When Samuel Slater emigrated to the United States in the late 1700s, he dreamed of mimicking England’s textile industry overseas. By memorizing the designs, techniques and processes of his home country, he founded his first mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Eventually, Slater moved to what is today Webster, Massachusetts. As the town’s founder, he transformed the area from rolling farmland to a manufacturing hub during the American Industrial Revolution. Today, he is buried in the town’s Mount Zion Cemetery. While Webster was once a beacon of industry, residents nowadays like its country seclusion. The original mill town is now the charming Main Street Historic District, a strip of Italianate-style storefronts. The community is home to one of the largest lakes in the state and numerous hiking trails. Plus, its access to U.S. Interstate 395 makes the 20-mile drive to Worcester convenient. “A lot of my clients who initially bought in that area were moving from bigger cities and were drawn to the price,” says Luxan Zayas, broker/owner of ReMax/Culture, who has served the area since 2009. “But they realized they could get a larger home near lots of things to do outdoors.”
Webster’s history is woven into its architecture, lake traditions, and community spirit.
Once an industrial hub, Webster is now treasured for its peaceful, country charm.
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Boating Webster Lake, hiking Mine Brook and Douglas State Forest
“People are drawn to that area because of the nature,” Zayas says. Webster’s 14-syllable Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg has the longest name of any geographic feature in the United States. Locals save their breath and call the 1,500-acre body of water Webster Lake. Visitors can relax on the lake’s shores at Memorial Beach Park, go fishing or launch a boat into the water. Kids can run around the park’s playground or play on the sand volleyball and tennis courts. The outdoor live music venue Indian Ranch sits along the lake’s northeastern edge. Here, folks can watch a country concert at the rustic amphitheater or take a ride on the Indian Princess, a modern-day replica of Mississippi River riverboats. The Indian Princess hosts public cruises and can be rented for private events, like birthdays and corporate parties. After a show or boat ride, folks can head to Samuel Slater’s, Indian Ranch’s flagship restaurant that serves American comfort food. From the beginning of May to mid-October, Indian Ranch’s seasonal, shoreside campground, which allows motor homes, RV’s, trailers and pop-ups, but not tents, is open. East of the lake, Mine Brook Wildlife Management provides a protected habitat for wildlife and gives visitors a chance to explore nature. Mine Brook features a 2.8-mile unpaved trail loop and allows hunting, fishing and trapping. The over 5,000-acre Douglas State Forest is about 8 miles from the center of Webster and is also a popular hiking destination.
Webster Lake brings summer fun to Memorial Beach Park with water and sun.
The Indian Princess Fairy adds magic and legend to Webster’s lakeside heritage.
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Variety of homes: from historic to lakefront
Close to downtown Webster, small Cape Cod and ranch-style homes sit on an irregular grid. On these sidewalk-lined roads, 1950s and ‘60s homes occupy small, grassy plots and can range in price from $220,000 to $650,000. Further north and in the same price range, buyers can find bilevel or split-level homes on larger, forested lots, with long driveways leading to garages. Many houses also surround the water, from properties built in the 1980s and ‘90s to contemporary mansions constructed in the past 20 years. Lakefront New Traditional and Colonial Revival homes can feature boat docks, spacious decks and modern interiors. They typically range in price from $700,000 to $2.2 million, depending on their size, age and condition. “Prices skyrocketed during COVID-19,” says Realtor David Leal with Leal Realty Group of Keller Williams Realty, who lives in the neighborhood. “Waterfront homes that used to cost $400,000 a few years ago will sell for $700,000. A good portion of homeowners are full-time residents, but it will be busier in the summer than in the colder seasons.” Residents who live on the water also enjoy community events through the Webster Lake Association, a charity group aimed at preserving the lake and its watershed. “During the summer, there’s an ice cream boat that cruises around, and a Fourth of July event where people take their boats out on the water to watch the fireworks,” Leal says. When the weather turns and some parts of Webster Lake freeze, residents bet on when a mannequin will fall through during the Ice-Out Contest. Sunrise and moonlight paddles, polar plunges and Dock O’Treat, where trick-or-treaters visit decorated docks by boat, are some other festivities put on by the association.
Multi-family homes in Webster showcase affordability, and a strong sense of neighborhood living.
Ranch-style homes in Webster deliver easy living and timeless suburban charm.
