Central Massachusetts gets overlooked sometimes.
Boston gets Boston attention.
Western Massachusetts has its own identity.
And Central Mass is sitting in the middle like:
Hi. We have stuff too. 😂
If you're considering moving to Central Massachusetts, especially communities around Sturbridge, Charlton, Auburn, Spencer and greater Worcester County, you may find a combination that's difficult to replicate closer to Boston.
Highway access.
Older New England homes.
Newer construction.
Land.
Lakes and trails.
Small towns.
Cities.
And housing markets that can change dramatically within a relatively short drive.
But before you start favoriting houses, there are a few things I want relocation buyers to understand.
1. "Central Massachusetts" Covers A LOT
This is the first mistake relocation buyers make.
Central Massachusetts isn't one market or one lifestyle.
Living in Worcester is very different from living in Sturbridge.
Sturbridge feels different from Charlton.
Auburn isn't Spencer.
And once you start moving into more rural communities, the type of property you're buying can change considerably.
Instead of asking:
"Where should I live in Central Mass?"
Start with:
"What do I want my everyday life to look like?"
Then we narrow down the map.
2. Your Highway Access Can Completely Change Your Experience
Central Massachusetts has some major transportation corridors.
I 90 crosses the region east to west.
I 84 begins in Sturbridge and runs into Connecticut.
I 290 provides access through Worcester.
Routes 20, 9 and other state roads connect surrounding communities.
That means two houses that appear relatively close on a map can produce very different commutes.
If you're relocating for work, don't choose a house based solely on mileage.
Drive the commute.
At the time you'll actually be driving it.
Your future self will appreciate this.
3. Sturbridge Is a Major Crossroads
Sturbridge is particularly interesting because of its access to both I 90 and I 84.
That can make it useful for buyers whose lives stretch between Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The town also has a strong outdoor component. Sturbridge reports more than 6,000 acres of preserved open space, over 35 miles of trails and five major lakes and waterways.
And yes.
Old Sturbridge Village is here.
But living in Sturbridge is about much more than living near a historic attraction.
4. Charlton Can Give You a Completely Different Search
Move slightly east from Sturbridge and you reach Charlton.
This is where buyers may start encountering properties with larger lots, more rural surroundings, private wells and septic systems.
That's important.
Some relocation buyers LOVE the idea of land.
Until I ask:
"How do you feel about maintaining three acres?"
😂
There's no wrong answer.
You just need to understand what comes with the property.
5. Worcester Changes the Conversation Again
Then there's Worcester.
Now we're talking about an actual city with universities, hospitals, restaurants, entertainment, neighborhoods, multifamily housing and a much more urban environment than the surrounding towns.
This is exactly why Central Massachusetts cannot be reduced to one description.
You can move twenty or thirty minutes and completely change your surroundings.
6. You're Going to Encounter Wells and Septic Systems
If you're coming from a city or dense suburb, this may be new.
Many Central Massachusetts properties use private septic systems, private wells or both.
This is normal.
It does not automatically make the property undesirable.
It simply means there are additional systems you need to understand.
Massachusetts Title 5 regulates onsite septic systems, and inspections are generally required when properties with septic systems are transferred, subject to certain exceptions.
If a property has a well, we'll also discuss appropriate water testing and what you should know about maintaining it.
7. Older Doesn't Mean Bad
Central Massachusetts has beautiful older housing stock.
You'll find Capes.
Colonials.
Ranches.
Antique homes.
Victorians.
Multifamilies.
Split levels.
And houses where someone clearly said:
"You know what this 1890 farmhouse needs? A random addition."
And then someone else added another one in 1974.
Welcome to New England. 😂
The age doesn't scare me.
Not understanding the condition does.
That's why inspections and good professionals matter.
8. Your Budget Can Look VERY Different From Town to Town
This is one of the most important things relocation buyers need to understand.
Your $450,000 budget does not buy the same house everywhere.
A property in Worcester may give you one set of options.
Sturbridge another.
Charlton another.
Spencer another.
Then your property type changes things again.
Single family?
Condo?
Multifamily?
Land?
Move-in ready?
Project?
Instead of choosing a town because you heard it's "affordable," let's look at actual inventory.
That's what your money can buy TODAY.
9. Think About What You Actually Do on Weekends
This is one of my favorite questions for relocation clients.
What do you DO?
Are you going out to dinner?
Hiking?
Shopping?
Going to breweries?
Going to concerts?
Spending time outside?
Do you want everything five minutes away?
Are you completely happy driving twenty minutes for groceries if it means having land?
You aren't buying a Zillow listing.
You're choosing where your real life is going to happen.
10. You Don't Have to Pick Western OR Central Massachusetts Immediately
This is important for my relocation buyers.
Sometimes your search doesn't need to stop at an imaginary regional boundary.
If you're considering Westfield, maybe we should also talk about Sturbridge depending on your commute.
If you're considering Sturbridge, perhaps Charlton belongs on the list.
If you're working somewhere between Worcester and Springfield, we may need to explore both directions.
That's exactly why I work across Western and Central Massachusetts.
Your life gets to determine the search area.
Not a county line.
Western MA vs. Central MA
Neither is "better."
Western Massachusetts may make more sense if your life centers around Springfield, Westfield, Northampton, the Pioneer Valley or portions of northern Connecticut.
Central Massachusetts may make more sense if you need stronger access toward Worcester, eastern Massachusetts or the I 84 corridor.
And sometimes the right answer sits somewhere in between.
This is why relocation should be a conversation before it becomes a home search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered Central Massachusetts?
Central Massachusetts generally includes Worcester County and communities surrounding Worcester, including places such as Sturbridge, Charlton, Auburn and Spencer.
Is Sturbridge in Central Massachusetts?
Yes. Sturbridge is located in Worcester County and is generally considered part of Central Massachusetts.
Is Central Massachusetts less expensive than Boston?
Housing prices in many Central Massachusetts communities can be lower than Greater Boston, but prices vary significantly by town, property type and current market conditions. Buyers should evaluate current local inventory rather than assuming an entire region is inexpensive.
Can I commute from Central Massachusetts to Connecticut?
Yes, depending on your destination. Sturbridge's access to I 84 can be particularly useful for certain Connecticut commutes.
Are septic systems common in Central Massachusetts?
They are common in many less densely developed communities. Massachusetts regulates onsite septic systems under Title 5.
Can I search both Western and Central Massachusetts at the same time?
Absolutely. For buyers whose commute and budget allow flexibility, exploring communities across both regions can create considerably more options.
Thinking About Moving to Central Massachusetts?
Start with a conversation.
Not Zillow.
Tell me where you're coming from.
Where you're going to work.
What you want to spend.
What you want your house to look like.
How much land you want.
How much driving you're willing to do.
And what you want your everyday life to feel like.
Then we'll start putting towns on the map.
Some you'll love.
Some you'll immediately eliminate.
And there's a very good chance we'll find one you hadn't even considered.
That's relocation.
About Angie Schermerhorn
Angie Schermerhorn is a REALTOR® with the Stephanie Salerno Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut and serving Western Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
Angie helps relocation clients understand not only individual homes but the communities surrounding them, with a clear, low pressure process built around budget, commute, property needs and everyday lifestyle.
