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Norton Center

Norton Center

Neighborhood in Norton, Massachusetts

Bristol County 02766

$662,280 Average Value
$351 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A tucked-away town with a lake and a private college

At the heart of the southeastern Massachusetts town of Norton is a modest green, dotted by gazebos, sturdy oaks and a humble sign welcoming visitors. From here, it’s possible to see most of the village’s major landmarks: centuries-old churches, historic homes and a private liberal arts college. This is Norton Center, which serves as the crossroads for small-town life. “Norton is a pretty small, quiet town,” says Virginia Johnson, a lifelong resident of the neighboring city of Taunton. “There’s not a whole lot there aside from the Norton Reservoir and Wheaton College, and it’s close to Taunton and Attleboro.” Although major cities and highway access are just outside of Norton Center, this area feels like an oasis from all the hustle and bustle. A handful of restaurants, schools and libraries cluster close together, while homes are tucked away on wooded lots, with some featuring docks fronting the reservoir.

Take in the view of Norton Center and the Wheaton College campus from above in Norton, MA.
Take in the view of Norton Center and the Wheaton College campus from above in Norton, MA.
Discover your dream home in Norton Center with stunning water views from above.
Discover your dream home in Norton Center with stunning water views from above.
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In-demand lakefront homes on the Norton Reservoir

Stately Colonial Revivals and charming Cape Cods from the early 20th century cluster in the heart of town around the Norton Common and Main Street. Most other houses are scattered across the area on large, wooded lots sheltered from central thoroughfares, with high-demand properties on the waterfront of the Norton Reservoir. Other classic New England home styles, such as Dutch Colonials and two-story cottages, mingle with 1970s ranch-style and bi-level houses, with some spacious new-construction homes blending Colonial Revival and New Traditional features. Homes on an acre or less of land tend to list between $465,000 and $885,000, while multi-acre lots push prices into the $625,000 to $1.8 million range. “If you’ve got kids and a family, you probably want a big backyard,” Johnson says. "And you can get that for a lot cheaper here than closer to Boston." Condos and townhouses are rare but are typically priced in the upper $300,000s.

Discover the waterfront views and vibrant fall foliage of Norton Center from above.
Discover the waterfront views and vibrant fall foliage of Norton Center from above.
Discover the charm of cape cod style homes in Norton Center, MA.
Discover the charm of cape cod style homes in Norton Center, MA.
Norton Center features stunning single family houses with spacious front yards.
Norton Center features stunning single family houses with spacious front yards.
Stroll through Norton Center to admire the beautiful multifamily homes in the neighborhood.
Stroll through Norton Center to admire the beautiful multifamily homes in the neighborhood.
Discover the charming federal colonial style that makes Norton Center a delightful neighborhood.
Discover the charming federal colonial style that makes Norton Center a delightful neighborhood.
Discover beautiful contemporary colonial homes in Norton Center and enjoy their charming yards.
Discover beautiful contemporary colonial homes in Norton Center and enjoy their charming yards.
Explore Norton Center and appreciate the charm of its lovely raised ranch multifamily homes.
Explore Norton Center and appreciate the charm of its lovely raised ranch multifamily homes.
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Kayak at the Norton Reservoir or tee up at TPC Boston

Norton Center sits against the southern shores of the Norton Reservoir, which provides myriad opportunities for recreation. Boaters can launch from the public ramp or rent watercraft from Norton Kayak Co., with plentiful fishing that includes largemouth bass and panfish. Bald eagles and osprey make their nests in the trees surrounding the water. Rolling golf fairways are set on the fertile land near the reservoir, at Norton Country Club and TPC Boston. For after-school playdates and pickup tennis matches, Tricentennial Park is right outside of Norton Middle School. The fenced-in playground is a favorite among families, with equipment suited for young children and a Little Free Library. Norton Public Library is in the town center and offers a more robust catalog, plus clubs and events such as family story times, knitting circles and writers’ workshops.

Launch your boat or canoe at Norton Reservoir Launch in Norton Center.
Launch your boat or canoe at Norton Reservoir Launch in Norton Center.
Visit Fillmore Nason Square at Norton Common to honor veterans and enjoy the gazebo.
Visit Fillmore Nason Square at Norton Common to honor veterans and enjoy the gazebo.
Spend a relaxing day out playing golf at TPC Boston in Norton, MA.
Spend a relaxing day out playing golf at TPC Boston in Norton, MA.
TPC Boston is a luxurious and expansive golf country club situated in Norton Center, MA.
TPC Boston is a luxurious and expansive golf country club situated in Norton Center, MA.
You can find a sculpture of two little siblings reading a book at the Norton Public Library, MA.
You can find a sculpture of two little siblings reading a book at the Norton Public Library, MA.
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Local folklore at J.C. Solmonese Elementary

Students in Norton Center can attend Taunton Public Schools, with kindergarten through the third grade at J.C. Solmonese Elementary. The school is part of a local legend, in which a town judge, Maj. George Leonard, made a deal with the devil to trade his soul for riches. As the story goes, when the devil eventually came to collect, he left footprints on Leonard’s land — which later became the site of Solmonese Elementary. These footprints can still be seen today on a large rock in the school’s parking lot. Despite its somewhat eerie role in local folklore, Solmonese Elementary is well-rated and scores a B from Niche. Henri A. Yelle Elementary, which serves grades four through five, and Norton Middle both earn B-minus ratings. Norton High receives a B-plus and offers a career pathway for advanced manufacturing, which culminates in a capstone project. Wheaton College constitutes much of Norton Center, with the private liberal arts college originally founded in 1834 as a female seminary. Today, the coed institution enrolls roughly 1,650 undergraduate students annually. Stately academic buildings encircle Peacock Pond, with athletic fields flanking the campus on either side of Main Street. The Wheaton Lyons compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference, as well as Division III NCAA tournaments, with 12 women’s and 9 men’s teams.

