ResalesNear Boston Towns Show Spring Housebuying Activity
The towns of Sudbury, Hudson and Wayland offer proximity to Boston, Massachusetts along with their smaller town versions of America"s colonial past.
Sudbury
"Graced with natural beauty, Sudbury is an ideal blend of old and new," says Realtor Marilyn G. Messenger, "still rural, yet vibrant. Located about 20 miles west of Boston, this beautiful New England suburb features lovely residential neighborhoods of charming historical homes and well-designed new construction set on large, meticulously landscaped properties.
"Reminders of the town"s colonial past are evident at every turn," says Messenger. "Old barns, stone walls, gracious farmhouses, and wonderful pre-Revolutionary homes are a common sight. Sudbury is the home of the Wayside Inn/Restaurant, built in 1680 and considered to be one of the oldest inns in the nation. Each fall, the community welcomes visitors to the Colonial Fair. Fine schools and town facilities combine with a myriad of recreational opportunities and active civic, social, and charitable organizations to keep residents involved. Commuting is convenient via Routes 128 and Interstate 495, and major shopping malls are just 10 minutes from home. Recreational highlights include the National Wildlife Refuge and the Sudbury River area for canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
What is the market like?
"January was busier than anticipated," suggests Messenger. "The spring market has started in Sudbury. Buyers who put their search on hold for the holidays are back looking again, and with 117 homes on the market, 45 of which came on in January, there are some excellent choices. Low interest rates are benefiting everyone since most sellers become buyers.
"The median asking price for a home in Sudbury is $849,000, with prices ranging from $299,900 to $3,495,000. The average time on the market for all price ranges is 94 days. Ninety days is considered a "normal" market, and time on market varies depending on the price range. Just last week, our office listed a home for $709,000 and had four offers over the weekend."
Hudson
"Situated at the junction of Interstate 495 and Route 20, Hudson is a friendly community with a pleasing residential atmosphere," says Messenger. "The cluster of light modern industries provides a sound economic base for the area. The balanced lifestyle possible in Hudson is enhanced by the community"s ideal location midway between Boston and Worcester both renowned for cultural amenities. Housing ranges from older homes on city lots or large parcels to new single family residences in a variety of architectural styles. Hudson also offers athletic programs, the Assabet River, beautiful parts, and several lakes for superb recreational opportunities. The town beach offers boating, swimming, and water-skiing."
She explains, "Asking prices in Hudson for single family homes are down a bit. The median asking price for the 70 homes currently listed is $329,000, while the median price for 10 sales pending is $374,900. The lowest price is currently $199,000 and the highest is $569,000. Hudson has some excellent choices for buyers looking between $250,000 and $400,000, and accessibility to Route 495 make it an especially attractive location - it"s about 18 miles west of Boston.
Wayland
"This residential community features quaint, winding roads graced by some of the most beautiful houses and landscaped gardens in the state," recommends Messenger. "Convenient to the Massachusetts Turnpike, Wayland is a popular choice with commuters to Boston or those employed along the high technology corridor. A strong community spirit, careful zoning and planning, a progressive government, and a commitment to preserving the town"s country atmosphere are all responsible for Wayland"s quality of life. Small shopping centers meet daily retail needs, although larger malls are close to home. Public schools have an outstanding reputation as a quality system with a strong college preparatory program. A natural wildlife preserve set along the Sudbury River and Lake Cochituate provide a scenic backdrop for many outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and sailing. Other amenities include golf courses, playing fields, tennis courts, cross-country ski trails, and the National Wildlife Refuge along the Sudbury River."
More homes are coming on the market. "There are 63 homes for sale in Wayland - up from 57 last month," says Messenger. "The median asking price is $649,000, with prices ranging from $225,000 to $4,450,000. There are eight homes between $500,000 and 599K; and eight between 600,000 and 699,999K, there are 18 with asking prices over one million."
Advises Messenger, "Something for those buyers who think they have all the time in the world should keep in mind is that for every point that mortgage rates go up, purchasing power declines by 12.5 percent. Low interest rates are helping everyone but no one knows how long these great low rates are going to last."
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