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Shopping and dining along East Main Street
Most of Webster’s shopping and dining options are concentrated near the center of town. Along East Main Street, Italianate-style storefronts house local shops and restaurants. Locals can dine on Italian favorites at Monte Bianco Restaurant, order sushi and other Japanese dishes at Eastern Pearl or grab drinks at Carly Restaurant & Bar. This area also hosts the town’s historic 19th and early 20th century buildings, like the Greek-Revival-style Webster Town Hall and the Webster-Dudley Historical Society, operating inside an old, red schoolhouse. At the nearby East Village Square Shopping Center, there’s a Price Chopper grocery store, a Panera Bread and other businesses, while East Main Plaza has restaurants like Thai Lemongrass, a nail salon, a martial arts studio and more. There are also a few waterfront restaurants along Webster Lake, like Point Breeze and Waterfront Mary’s 22, which both serve New England seafood as boats coast by. In case of emergency, Harrington Hospital - Webster Campus is on Thompson Road.
East Main Street in Webster mixes historic charm with shops and dining.
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Students zoned for Webster Public Schools
Webster Public Schools, a district that receives a C grade from Niche, serves the area. Park Avenue Elementary gets a C, Webster Middle gets a C-minus and Bartlett High gets a C-plus. Bartlett also offers the Nichols Leadership Academy. In partnership with nearby Nichols College, the program provides dual enrollment, where students can take college-level courses in high school.
Bartlett High in Webster builds success through academics and community pride.
Park Avenue Elementary in Webster helps young learners build a strong foundation.
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20 miles to Worcester, 60 miles to Boston
U.S. Interstate 395 leads about 20 miles north to Worcester, where many locals work. “Worcester has become more expensive, so a lot of people are choosing to commute instead,” Zayas says. Route 42 on the Worcester Regional Transit Authority services the Webster area and also leads to Worcester, with stops in Oxford and Auburn. Boston is a roughly 60-mile drive east, and Worcester’s Union Station hosts the closest commuter train leading to the state capital. For air travel, the Worcester Regional Airport is about 20 miles north and the Boston Logan International Airport is about 60 miles east.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Photography Contributed By
Jack Lourenco
Video By
Brad Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Enjoy water views of Webster Lake ALL YEAR LONG! This 3 Bed/1.5 Bath home boasts a spacious 2-car garage, good-sized backyard and less than a half mile to the boat launch! Your large living room is loaded w/hardwood floors, lots of sunshine via your picture window and a fireplace. The living room flows into your dining area and kitchen w/updated Corian countertops & SS appliances. Down the hall
Are you looking to redevelop this lot or use it as an office? Sitting high on Sugarloaf Hill in beautiful Webster, this property has so much to offer. Boasting nine private offices, a reception area, a bathroom with a shower, and a large conference room it is perfect. Downstairs you will find a large basement that is just waiting to be finished with full sized windows and plenty of light to make
This approved building lot is ready for your vision! Offering .88 acres this lot is able to accommodate a home of approximately 1,600 square feet, according to the site design that has already been prepared. There are some wetlands on the property that limits the location and the footprint of any structure to be built. This lot provides convenient highway access and is in walking distance to a
Welcome to your brand new oasis! Exquisite new construction home blends modern design with thoughtful craftsmanship, offering a perfect sanctuary. Located in a desirable neighborhood across the street from fun filled WEBSTER LAKE. Featuring Western exposure with beautiful sunsets and views of the lake. POSSIBLE NEARBY DOCKS BY A 3rd PARTY PENDING APPROVAL & PERMITTING. Located just minutes away
This well maintained DE-LEADED 5-family investment property has (1) 3-bad, (3) 2-bed and (1) 1-bed unit all rented. Off street parking for all units, some newer water heaters, washer/dryer in each unit and the two car garage is a nice bonus since it offers 2 vehicle bays down bottom along with 3 storage bays up top! VERY little grass to upkeep yet enough for the downstairs tenant to enjoy. ***
Jason FlibbertThe O'Rourke Group Real Estate Professionals
Don't miss this great opportunity to own this single family on Main St. in Webster. Plenty of space large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, beautiful kitchen.There`s a bonus room off the kitchen, the house has been kept in great condition by tenants.2 minutes from 395 and Panera, Priceshopper and more stores and Restaurant.In ground pool, has not been in use. Property has solar panels as well for great
Charles ParrillaProperty Investors & Advisors, LLC
Town Sewer & Water at Street. 21+ Acres, Fast access to Highway, close to schools, towns and Webster Lake. Ideal family compound lot or 16 Lots (lots 1 & 2 are abutters), recorded 1988 subdiv. plan & 2005 revised Prelim subdiv.plan. Abutting landowners in exchange, their land known as lots 1 and 2 become street front lots or abutters may agree compensation for road widening easement . Buyer's
Land for Sale - bring your plans to life! Single or Multi-family (2 family) buildable lot. Per discussion with Town of Webster, a 2 family may be built on this lot. Great location, just minutes to downtown Webster!
