ZIP code 01462: Welcome to Lunenburg, 'a happy mix of rural with amenities'
The Telegram & Gazette is looking at the real estate market in ZIP codes around Central Massachusetts. Today we are featuring 01462, Lunenburg.
Said to be a “happy mix of rural with amenities,” this northern Worcester County town has lots of green space and options for homebuyers.
Lunenburg — ZIP code 01462 — was first settled by Europeans in 1718 and was officially incorporated in 1728.
Its 27.7 square miles is bordered by Townsend to the north, Shirley to the east, Lancaster to the southeast, Leominster to the south, Fitchburg to the west and Ashby to the northwest.
“The aspects that make Lunenburg a desirable place to live is that although there are close to 12,000 residents, it still has that tight-knit community feel and the residents and business owners are very involved in making it a great place to live, work and visit,” Town Manager Heather R. Lemieux said. “Anyone looking to buy a home in Lunenburg would benefit from taking advantage of all the natural beauties the town has to offer and becoming part of this special community.”
For realtor John Kyprianos, Lunenburg living affords room and conveniences.
“I’d give it a happy mix of rural with amenities,” he said.
Realtor.com lists 29 single family homes for sale in Lunenburg. Six of the 29 have recently gone under contract. Those available range from a 909-square-foot two-bedroom home listed for $259,900 to a 6,625-square-foot six-bedroom home listed at $990,000.
For families interested in relocating to Lunenburg, Lemieux said, “There are beautiful lakes, conservation land, trails, working farms, roads that are top notch and an excellent school system.”
Public education students in Lunenburg attend the Lunenburg Primary School, Turkey Hill Elementary School and Lunenburg Middle-High School.
High school students also have the option of attending Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fitchburg.
Highest priced house
The “Harley House,” a six-bedroom, 5.5-bath home at 909 Massachusetts Ave. is the most expensive at $990,000.
“This home is a unique situation: It’s the most expensive in town but the cheapest if you look at the price per square foot,” listing agent Kyprianos with Harley House Realty Group Inc., said. “This home is very unique; you won’t see another one like it.”
The 6,625-square-foot home was built in 1920 on 2.67 acres and has been extensively updated over the years.
It was once the home of former state Sen. Mary Padula and also a bed and breakfast/restaurant known as the Harley House.
Its 18 rooms feature skylights, wide pine wood floors, open-beamed ceilings and three staircases to the second floor. A library with floor-to-ceiling shelving flanks a fireplace.
The grounds offer a deck and gazebo off the kitchen, and an inground pool surrounded by gardens.
What can you buy for $350,000?
The listing closest to, but under, $350,000 is a two-bedroom, one-bath home for $299,900 at 1777 Massachusetts Ave.
The 1,702-square-foot rustic log cabin features a sheltered front porch, wide-plank wood floors and an open-beam cathedral ceiling with skylights.
Two-story open-concept living is found in the kitchen, dining room and a living room with a wood stove set in a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.
The two bedrooms are on the first floor and the large loft on the second floor is suitable for many uses.
The house-length back deck offers views of the abutting Cowdrey Lunenburg Conservation Area.
What are they saying?
“I think the real estate market is certainly changing from what it was last year and until people can adjust to the reality of the interest rates, it’s going to be slower but I think it’s going to pick up again as it always does; economies cycle,” Kyprianos said.
Around town
The town offers an abundance of ball fields in its Fitzgerald Field, Marshall Park and Wallis Basketball Court parks.
Among the lakes, conservation land and hiking trails noted by Lemieux are the 319-acre Hickory Hills Lake, 354-acre Lake Shirley, the 103-acre Lake Whalom, which offers a beach, Massapoag Pond, known for its fishing and trails, and Cowdrey Nature Center.
Other ZIP codes
ZIP code 01510: Clinton much to offer, including a tie to New York hotelZIP code 01585: West Brookfield has cornered the market on asparagus
ZIP code 01331: Athol, small-town vibe that offers full slate of services, amenities
ZIP code 01529: Millville, small-town America that 'gets in your blood'
ZIP code 01430: Affordable Ashburnham, once home to a king and Bette Davis, still semi-rural
ZIP code 01504: Blackstone, a desirable, affordable, bedroom community
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: ZIP code 01462 : Lunenburg, 'a happy mix of rural with amenities'