In Norton, MA, students can begin attending J.C. Solmonese Elementary School starting in Pre-K.
In Norton, MA, students can begin attending J.C. Solmonese Elementary School starting in Pre-K.
H.A. Yelle Elementary School in Norton, MA, provides a public education for its students.
H.A. Yelle Elementary School in Norton, MA, provides a public education for its students.
Norton Middle School, located in Outlying Bristol County, serves students in grades 6 through 8.
Norton Middle School, located in Outlying Bristol County, serves students in grades 6 through 8.
Norton High School aims to educate students in grades 9 through 12 in Outlying Bristol County.
Norton High School aims to educate students in grades 9 through 12 in Outlying Bristol County.
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A cluster of cafes and breweries line Main Street near Wheaton College

To either side of Wheaton College is a small cluster of local restaurants along Main Street. Bog Iron Brewing is hard to miss thanks to its outdoor patio adorned by string lights and umbrella-covered tables, making it a favorite place to enjoy live music from local performers. Across the street is Wendell’s, a wood-paneled pub known for its wings and a laid-back vibe. Bagels & Cream provides a café atmosphere that invites folks to grab an egg sandwich to go or sit and stay awhile over a cup of coffee. A few other businesses are nearby, including convenience stores, banks, pharmacies and an Ace Hardware. Norton Center’s only grocer is the Produce Barn, though more comprehensive shopping can be found in Attleboro, Mansfield and Taunton.

Visit Bagels & Cream in Norton Center, MA, for a tasty bagel with cream cheese and a coffee.
Visit Bagels & Cream in Norton Center, MA, for a tasty bagel with cream cheese and a coffee.
Enjoy time with friends at Wendell's Pub in Norton Center, where great food and drinks await.
Enjoy time with friends at Wendell's Pub in Norton Center, where great food and drinks await.
Get your fresh meat and produce at The Produce Barn in Norton Center, MA.
Get your fresh meat and produce at The Produce Barn in Norton Center, MA.
Pick up your favorite bagel and drink at Bagels & Cream in Norton Center, MA.
Pick up your favorite bagel and drink at Bagels & Cream in Norton Center, MA.
Have a great time with friends at Bog Iron Brewing in Norton Center, MA.
Have a great time with friends at Bog Iron Brewing in Norton Center, MA.
For fresh produce, meat, or subs, locals turn to The Produce Barn in Norton Center.
For fresh produce, meat, or subs, locals turn to The Produce Barn in Norton Center.
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World-class acts rock the Xfinity Center

Just north of Norton Center, in the woods around the Norton Reservoir, is a concert venue with a big reputation: the Xfinity Center, formerly known as Great Woods. One of the largest amphitheaters of its kind in New England at the time of its opening in 1986, the venue has a capacity of 19,900 and draws in big-name acts thanks to its location directly between Boston and Providence. During its season from mid-May to late September, fans can catch shows from artists such as Post Malone, Noah Kahan and Shania Twain.

The Xfinity Center, located just minutes from Norton Center, MA, hosts major concerts and shows.
The Xfinity Center, located just minutes from Norton Center, MA, hosts major concerts and shows.
For art displays and live performances, visit the Mass Arts Center just minutes from Norton, MA.
For art displays and live performances, visit the Mass Arts Center just minutes from Norton, MA.
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Access to 495 makes for straightforward commutes

Both Attleboro and Mansfield are roughly 6 miles away, while Taunton is about 8 miles southeast. Massachusetts highways 140 and 123 pass through the center of town, with Interstate 495 connecting to Main Street a couple of miles northeast. “It’s an easy commute to Boston or Providence,” Johnson says, noting that Boston is 40 miles northeast and Providence is 20 miles southwest. “Cape Cod isn’t far either, which is where a lot of people go in the summertime to the beaches.” Though Norton is a car-dependent town, there are some Greater Attleboro and Taunton Regional Transit Authority bus stops on major thoroughfares such as Main Street and Taunton Avenue. Some people also park and ride the commuter rail in Mansfield, operated by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Elliot Schorr
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Anselm Molina
Photography Contributed By
Anselm Molina
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Todd Sandler, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Rhode Island Tf Green International

46 min drive

Bus

Norton Post Office

Bus

West Main Street And Scott Drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Norton Center US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$675,000
Median Single Family Price
$662,500
Median Townhouse Price
$675,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$390,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$351
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
11
Months of Supply
2.20
Median List Price
$599,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
370
Median Year Built
1985
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,544
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,700
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,451
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
52,272

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    34R Pine St, Norton, MA 02766

    $399,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 646 Sq Ft
    • 34R Pine St
    • New 17 days ago

    Interested in gardening? or having a handyman's shed/craft area............there are MANY opportunities for your creativity on this 0.91ac parcel of land!!! This cottage/bungalow sits off the street near Wheaton College. Hardwoods and vinyl flooring for easy cleaning PLUS a pellet stove for economical heating! A perfect new home for a single owner or a down-sizing couple.........MANY

    Barbara Martin Rich Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,322
Median Age
27
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$109,821
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$155,989

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.7%
College Graduates
53.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
14''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

31 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

24 / 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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Reviews

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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
Norton Center
Todd Sandler
Todd A. Sandler REALTORS®
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