Wilmington is a suburban community just 15 miles north of Boston. Though long settled with many historical residences and buildings, Wilmington saw most of its growth between 1950 and 1965, when the completion of Route 128 created rapid suburban expansion. The town comprises 17 square miles of the watershed of the Ipswich River and spent its early history as an unstable colonial frontier during Queen Anns War. Wilmington eventually incorporated as an independent town in 1730 and many of the 18th century houses remain in a number of historic districts recognized by the community's historic commission.
The Buck's Corner Historic District, for example, consists of a collection of 17th and 18th century farmhouses and barn, mid-to-late 19th century houses and their barns, and a contemporary house. This district is at the intersection of Wildwood and Woburn Streets. The Centre Village Historic District also features several old private residences representing the architectural styles of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Additionally, the area includes schools and the old burial ground. The residential Church Street District, along Route 62, is an extension of the Centre Village Historic District and serves as a gateway to the town center, possessing the town's most architecturally significant cluster of late 19th and early 20th century local architectural styles: Italianate, Colonial Revival, Neo-Colonial, and simple and elaborate Queen Anne houses, as well as a craftsman bungalow. Other historic districts in Wilmington include the Gowing-Sheldon District and the High Street Historic District. Throughout Wilmington, homes and buildings noteworthy for their historic significance are identified by plaques engraved with the year the home was constructed.
Originally an agricultural community, Wilmington's main products were apples from local orchards, as well as other fruits, vegetables, cranberries and hops. Completion of the Middlesex Canal in the early 19th century, and railroad connections to Boston and Lowell in 1835 enabled Wilmington's farmers to ship their produce to market. The town remained a lightly populated farming community well into the 20th century.
Today, Wilmington enjoys a suburban character with easy access to Boston and other towns by train or highway. There is direct service to North Station, Boston from Wilmington Station. The town government provides an array of services and a variety of organizations in Wilmington draw active participation from residents to preserve history, promote local arts and support the Wilmington Memorial library.
Single family homes throughout Wilmington are found on tree-lined streets in well-cared for neighborhoods that are quiet and uncluttered. In August 2008, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Wilmington, MA was $399,609. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
« Show less
