Rural Neighborhood in Massachusetts
Worcester County 01541
Perhaps it’s time to consider Princeton, Massachusetts as a living destination. It might not be the most well-known Princeton, but the region is home to rolling terrains, stately residential properties and the country’s oldest tennis tournament.
Sawyer Field is a popular spot for when students aren’t in school — one might find them enjoying a game of tag or exploring the play equipment at the park. Wachusett Mountain, located in both Westminster and neighboring Princeton, is a popular spot to ski in the winter and hike during the warmer months. The mountain area also features Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a 1,135-acre park. The former farmstead has spectacular views, historic barns and buildings and a sheep pasture. The sanctuary also holds event like the New Year's Hike and Yoga on the Trails. Another popular outdoor destination is Krashes Fields Complex, where sledders and ice skaters enjoying the crisp conditions in the winter months. In total, there are nine parks within a 20-minute drive from Princeton.
Realtor Jennifer Shenk with Keller Williams Realty North Central notes that Princeton, an attractive and breezy town, was once a summer escape from Boston. “A lot of folks have moved here since the pandemic which has increased the price point,” she says. Some houses in the area were built in the 1700s and more contemporary properties have been popping up. “It’s an eclectic mix of houses,” Shenk says. “It’s definitely not a cookie cutter town." Housing prices range between $380,000 - $1 million. On Clearings Way, a stone-lined roadway, colonials from the late 1980s go for $1.65 million. On Sterling Road, stunning contemporary homes built in the 1980s are fetching $950,000 and charming Cape Cods from the late 1990s are priced just over $755,000 on Houghton Road. The average house size is 2,340 square feet and lots range around 113,256 square feet. More than 90% of residences are owne
You’ll know you’re in Princeton when you see folks getting in a tennis match at one of the town’s courts, perhaps gearing up for the September tournament. The annual Labor Day Weekend Chandler Bullock Tennis Tournament has been a Princeton event since 1912. “It lasts a full week, and it brings out people of all skill levels,” Shenk says. “If you kind of know how to play, there’s a group for that, too.”
Princeton has a vibrant food scene. Mountainside Bakery and Café is a well-known destination for apple cider doughnut muffins and pecan sticky buns. The Barn is a recently reopened restaurant that offers a seasonally inspired menu of salads, burgers and seafood. “It’s always jam packed,” Shenk says. “I’ve been there three times, and it’s only been open a month.” Locals can pick up a few essentials at Kwik Stop Convenience on Main Street or see what’s new at Hunt & Gather Vintage Market, a spot where folks can rent spaces and run their own booths. “We don’t have any chain stores in town,” Shenk says. “But you can get to Worcester in about 20 minutes on I-190.”
Part of the Wachusett Regional School District, Princeton students in kindergarten through eighth grade attend the highly rated Thomas Prince School where they improve their reading skills through year-long challenges that also result in fun prizes of books and gift certificates. “It’s a great school,” Shenk says. “It’s often ranked in the top of the state.” High school students then head to Wachusett Regional High School in nearby Holden where they can choose from extracurricular activities and clubs such as Save the Animals. This student-initiated group raises funds to help the migration of the Monarch butterfly. Thomas Prince and Wachusett Regional are both A-minus ranked schools according to Niche.
There is no regional public transit service in Princeton except for the Elderbus program, which is available to anyone over the age of 60 or those who are handicap. Worcester is a 20-minute drive on I-190. Boston is a 60-mile trek and can be reached via I-90 West, I-90 West and I-190 North or MA-2 West. The closest airport, Sterling Airport, is less than 10 minutes from Princeton via MA-62 East. Boston Logan International Airport is 65 minutes away.
Cynthia Walsh MacKenzie
Walsh and Associates Real Estate
(774) 772-5389
56 Total Sales
1 in Princeton
$740,000 Price
Taylor Blair
Lamacchia Realty, Inc.
(774) 772-5493
62 Total Sales
1 in Princeton
$555,000 Price
Tracy LaRosa
Daisy Hill Real Estate and Rentals
(774) 500-3394
29 Total Sales
1 in Princeton
$447,000 Price
Michael L. Durkin
LAER Realty Partners
(508) 978-2599
100 Total Sales
1 in Princeton
$500,000 Price
Taylor Healey
Foster-Healey Real Estate
(351) 215-0985
81 Total Sales
1 in Princeton
$450,000 Price
Nina Sable
William Raveis R.E. & Home Services
(774) 341-4973
82 Total Sales
1 in Princeton
$495,000 Price
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Princeton | 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
On average, homes in Princeton, MA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Princeton, MA over the last 12 months is $711,771, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
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Intentionally quiet rural town with two restaurants
