ZIP Code 01331: Athol, small-town vibe that offers full slate of services, amenities
The Telegram & Gazette is looking at the the real estate market in ZIP codes around Central Massachusetts. Today we are featuring 01331, Athol.
ATHOL — Nicknamed “Tool Town” for its history of attracting tool manufacturing businesses, this quiet town on Worcester County’s western border has a large inventory of homes for sale and a “full array of municipal services.”
Athol — ZIP code 01331 — was incorporated in 1762.
The “Tool Town” nickname was forged after several manufacturing companies were established in town during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Athol Machine Company, considered the “granddaddy” of the rise of Athol tooling, was established in 1868 to manufacture a chopping machine invented by Laroy S. Starrett.
Established in 1881 and still operating today, the L. S. Starrett Company was started by Starrett to manufacture tools and instruments used by machinists, tool and die makers, and the construction industry. Not long after, another tool manufacturer, Union Twist Drill, was established.
Today, the town of 33.4 square miles is home to a population of roughly 12,000.
Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski said Athol has a small-town vibe yet it offers a full slate of services and amenities.
“The town offers a full array of municipal services including 24/7 police, fire and ambulance coverage and lower than average property tax, water and sewer fees,” Suhoski said. “Our partners in the Athol-Royalston Regional School District continue to improve and enhance the educational offerings. And, with a strong industrial and service industry base, there are many employment opportunities to be found locally.”
For realtor Bruce Farley of Godin Real Estate, Athol is centrally located.
“You’re within an hour of Boston or Springfield or Worcester and the cost of the housing is probably one of the lowest in the state,” he said.
According to realtor.com, 21 single-family homes are presently for sale in Athol. They range from a 1,012-square-foot one-bedroom home listed for $95,000, to a 3,361-square-foot five-bedroom home listed at $595,000.
Highest priced house
At $595,000 the 1896 house at 1179 Main St. is the most expensive single family in town.
Listing agent Farley says his favorite feature is the interior architecture.
“It’s mostly original from 1897 but it’s all in wonderfully preserved condition,” he said.
The historic Italian Renaissance Revival-style home features detailed oak woodwork, three fireplaces with imported ceramic tile surrounds and carved mantels, high ceilings and stained-glass windows.
The five bedrooms are located on the second floor and the third floor has four finished rooms.
The partially finished lower level recently served as a physician’s office with direct access from the parking area.
In the1940’s this property served as The Trade Winds Guest House and Gift Shop. Today, it holds a spot on the town’s inventory of historic homes.
What can you buy for $350,000?
The two homes closest to $350,000 are listed at $325,000. One is new construction on Wilson Avenue. It offers three bedrooms, 1.5 baths in 1,248 square feet on a .23-acre lot.
The other, at 2478 Petersham Road, offers four bedrooms, two baths in 3,093 square feet. This home, built in 1900 on a 3.02-acre lot, needs some love.
What are they saying?
“I’ve been at it for over 30 years and the recent increase in demand and the price of housing surprised me,” Farley said. “It’s a reflection of the interest rates — it was under 3% for the previous two years and there wasn’t much on the market, so competition drove the market up. With the interest rates going up, I think it’s going to affect property values.”
Around town
Activities in the town-owned Fish Park, Silver Lake and Lake Ellis include swimming, skating, tennis and ball fields.
In the summer and early fall, “Tool Town Live!” free weekend concerts are held in the Uptown Common and at Fish Park.
Passive outdoor recreation is found at sites throughout town including Lawton State Forest, Alan E. Rich Environmental Park, Millers River Wildlife Management Area and the Bearsden Forest Conservation Area.
The Flat Rock Disc Golf Course offers an 18-basket course and the Ellinwood Country Club has an 18-hole golf course.
The annual Athol to Orange River Rat Race is a wild, 5.2-mile canoe race and spectacle held every spring on the Millers River.
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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: ZIP Code 01331: Athol, small-town vibe with full services, amenities
