Sprawling Massachusetts countryside meets a quaint Main Street
Sunderland, nestled along the Connecticut River amid the mountains of western Massachusetts, is a cozy rural town anchored by a traditional New England Main Street lined with historic architecture. “It’s small, sweet and quiet,” says Terry Hooper, a Realtor with Park Square Realty who grew up in the area and attended college at nearby UMass Amherst. “A lot of the homes are older, but very nice, especially in the center of town.” The bucolic setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, who can take advantage of the riverfront location and explore the undeveloped countryside. In addition, residents have easy access to the surrounding towns and the jobs they offer. UMass Amherst is the area’s primary employer. “Sunderland is a good place to get away from the hubbub,” says Hooper. “A lot of people don’t want to live where they work. You can escape the busyness living in farm country. That’s the attraction.”
Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals feature New England charms
Main Street is a snapshot of history, highlighted by 19th-century homes that include New England architectural staples such as Colonial Revival, Cape Cod and saltbox. Restaurants and professional offices also are housed in historic buildings along the town’s main thoroughfare. Colonial Revival-style architecture is prominent even among the town’s contemporary housing, which also includes large ranch-style homes on spacious lots. Houses typically list in the $300,000 to mid-$600,000 range. Acreage homes in the more rural areas can list in excess of $1 million. “There are larger parcels of land available for those who want to hide away,” says Hooper. “They offer seclusion for those who can afford it.”
Colonial Revival style homes are sprinkled throughout Sunderland.
Sunderland is known for its rolling hills and spectacular views.
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Locally owned restaurants of all cuisines line Main Street
Dining options are spread throughout the community. Goten of Japan has been serving up traditional delicacies in Sunderland since the early 1970s. “I can remember going there in college,” says Hooper. The Main Street corridor features several eateries, most notably Blue Heron. The highly rated contemporary restaurant is housed in a distinctive neoclassical building. “That’s more of an upscale place,” says Hooper. “It’s an attractive building, and it’s nice and cozy inside.” Millstone Farm Market, also located on Main Street, is a farm-to-table grocery store that dates to the 1920s. The market also features a full-service butcher shop. Most of the products come directly from the family farm across the street.
The Milestone Farm Market has a long history of Sunderland and Pioneer Valley.
Blue Heron Restaurant serves New American food in the restored Old Town Hall in Sutherland, MA.
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From Mount Sugarloaf to the riverfront, there's plenty of nature to explore
Located just off Main Street is Sunderland Riverside Park, which opened in the summer of 2019. Featured amenities include small-boat access to the river, a riverwalk and an observation deck with a spectacular view of Mount Sugarloaf across the river in South Deerfield. The Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation is filled with primitive trails. Sunderland Caves, which are actually a collection of huge slabs of tipped conglomerate rock, is a notable town landmark that is part of a popular hiking area into Mount Toby Forest. “The river provides boating and fishing, and the mountains provide beautiful spots to hike and bike,” says Hooper. “And even if you don’t have access to the river, you’ll appreciate all the wildlife that it provides. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been up in that area and seen bald eagles, which are abundant up and down the river valley.” Traditional athletic amenities at the park include baseball and soccer fields and a sand volleyball court. A pedestrian loop links the boat ramp, riverwalk and playing fields with the Sunderland Public Library and town hall.
Sunderland is a town in Franklin County, MA.
Sunderland Elementary and Frontier Regional serve students
Students can attend Sunderland Elementary, a K-6 school that received a B-minus from Niche, and Frontier Regional, a B-rated school that serves students in grades 7-12. The high school features an active performing arts department that puts on student-led plays and musicals.
Frontier Regional School in Deerfield serves communities nearby with exemplary education.
Take I-91 south to Springfield
Main Street, officially Massachusetts Route 47, and Amherst Road, officially Massachusetts Route 116, provide quick and easy access to neighboring communities for work commutes and general travel. Interstate 91, which follows the course of the river and can be accessed directly from Route 116, is located just west of town. “You can travel easily from one small town to another,” says Hooper.
Sunderland was first settled in 1713.
Sunderland is served by two routes of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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This move-in ready home is a must see! Recently renovated, this beautiful Ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms offers modern comfort in desirable Sunderland. Just steps from a PVTA bus stop and with quick access to Routes 47 and 116, commuting is a snap. It features a spacious backyard with mountain views, brick-accented curb appeal, and a large brick fireplace. Inside, the brand new
Large lot available within commuting distance to Umass. Situated amongst higher end homes, checkout this location to build your dream home. Close to shopping, major highways, Airports, restaurants and recreational activities.
Donald MaillouxColdwell Banker Community REALTORS®
Ready for immediate occupancy! This well-maintained, stately 1945 Colonial home in Sunderland offers views of Mount Sugarloaf. The home boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, hardwood and stone tile flooring, two fireplaces, a heating/cooling mini-split system, and newly installed seller-owned solar panels. The spacious country kitchen features a sunny breakfast nook for culinary delights.
This move-in ready home is a must see! Recently renovated, this beautiful Ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms offers modern comfort in desirable Sunderland. Just steps from a PVTA bus stop and with quick access to Routes 47 and 116, commuting is a snap. It features a spacious backyard with mountain views, brick-accented curb appeal, and a large brick fireplace. Inside, the brand new
Large lot available within commuting distance to Umass. Situated amongst higher end homes, checkout this location to build your dream home. Close to shopping, major highways, Airports, restaurants and recreational activities.
Donald MaillouxColdwell Banker Community REALTORS®
Ready for immediate occupancy! This well-maintained, stately 1945 Colonial home in Sunderland offers views of Mount Sugarloaf. The home boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, hardwood and stone tile flooring, two fireplaces, a heating/cooling mini-split system, and newly installed seller-owned solar panels. The spacious country kitchen features a sunny breakfast nook for culinary delights.
At Cliffside, our spacious, thoughtfully-designed apartments offer one, two, and three bedroom floor plans. Features include an all electric kitchen, carpeted floors, and additional storage. The many community amenities include a shimmering swimming pool, hiking trail, tennis courts, picnic and barbecue area, and pet park.
Here, finding your college apartment is more than just a place to live. The Social Amherst is designed for every major, classification, and lifestyle. From our package lockers to our dog park you'll never miss a beat. We pride ourselves on our commitment to making residents feel at home with our community-wide resident events, 24-hour emergency maintenance, and roommate-matching service designed
Welcome to Sugarloaf Estates: your ideal choice for student apartments near UMass Amherst and apartments near Amherst. Located in scenic Sunderland, MA, our off-campus apartment community blends modern convenience with rustic charm at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. Just minutes from downtown Amherst and directly along the PVTA bus line, Sugarloaf Estates offers easy access to campus and
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