The natural appeal of wildlife areas and highly regarded schools make Sharon a desirable location in the Boston metro, but locals say it’s the small-town energy that keeps residents from leaving this picturesque Massachusetts town. “Geographically, it’s big, but it doesn’t feel that way when you live here,” says Roni Thaler, a 36-year resident and one of the top-selling Realtors in Sharon. From catching up with neighbors at the local café to chatting beside Lake Massapoag during annual events, residents can expect a close-knit community despite the sprawling landscape that hosts a population of over 18,000.
With roots stretching back to the late 18th century, Sharon is just slightly older than Norfolk County itself and preserves a touch of its history in an old-fashioned government structure that Thaler says has changed very little since colonial days. Select boards are responsible for pushing new initiatives forward to be voted on by the entire community, something most contemporary governments have replaced by relying on representatives. “If it’s a really hotbed issue, you could have 2,000 people at a town meeting,” Thaler says, noting that the community’s involvement is paramount to the town’s success.
The community’s success also stems from its tolerance, Thaler adds. Religious options in the town include churches, synagogues and an Islamic Center, a claim that many small towns outside Boston can’t make. “Sharon is the land of diversity,” she says.
Exploring Audubon-owned Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
Surrounded by wildlife areas, state parks, wetlands and waterways, Sharon dedicates nearly half of its land to nature, some of which is owned by Audubon, Thaler says. The Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary offers 20 miles of trails frequented by both hikers and songbirds. Wild Massachusetts is on full display in smaller ecosystems such as the Devil’s Brook Wetlands and the Cedar Swamp Wetlands, while athletic fields and a community garden are the stars at Deborah Sampson Park. And for golfers, Sharon Country Club offers a course free from tee times — a unique opportunity to play on your own schedule.
Borderland State Park to the south is a massive 1,800-acre park centered on a historic 1910 mansion. In addition to hosting tours and weddings, the park invites visitors to explore mountain biking trails, a disc golf course, tennis courts and ponds perfect for fishing. During snowy winters, hiking trails become popular for cross-country skiers.
Perhaps the most notable feature of Sharon is Lake Massapoag, a huge reservoir bordered by a community center to the south and a sandy beach to the north. The spot is a hub of activity for the community, from swim lessons to sailing to annual events. On the Fourth of July, residents can catch an extravagant fireworks show over the lake. “We generally have a carnival before the fireworks,” Thaler says. “People come from all over.” In the fall, the community gathers again for the annual Sharon Day festival, which celebrates the whole town.
A brand new Sharon High School
Sharon’s local public school system boasts an impressive overall grade of A-plus on Niche, and the town has made it a point to upgrade older buildings with new, state-of-the-art technology — something that’s usually voted on and often unanimously approved during town meetings. “The people who move to Sharon are very concerned about education and therefore very supportive of the schools,” Thaler says. The district comprises three elementary schools, one middle and one high school. Sharon High partners with organizations such as National Geographic and World Challenge to offer hands-on exploratory experiences for students who wish to learn more about global sustainability.
Private docks on Lake Massapoag
Although the median single-family home price rests just under $800,000, Sharon includes a range of real estate options, from $500,000 midcentury ranch-style builds to million-dollar lakeside properties. Many of them include private docks over Lake Massapoag, which “tremendously increases the value,” Thaler says. What most of the town’s homes have in common, though, is large lots, which Thaler says can be as small as a quarter-acre in the town center or as large as 2 acres farther out. Buyers should also note that most neighborhoods in Sharon operate with septic systems instead of sewers, and seven municipal wells provide the town with public water that’s tested frequently. “The town is very conservation conscious,” Thaler says.
Locals meet and mingle at Angel’s Café
South Main Street is home to a few notable spots, including Carriage House Pizza Company and Alice’s Mandarin Taste. Angel’s Café sits right across the street from the Sharon Market, making it a popular meeting place for the community. Sharon Heights Shopping Plaza caters to international taste buds with Sichuan Gourmet and the locally owned Simcha, an Israeli restaurant with a contemporary twist. Although the town does have a CVS Pharmacy for prescriptions and essentials, most residents head over to The Village Shoppes off state Route 27, which is home to Shaw’s grocery store, Marshalls and HomeGoods, along with a handful of casual restaurants. Zayde’s Market offers fresh kosher cuts, while gourmet groceries are always available at The Main Course Market.
Convenience comes in the form of a comfortable commuter rail
Located halfway between Boston and Providence, Sharon is in a prime position for commuters, especially those looking to save on gas. The commuter rail line runs through the center of town, offering routes to major employers across the area. “The commuter rail doesn’t run as often, but they’re really nice trains. They’re very punctual and very comfortable. The people that live along the rail lines love it,” says Mikel DeFrancesco, Broker with William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services. Interstate 95 sits on the town’s western border, providing drivers with access to the entire East Coast.
Looking forward to shopping at Sharon Gallery
A large plot of land just off I-95 has been earmarked for a new mixed-use development, according to Sharon’s Department of Public Works. Dubbed Sharon Gallery, the complex sits on the southwest end of town, across the street from an existing Shaw’s grocery store. Retail and grocery options are expected to fill the new development, although the specifics have yet to be hammered out. Residential condos and a hotel are also included in the town’s plans, and construction began on new traffic signals and intersections along South Main Street in 2023.
Sharon has a low crime rate
Despite having a population of nearly 20,000, Sharon has a relatively low crime rate, with the CAP Index scoring it a 1 out of 10. Out of the roughly 160 crimes reported in 2022, less than 1% were violent crimes. The Sharon Police Department was awarded the Trust Edge Law Enforcement Leadership Award in 2022, a testament to the department’s commitment to forming relationships with community members.
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