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.”
Charming and timeworn, Webster’s historic storefronts tell the story of a downtown shaped by generations of local craftsmanship and commerce.
Once a bustling hub of industry, Webster is now cherished for its quiet, country seclusion.
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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.
Tucked along Webster Lake, Indian Camp Ground offers peaceful lake views and a glimpse into the area’s rich Native American history.
Known for its 14-syllable name, Webster Lake offers boating, swimming, and family fun at Memorial Beach Park.
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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.
A charming row of well-kept homes showcases Webster’s welcoming neighborhood spirit and timeless New England style.
Webster offers growing opportunities for multi-family living, blending community charm with convenient access to local amenities.
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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.
Webster’s East Main Street blends historic Italianate storefronts with a lively mix of local shops and dining.
Monte Bianco in Webster serves up classic Italian dishes in a cozy, family-friendly setting loved by locals.
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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.
Park Avenue Elementary School in Webster fosters a nurturing environment where young minds grow and thrive.
Bartlett High School in Webster prepares students for success with strong academics and spirited community pride.
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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.
The Worcester Union Station Grand Hall provides a hub of transportation options for Bell Hill.
Webster offers limited public transportation, with regional bus service connecting residents to nearby towns and cities.
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Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Photography Contributed By
Jack Lourenco
Video By
Brad Davis
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Three family with one unit currently vacant. Owner in process of renting for 1000/month. Parking in front was added. Hot Water tank replace on 1st & 3rd floor.
Beautiful morning Views, breathtaking evening sunsets, and all day gorgeous scenery is what you will experience as you look out at Webster lake from this amazing 5 year young ranch style waterfront home. With over 3500 SF of living space between the 2 levels you will be welcomed by the open concept kitchen, dining, & living room area all with vaulted ceilings! The kitchen boasts a large center
Gracefully set beyond lantern-lit posts and timeless stone walls, this 2004 Colonial is a love letter to classic New England charm. With over 4,000 sq ft of finished space, 4 bedrooms, and 4 full baths, it offers a layout designed for both elegance and ease. The interior glows with natural light, while the expansive deck invites long, lingering evenings overlooking a shimmering heated saltwater
Three family with one unit currently vacant. Owner in process of renting for 1000/month. Parking in front was added. Hot Water tank replace on 1st & 3rd floor.
Beautiful morning Views, breathtaking evening sunsets, and all day gorgeous scenery is what you will experience as you look out at Webster lake from this amazing 5 year young ranch style waterfront home. With over 3500 SF of living space between the 2 levels you will be welcomed by the open concept kitchen, dining, & living room area all with vaulted ceilings! The kitchen boasts a large center
Gracefully set beyond lantern-lit posts and timeless stone walls, this 2004 Colonial is a love letter to classic New England charm. With over 4,000 sq ft of finished space, 4 bedrooms, and 4 full baths, it offers a layout designed for both elegance and ease. The interior glows with natural light, while the expansive deck invites long, lingering evenings overlooking a shimmering heated saltwater
Property Id: 1992966Welcome to your new home at 31-33 5th Ave in Webster, MA! This spacious 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment features hardwood floors, carpeted bedrooms, and a modern kitchen with a refrigerator. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking, on-site laundry, and a garage. Rent includes sewage, water, and garbage. No smoking or pets allowed. Don't miss out on this amazing
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