Sherborn is a semi-rural community approximately 18 miles southwest of Boston. Settled in 1652 and incorporated in 1674, the town has a long rural heritage still seen in its farms and orchards, tree-lined roads and among the abundant woodlands in Town Forest and in other large open spaces. Open space comprises more than half of the towns area. Because all properties have individual wells and septic systems, minimum house lot sizes vary from one, two, or three acres.
This residential community of 4500 residents, though in many respects rural, is today primarily a bedroom community for Boston and the surrounding high-tech industry area. Early in the region's history, the whole Charles River valley from South Natick to the falls at Medway was called "Boggestow"; it appealed to English settlers because of the abundant marsh grass that grew along the wide flood plain. Colonists staked out farms, often covering several hundred acres.
By 1674, the town acquired the present name of Sherborn and settlers organized the local government, built a Meeting House and hired the first minister. Before the 20th century, Sherborn remained largely a farm community, and without streams for waterpower, very little manufacturing activity developed beyond some small cottage industries along North Main Street. However, a unique resource for the town was its abundance of apple orchards, and aided by improved transportation brought on by railroad expansion, Sherborn became a leading producer of cider.
In addition, Sherborn became a resort community in the early 1900s. Several wealthy families built estates along the Charles River for either year-round or summer use. Larger residential development of the community began after the Second World War. Many of the family farms disappeared to make way for single family home subdivisions. Though the population has multiplied since then, the town has succeeded in retaining its pastoral character.
An important legacy of Sherborn's long history is the continuing presence of historic homes. Two National Register Historic Districts have been established to include the old Town Center and a two-mile strip along North Main Street. A very small Town Historic District also exists in the old Town Center. With such proximity to Boston and other industrial hubs, Sherborn is a desirable community. Commuter rail service directly into Boston is available in neighboring Natick.
Homes are generally on oversized lots of one or more picturesque acres of rolling country. In August 2008, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Sherborn, MA was $2,038,150. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
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