The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 01430 sells for about $387,000, or $232 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (+0.7%), a market in balance. Homes take about 43 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,580 a month.
ZIP 01430 — Ashburnham
The Gardner housing market is currently balanced, characterized by steady demand and a limited supply of active listings. While price growth has moderated compared to previous years, the market remains competitive for well-priced properties. Buyers are increasingly looking to this area for affordability relative to the broader Worcester and Boston markets.
This ZIP is well-suited for family buyers and commuters seeking more affordable housing options compared to the Greater Boston core. It appeals to those who value a balance of small-town character with access to regional employment centers.
Median prices moved up 0.7% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 43 days on market with 1.6 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
19% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.0% · poverty 8.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 9.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 01430, Worcester County MA
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Gardner generally experiences crime rates consistent with regional averages for similar-sized industrial-heritage cities in Central Massachusetts. Local law enforcement maintains active community policing initiatives to address property and nuisance crimes.
Public schools in Gardner are managed by the Gardner Public Schools district, which provides a range of educational services; performance ratings vary by individual school level.
The area is subject to standard New England climate risks, including winter storm impacts and localized flooding in low-lying areas near water bodies. Property insurance remains stable but reflects regional adjustments for severe weather exposure.
Economic momentum is driven by a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors, with ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown corridor. Infrastructure improvements focus on maintaining regional connectivity to the broader Worcester and Boston employment hubs.
Property taxes are assessed by the City of Gardner based on a uniform tax rate applied to the fair market value of real estate. The city utilizes a single tax rate structure for both residential and commercial properties, subject to annual adjustments by the City Council.
Residents primarily commute via Route 2, which provides direct east-west access to the Worcester and Boston metropolitan areas. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicle ownership the standard for regional employment access.
The area features access to Crystal Lake for water-based recreation and several local parks including Dunn Park. Shopping and dining are concentrated along the Main Street corridor and nearby retail plazas.
The rental market is experiencing upward pressure on pricing with a vacancy rate that remains tight due to limited new multi-family supply. Investor interest is moderate, primarily focused on small-scale residential conversions.
The local economy is anchored by healthcare services, manufacturing, and regional retail. It serves as a secondary employment hub within Northern Worcester County.
The city is served by Route 2 and is connected to regional transit networks via bus services. Commuter rail access is available in nearby towns, facilitating travel to the Boston area.
Development focus remains on adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings and expansion of residential housing stock to meet regional demand.
Parcels are subject to municipal property taxes and standard school district levies; no major MUD/PID districts are currently active.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional wildfire and winter storm risk profiles, remaining generally competitive with the broader Massachusetts market.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ACS tables for ZCTA 01430.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Popular local spot for swimming, fishing, and seasonal recreation.
Provides extensive green space, walking trails, and community facilities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.