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Brookfield

Brookfield

Rural Neighborhood in Massachusetts

Worcester County 01506

$429,000 Average Value
$227 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Peaceful historic enclave near Massachusetts ponds

Historical homes across a forested landscape and the winding Quaboag River characterize the charm of Brookfield, Massachusetts. And as one of the first areas settled by Europeans in Massachusetts and the former territory of the Nipmuc Nation, Brookfield’s history runs deep. “Brookfield has so much history. That’s our claim to fame; everybody here sort of gets sucked into the history because it’s really fascinating,” says Sarah Heller, owner of the TipTop Country Store in Brookfield. “In 1673, it was a huge land grant to people from Ipswitch to come out here and settle. Over the years, Brookfield was broken into four towns.” Today, Brookfield is a small town that remembers its history and has miles of nature to explore.

The winding Quaboag River characterize the charm of Brookfield, Massachusetts.
The winding Quaboag River characterize the charm of Brookfield, Massachusetts.
A lot of Brookfield's 1778 history remains such as Spooner Well.
A lot of Brookfield's 1778 history remains such as Spooner Well.
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Picnic or paddle along the Quaboag River

Locals can fish, boat and canoe along the Quaboag River and Quaboag and Quacumquasit Pond, colloquially known as North and South Ponds. From White’s Landing, locals can rent a canoe or kayak and go down the river into Quaboag Pond. “If you’re ambitious, you can canoe all the way down to the Connecticut River,” Heller says. The area also has a lot of trails. From the Trailhead at the end of Devils Elbow Road, locals can hike through Richardson Wildlife Management Area to Foster Hill. Nearby Wells State Park is another popular outdoor spot, featuring 12 miles of hiking trails and campgrounds just south of Brookfield.

Brookfield residents enjoy fishing at Blue Trail Boat Access along the Quaboag River.
Brookfield residents enjoy fishing at Blue Trail Boat Access along the Quaboag River.
The bridges along the Quaboag River anchor Brookfield with communities to the south.
The bridges along the Quaboag River anchor Brookfield with communities to the south.
The gazebo at Brookfield Town Common is a hub for neighborhood gatherings.
The gazebo at Brookfield Town Common is a hub for neighborhood gatherings.
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Native American burial ground in Brookfield is now a sacred location.
Native American burial ground in Brookfield is now a sacred location.

Nipmuc Nation and history of English settlers in Brookfield

Europeans first settled Brookfield in 1660, but the area remained vacant for over a decade after the Nipmuc people, who had long inhabited the Quaboag area, ran them out in 1675. Now, the town is working to preserve the Native American history of the area. “We approved a new park a couple of years ago that they discovered was built over a Native American burial ground. With the Nipmucs assisting, they’ve been cleaning it up into a memorial park with a lot of history about the Nipmucs. It’s in the works,” Heller says.

Fresh produce from Overlook Farms and TipTop Country Store

Brookfield was established as an English outpost in the 1600s, serving as a way station for travelers across Massachusetts. Today, locals can still fuel up with goods from Brookfield’s local farmers and merchants. Residents find local produce, grass-fed meat, bulk ingredients and cleaning supplies at TipTop Country Store.“It’s like a mini Whole Foods, but it doesn’t have that corporate feel,” Heller says. We have everything here, it’s just very compact.” A group of TipTop’s customers is also creating a co-op, which they hope to open by fall 2024. Overlook Farm has organic produce, free-range eggs, and pick-your-own produce and herbs seasonally in Brookfield. For a larger supermarket, locals shop at Hannaford in North Brookfield or Walmart in Sturbridge. Residents enjoy seafood and ice cream at The Clam Box, which serves fried clams and lobster rolls. Those looking to treat themselves to fresh seafood and ice cream can stop by The Clam Box, which serves fried clams and lobster rolls. There’s also E. B. Flatts, which offers classic American comfort food, like meatloaf and chicken pot pie.

