$619,542Average Value$294Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Poetry, history and convenience converge in Sterling
From Nashaway Native American territory to a robust hay farming industry, Sterling is a Central Massachusetts town teeming with history. The community was also home to Mary Sawyer, the muse behind the 1830 nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” “It’s something we're known for,” says Caryn Gorczynski, the vice president of Century 21 Center Home Team, who is also a Sterling resident. “Mary’s original one-room schoolhouse is a historic landmark, and we have a lamb statue dedicated to her on Main Street.” Colonial-style storefronts in the quaint downtown, Rail Trail access on Waushacum Avenue and proximity to Interstate 190 add elements of modernity to Sterling’s small-town history.
Colonial-era dwellings and New Traditional estates
Homebuyers will find well-preserved properties built throughout the mid-1700s and the 19th century closest to Main Street. Side-gabled Federal dwellings sit on half-acre lots filled with pine trees. Second Empire homes have gravel driveways leading to detached two-car garages. Three-to-six-bedroom Queen Anne’s have restored interiors and wrap-around front porches. The town’s outskirts have two-to-three-acre parcels dotted with New Traditional estates circa the early 2000s and midcentury ranch styles. A Sterling home of any style typically costs between $400,000 and $700,000, a range similar to a Worcester County home’s average $400,000 selling price. “The housing market in Sterling is hot,” says Gorczynski. “Right now, there is low inventory. Once something goes up, it’s gone within a week.”
Many colonials in Sterling feature beautiful front porches.
Some colonials in Sterling come with a split level.
Two-story homes in Sterling offer homeowners plenty of space to stretch their legs.
Older homes can be found in the
New subdivision are being buildt in the woods of Sterling.
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From a conservation club to 18 Advanced Placement classes
Children in Sterling can go to Houghton Elementary, which has a B-plus grade from Niche. Next, they may attend the B-plus-graded Chocksett Middle, where students can join the conservation club to research endangered species, tend to the school garden and clean up local wildlife preservations. Lastly, students can attend Wachusett Regional High School. Lending to its A-minus grade, the school offers 18 Advanced Placement classes, including music theory and African American studies.
Sterling students can find premiere teaching at Houghton Elementary School.
Chocksett Middle School is an exceptional place for learning in the Sterling area.
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A reimagined cider mill and Sterling community hubs
Until 1988, the cider mill on Waushacum Avenue produced 2 million gallons of juice and vinegar every year. Today, the building is home to an antique store, and the trailhead for Sterling’s portion of the Central Massachusetts Rail Trail. Hikers traveling this 4-mile gravel route will pass cattail swamps, oak-pine forests and a bridge over West Waushacum Lake. “The Waushacum Lake is split into an eastern part and a western part,” says Gorczynski. “Only Sterling residents can use them. You can swim at the town beach or kayak. It’s busy in the summer because of camp kids.”
The town is also home to several other recreational hubs. Residents can join the true crime book club or attend a board game night at the Conant Public Library on Meetinghouse Hill Road. Besides ample picnic tables, Memorial Park at the heart of Sterling has a gazebo to host community events, like the Veterans Day ceremony. The Sterling Greenery Community Park, less than 2 miles away, has a modern playground and several baseball diamonds.
The playground at Sterling Greenery Community Park is a fun place to spend the day.
Sterling Greenery Community Park has several different sporting options.
Soccer is a popular sport of leisure in the neighborhood of Sterling.
Head over to the Conant Public Library for a quiet afternoon in Sterling.
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Main Street dining and Leominster shopping
Residents can head to Main Street and start their morning at Emma’s Café, a locally owned breakfast spot serving omelets, sandwiches and smoothies. The thoroughfare is also home to Sterling Village Pizza & More, known for its casual atmosphere, thick-crust pies and classic pasta dishes. While Notown Goods sells locally sourced honey and handmade home décor, big-box shopping options are outside Sterling. The town is less than 5 miles from Hannaford, Shaw’s and Walgreens in downtown Clinton. An 8-mile drive north takes shoppers to Orchard Hill Park Drive in Leominster, where they can find stores like Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Best Buy.
Emma's Cafe even has patio seating in Sterling.
Village Pizza & More offers the finest pie in the Sterling area.
Emma's Cafe is a choice place to get breakfast or lunch in Sterling.
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The highly attended Sterling Fair
“Over 30,000 people go to the Sterling Fair every September,” says Gorczynski. Located at the Sterling Airport, the event has been held off and on since 1859. Farmers can compete in the tractor race or sign their animals up for the oxen and horse pull. The weekend-long celebration also has local food vendors, live musicians and classic carnival attractions.
Interstate 190, a commuter’s dream
Sterling’s winding, rural roads don’t have sidewalks, and the town doesn’t have public transportation options. “Whether you work somewhere as close as Leominster or farther away in Boston, this is the ideal commuter town,” says Gorczynski. Interstate 190 spans Sterling’s western region, and a 50-mile drive east on the highway leads to Boston’s core. A 15-mile trip south also leads to downtown Worcester.
Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
Alexandria Pierre Etienne
Video By
Jacob Cooperman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Juliano,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sterling, MA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sterling, MA over the last 12 months is $575,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Motivated Seller! This charming 2-bed, 1-bath home offers 1,016 sq ft of updated living space, making it a perfect condo alternative for a first-time buyer or someone looking to downsize. Modern updates, the interior boasts engineered hardwood floors, a bright kitchen with butcher block counters and vaulted ceilings, and an updated bath. Recent major upgrades include new windows, electrical, and
Start the New Year in Your Own Beautiful Home!Welcome to this well-maintained, end-unit 2-bedroom townhouse in the sought-after town of Sterling! The first level features an open-concept design flowing from the living room to the dining area and kitchen—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. This home offers 2.5 baths and a finished basement family room for added space. Both bedrooms are
Prime Mixed-Use Development Opportunity in Sterling! Welcome to 223 Worcester Road, a 3.7-acre parcel of mixed-use zoned land offering endless potential for residential, commercial, or combined development. Strategically located on a well-traveled road just minutes from Mt. Wachusett, this lot presents an exceptional opportunity for builders, investors, and developers alike.This offering also
To be built, this modern farmhouse offers refined style, quality craftsmanship, and the rare opportunity to personalize many of the interior and exterior finishes. The open-concept main level features hardwood flooring, a spacious great room with a propane fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen with maple cabinetry, granite surfaces, and a walk-in pantry. A dedicated study provides space for work or
Matthew StraightColdwell Banker Realty - Leominster
To Be Built - Welcome to your dream retreat. Set on 4+ private acres with sweeping views, including Wachusett Mountain, this new-construction luxury home blends modern comfort with refined style. Enjoy 9-ft ceilings and a dramatic two-story family room with a gas fireplace that fills the space with warmth. The first-floor primary suite offers a peaceful, private escape. The gourmet kitchen
Matthew StraightColdwell Banker Realty - Leominster
Prepare to be captivated by this stunning, newly to be constructed home nestled on a sprawling and secluded 11+ acre estate. The grand 1000+ foot driveway leads you to this custom-built masterpiece, offering unparalleled privacy. Inside discover four spacious bedrooms, a beautiful open concept design featuring gleaming hardwood floors and breathtaking vaulted family room perfect for gatherings.
Beautifully crafted townhome with a 2-car attached garage & full basement, sits on an expansive 1.5-acre lot, offering privacy, space and exceptional quality. The home features 3 well-appointed bedrooms and 3 stylish full baths, Incredible Primary suite with enormous walk-in closet and luxury spa-like private bath. The elegant kitchen - typically found in million-dollar residences-showcases
non conforming commercial zonig more suitable for single family as previouse activity has indicated difficulty locating septic and commerce building on the lot. . Can't find an afordable home in Sterling? consider building one on this wooded hillside acres. signage on southboud rt 12 after Rt 190 rotary. slight slope makes idea for split entry with garage under.
Experience modern comfort & refined style in this beautifully designed 2020 townhouse, set within an intimate 18-home community. Filled with natural light, this move-in-ready home offers an open floor plan with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, & a gas fireplace. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a glass tile backsplash, specialized exhaust venting, & a center island flowing
Are you looking for a great opportunity to build a new home? This cottage gave joy to its owners for many summers but is most likely not salvageable. It's time for someone to come along and build something great here! Enjoy access to East Waushacum Pond and proximity to the Rail Trail. West Lake Waushacum is also nearby for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Easy access to 190. Located on an outer
REDUCED $100K! Stunning 3,600 SF Colonial newly constructed by the Fossile Brothers is set on two beautiful, flat acres in a serene Sterling location. This impressive home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 full tiled baths. The 26x16 gourmet kitchen is a showstopper with quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a large dining area perfect for entertaining. Gleaming hardwood floors flow
*Update - Buyer was not able to get property heated or winterized. Pipes were frozen and have since thawed. Major water damage and flooding has occurred. Property will be sold as-is and will not pass FHA or VA inspections. Cash only.* The property presents a canvas for your imagination, ready to be shaped into the home of your dreams. Within the walls of this 990 square foot residence are two
Meticulously maintained, bright, sunlit 2nd floor, 2 bedroom apartment with expansive kitchen, walk in pantry and dining area. Includes exclusive use NEW washer/dryer unit hidden behind attractive sliding barn door off the kitchen. Plus a home office with natural light and of course AC to keep you cool in the warm months! Plenty of closets and shelving, completely remodeled; awesome commuter
Stunning 3,600 SF Colonial newly constructed by the Fossile Brothers is set on two beautiful, flat acres in a serene Sterling location. This impressive home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 full tiled baths. The 26x16 gourmet kitchen is a showstopper with quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a large dining area perfect for entertaining. Gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout the
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