Stunningly renovated home on the shores of Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg with deeded lake access & dock just steps away! The open living/dining/kitchen area boasts an oversized island, custom cabinetry, wine fridge, coffee nook & propane cooking. Two main-floor bedrooms open to a composite deck with lake views, plus a full bath with double vanity. The luxurious primary suite
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! SCHEDULE YOUR SHOWING TODAY! Investor Special! 5-unit multi-family with huge upside in a desirable Webster location near Webster Lake, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes. Each unit framed for 3 bedrooms/2 baths (with primary en-suite), plus basement unit framed for 3 bedrooms/1 bath. Interior is down to studs—ready for completion to your vision. Exterior updates
Welcome to Wildeberry Hill Estates! This new construction development offers the best of all worlds for today's lifestyle - a brand new home with many upscale features along with being just up the street from all of the recreational activities and fun at Webster Lake including swimming, boating, dining, concerts and more....This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, nearly 3,000 sq ft Colonial offers an open
Now is your opportunity to build a custom lakefront retreat on beautiful Webster Lake. Offering 100 feet of direct water frontage, this rare, confirmed 5,000± sq ft buildable lot provides the ideal foundation to bring your vision to life. The property includes a DEP-approved plan allowing for a three-story single-family residence with a full walk-out basement at water level, offering seamless
4 Lots Total located in the General Business District. A total of 351.42 of Frontage and 1.13 Acres. This district allows for multiple commercial uses. Close to Main St which offers restaurants, shopping, and banking.
Matthew StraightColdwell Banker Realty - Leominster
Second-level studio apartment located on a quiet, residential street near Webster Lake. This unit offers a simple and functional layout, ideal for someone looking for an affordable living option in a peaceful area. Enjoy the calm surroundings, easy access to the lake, and proximity to local shops and conveniences. A great value for the location!
Property Id: 2198016BUILD CREDIT! We will report your on-time rent payments to the credit bureau. Rent starting at $1,792!* Awesome 2-bedroom on the first floor in a 6-family buildingThis is approximately 700 sq ft. Has own private rear entrance that leads into the kitchen through a hallway. Kitchen is very spacious with lots of storage between the pantry closet and large
Webster Lake Beacon Park! Townhouse Style Condo for Rent. Immaculate & in Pristine Condition. Building 1- Fabulous views from this unit! 2 Bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths. Master with 2 huge closets and on-suite Full Bath. Fully applianced, laundry on 1st floor. Deeded Exclusive Garage & parking spot in front of garage. Enjoy the beach & the inground pool. Easy access to Rte. 395 & area amenities.
This nice 2 Bedrooms 1 Bath place in the Webster area is available for Now. Included Features are: Laundry in Common Area. 1.Boston Pads is not responsible for any errors, omissions and change in price, prior sale, rent and withdrawal without notice. All information from sources reliable but not guaranteed. Photographs, videos, description and information about the properties reflect
Don’t miss this exceptional rental opportunity in the heart of Webster. This completely renovated 2-bedroom apartment is located on a spacious 0.4-acre corner lot, offering privacy and plenty of outdoor space. The unit is in excellent condition and ready for immediate occupancy! Enjoy modern updates throughout and the comfort of central air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant living environment
Located at 18 Harris St. in the welcoming town of Webster, Massachusetts, this residential property offers an opportunity to experience comfortable living. Located on the second floor, this home presents an inviting atmosphere. With 1100 square feet of living area, this residence features three bedrooms, providing ample space for rest and relaxation. Two full bathrooms offer convenience and
Property Id: 1720098Rent includes heat and hot water!! Updated unit freshly painted. Parking in driveway, laundry. Bright and sunny unit w sunroom area. 1st and last to move in. To view, please text Wally RE agent .
Immaculate 2br apt available for rent on a nice quiet residential street. Excellent area, convenient to major highways, shopping, and Webster Lake. Features include updated kitchen and bath, new LVP flooring, efficient Hydro-Sil heating units, on site laundry and 2 parking spots included. Nice backyard area great for grilling and enjoying some fresh air. Additional secure storage room in the
Property Id: 2298171**The photos are from a similar apartment unit**BUILD CREDIT! We will report your on-time rent payments to the credit bureau. Rent starting at $1,892! Rooms include two bedrooms, living room, and kitchen.* All animals considered! ** Awesome 2-bedroom on the third floor in a 6-family building* Hardwood floors with plenty of natural
Beautifully Updated 2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Webster, MA. Discover comfort and convenience in this newly renovated 2-bedroom apartment located in one of Webster's quiet and charming residential areas. This bright and inviting unit features fresh updates throughout, spacious bedrooms, and two dedicated off-street parking spaces.Enjoy easy access to everything you need - major highways, the
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