451

    $1,349,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 4,414 Sq Ft
    • 17 Candleberry Ln
    • New 1 day ago

    Classic New England Colonial on 2.8 acres in the desirable Candleberry neighborhood. This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home blends warmth and character with modern updates. Features include a fireplaced kitchen with custom cherry cabinets, large granite island with two ovens and a cathedral-ceiling dining room opening to a spacious deck. A fireplaced living room and a stunning family/media room with

    Sarah Cameron Coldwell Banker Realty - Concord

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  • Saturday, May 3
    2 - 3pm

    4 Old Meadow Ln, Harvard, MA 01451

    $1,599,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 6,669 Sq Ft
    • 4 Old Meadow Ln
    • New 1 day ago

    From the moment you drive through this private cul-de-sac, you'll be captivated by the charming curb appeal of this beautiful home featuring an inviting front porch. The hub of the house is the open gourmet kitchen with new granite countertops, a spacious pantry and a bright and airy family room with a cozy wood stove and direct access to a sprawling deck. An oversized dining room with pocket

    Jamie Grossman MGS Group Real Estate LTD - Wellesley

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lauren Tetreault, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,507
Median Age
49
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$176,597
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$191,742

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
74.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
63''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

33 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Harvard