Pepperell

Pepperell

Located in Middlesex County

$588,084 Average Value
$273 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

A rustic New Hampshire border town

Deer, moose and even confused farm animals pass through backyards in the rural community of Pepperell. This rustic New Hampshire border town is a rustic residential area where people lay their heads at night after working somewhere else, or at home, during the day. Pepperell is the kind of country town where small businesses like dentists’ offices set up shop on the first floor of 19th-century homes. A Revolutionary War-era bridge is enmeshed with country pastures and acres of farmland here. “At a house I was selling in Pepperell, we literally saw a lady walking her horse home,” says Judi Martin, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in the Merrimack Valley. “You don’t see that as much in Billerica or even in Chelmsford.”

Craftsmans and colonials

Craftsman-style homes with barns, colonials down winding driveways, antique houses and brand-new custom homes sit on lots with multiple acres of land. Home prices range between $280,000 and nearly $1 million, and the average home in Pepperell is valued at about $580,000. Housing prices are currently high in the Merrimack Valley, says Martin, but as inventory starts to come online, that could change. “There are still people with money buying houses, but I think it’s going to start to slow,” she says. “We still don’t have enough inventory, but once we start getting it, the prices will come down because interest rates are too high.”

Built in 1749, The Nathan Shipley House is one of many historical homes in town center.
Built in 1749, The Nathan Shipley House is one of many historical homes in town center.
Pepperell is chock full of historic homes to marvel at.
Pepperell is chock full of historic homes to marvel at.
Early 20th century craftsman homes on a quiet street are common in Pepperell.
Early 20th century craftsman homes on a quiet street are common in Pepperell.
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Farms and trails

As a country town, Pepperell has several operating farms. The seasonal Kimball Fruit Farm does pick-your-own berries, apples and pumpkins from the summer into the fall and former thoroughbred horse breeding center Kimstead Farms is known for its sweet little goat kids and its produce. Clover Luck Farm, a family-owned establishment that raises cows, pigs and hogs on its pasture, sells fresh eggs, milk and cheese. The 11-mile Nashua River Rail Trail runs through the woods from Ayer, through Pepperell and up to the New Hampshire border. The trail includes a horse-riding path that starts in Groton, but non-equestrians can walk, hike or rollerblade down the path. Neighbors launch canoes and kayaks into Heald Pond, a 32-acre waterway with a nearby walking trail that goes by a former working apple orchard. The orchard still has edible apples for hungry hikers.

The town of Pepperell allows access to an 11 mile bike trail to support seasonal activities.
The town of Pepperell allows access to an 11 mile bike trail to support seasonal activities.
Pepperell has plenty of options for land or water based fun.
Pepperell has plenty of options for land or water based fun.
Kimball Fruit Farm is a local fruit stand and orchard located in Pepperell.
Kimball Fruit Farm is a local fruit stand and orchard located in Pepperell.
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Local delights with fresh ingredients

Pepperell has a handful of local restaurants, including Italian eatery Mariano’s Ristorante, which serves pizza, pasta and cocktails in a cozy dining room. From-scratch empanadas and rice bowls are available at The Lazy Bubble, and Dr. Davis Ice Cream makes its own homemade frozen desserts.

Stores in Pepperell have a classic look and feel to them.
Stores in Pepperell have a classic look and feel to them.
Pepperell Quality Market in downtown is a supermarket selling a wide range of food
Pepperell Quality Market in downtown is a supermarket selling a wide range of food
The Barn Door is a gourmet grocery store located in Pepperell.
The Barn Door is a gourmet grocery store located in Pepperell.
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North Middlesex Regional School District

Pepperell is part of the North Middlesex Regional School District, which also includes Townsend and Ashby. The town’s elementary school is Varnum Brook Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through fourth grade and has a B rating from Niche. After they graduate from Varnum, kids move on to Nissitissit Middle School (rated B) and then to North Middlesex Regional High School (rated B). Students can also choose to attend Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford. In nearby Groton is Groton School, a 380-student private school serving grades eight through 12. Founded in 1884, the school was expanded and renovated in 2015 to maintain its historical structure while also adding a Fabrications Lab, state of the art science classrooms and laboratories and gathering places. Eighth graders at Groton take English, math, science and Latin, plus one of three world languages and one term each of steel drums, visual art and theater as part of their required curriculum.

Varnum Brook Elementary School serves grades K-4 in Pepperell.
Varnum Brook Elementary School serves grades K-4 in Pepperell.
Nissitissit Middle School serves students from the Pepperell neighborhood.
Nissitissit Middle School serves students from the Pepperell neighborhood.
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Routes 111 and 113

Location-wise. Pepperell is a bit off the beaten path. It’s connected to Routes 111 and 113, and it’s awhile before any major highways appear. But for commuters to southern New Hampshire, those who work from home and even Boston workers who don’t mind an hourlong drive, it can provide a rural way lifestyle.

The Fourth of July and historic bridges

The Fourth of July is a big deal in Pepperell. The celebrations start in the morning with a parade, and at night there’s a huge fireworks display. Pepperell is proud of its covered bridge, a historic site that has connected land over the Nashua River since about 1740. During the Revolutionary War, the bridge site was patrolled by an all-female battalion. The women successfully apprehended a British spy who was attempting to get a message to his side. The bridge became covered about 70 years later and was most recently renovated between 2008 and 2010. It’s one of three car-friendly covered bridges on public Massachusetts roads.

Laura Finaldi
Written By
Laura Finaldi
Todd Beltz
Photography Contributed By
Todd Beltz
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

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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

Pepperell Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$592,000
Median Sale Price
$600,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$623,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$348,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
103
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$9
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$273

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
6
Months of Supply
0.70

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Pepperell Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,287
Median Age
45
Population Density
35 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$115,588
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$136,094

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.3%
Advanced Degrees
15.8%
% Population in Labor Force
70.5%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
42''
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.
Pepperell