Steve Lamorureux now helms the family-run business started in 1978 in Brookfield.
Steve Lamorureux now helms the family-run business started in 1978 in Brookfield.
The market barn at Overlook Farms in Brookfield is a one-stop shop for local produce.
The market barn at Overlook Farms in Brookfield is a one-stop shop for local produce.
E.B. Flatts specializes in breakfast and lunch dishes for Brookfield residents.
E.B. Flatts specializes in breakfast and lunch dishes for Brookfield residents.
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19th-century homes on rural roads

Homes on the outskirts of Brookfield sit on rural streets lined with pine and oak trees, tucked away along long driveways. Roads closer to Brookfield’s village area form an organic grid pattern. Here, homes sit next to each other on large, shaded grassy lots with shrubbery, and residential streets often have sidewalks. 19th-century style homes populate the neighborhood, including Greek Revivals with white columns, Victorians with steep gabled roofs and shingles, and Colonial and Cape Cod Styles with dormer windows. Price depends on modern finishings; homes may cost as low as the mid-$100,000s, but well-maintained, renovated homes range between $350,000 and $450,000.

An historic Victorian overlooks the convergence of River, Post and Main Streets in Brookfield.
An historic Victorian overlooks the convergence of River, Post and Main Streets in Brookfield.
Houses along Fiskdale Road sit on modest to large lots in Brookfield.
Houses along Fiskdale Road sit on modest to large lots in Brookfield.
Many houses along Upper River Street in Brookfield were built in the 19th century.
Many houses along Upper River Street in Brookfield were built in the 19th century.
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Brimfield Antique Flea Market and Apple Country Fair

Three times each year, in May, July and September, Brookfield’s neighboring town of Brimfield hosts a massive antique flea market. Crowds gather to sift through wares from thousands of independent vendors. “The whole town comes together, and people even come internationally. You see all this stuff you can’t even imagine. You could never see the whole thing in one day. It’s quite amazing,” Heller says. Each year in early October, Brookfield hosts its annual Apple Country Fair in the Brookfield Town Common. This local event celebrates fall with an apple pie contest, baked goods, games and vendors selling handmade items.

Friends of Merrick Public Library and Brookfield Historical Commission occupy this farmhouse.
Friends of Merrick Public Library and Brookfield Historical Commission occupy this farmhouse.
Brimfield Antique Flea Market take place at Brookfield Common Historic District.
Brimfield Antique Flea Market take place at Brookfield Common Historic District.
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Tantasqua Regional Jr. High School is educating the future Brookfield leaders of tomorrow.
Tantasqua Regional Jr. High School is educating the future Brookfield leaders of tomorrow.

Technical education at Tantasqua Regional High

Students in Brookfield usually attend Brookfield Elementary School, rated a B-plus by Niche, for kindergarten through sixth grades. Students move on to A-minus-rated Tantasqua Regional Junior High School before progressing to A-rated Tantasqua Regional High School. The high school has a technical division offering vocational classes, allowing students to pursue a dual career path. Course offerings include carpentry, culinary arts, computer-aided design and advanced machine technology.

Brookfield is majorly accessed through Route 148.
Brookfield is majorly accessed through Route 148.

Commuting from Brookfield

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) offers a bus line that takes Brookfield residents 20 miles to Worcester; the two bus stops are in downtown Brookfield. Besides the WRTA, the area is car dependent. Massachusetts Route 148 runs through the neighborhood and offers convenient passage to Sturbridge and Brimfield, both 10 miles away. Boston is about 65 miles east of Brookfield. “We get people who commute to Boston, Worcester and Springfield. There are also a lot of people working from home, people who have their own businesses, and then there’s the agricultural aspect. There’s definitely working farms,” Heller says. The presence of the Quaboag River and Quaboag Pond can cause occasional flooding in Brookfield. “Quaboag Street can flood if there’s been a lot of rain. That’s really the main place,” Heller says. Brookfield has a CAP Index Score of 1, indicating a very low crime risk.

Faith Wakefield
Written By
Faith Wakefield
Emily McNamara
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Emily McNamara

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Juliano, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Worcester Regional

36 min drive

Bus

Brookfield (W)

Bus

Central St & South Maple

Bus

Common St & Brookfield Common

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Brookfield US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$435,000
Median Single Family Price
$429,000
Median Townhouse Price
$344,777
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$227
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
30
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$425,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,050
Median Year Built
1974
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,667
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,331
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,348
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,995

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Juliano, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,338
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$84,979
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,367

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
27.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.7%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
45''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

12 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

6 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Brookfield