Massachusetts Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Douglas, Massachusetts

Population: 7,045

Located in Worcester County

Welcome to scenic Douglas, situated along Massachusetts' southern border along the Blackstone River Valley and Heritage Corridor close to where Connecticut and Rhode Island meet. Established in 1746, the 2000 census states Douglas's population at 7045, yet it is growing at even a faster pace than most of the Valley towns.

Douglas was named after William Douglas of Boston who donated money to initiate the development of the town's free schools. The residents work hard to preserve its true New England charm, and to preserve many of its historical buildings, such as Jenckes General Store.

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a special type of national park. It is a region of nearly 400,000 acres located within Worcester County in central Massachusetts and Providence County in northern Rhode Island. Bordering both Connecticut and Rhode Island, this popular 4,640-acre state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on miles of woodland trails. Facilities include two boat ramps, a pavilion, bathhouses, swimming beach, interpretive center, picnic area and restrooms. The Midstate Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that extends through central Massachusetts to Mt. Watatic in the north, runs through the forest.

Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Cedar swampland. A 5-acre portion of this swamp is designated as a Massachusetts Wild land. It is accessible to the public via a boardwalk trail.

Homes here are a great value for money, with many homes selling for less than $150,000. For such a piece of pristine beauty, you would expect to spend much more, but the town has managed to keep the prices lower than the national average. For a larger home, over 2,000 square feet, expect to spend $225,000 or more. Homes here are a great investment, especially as this region is becoming more popular.

Education is extremely important here and Douglas makes sure students have plenty of choices when it comes to the type of education they desire, so from public to private, Douglas has it all, including excellent teachers in both the private and the public sector.

Douglas is a town on the go, with a lovely river and part of a state park you can feel like you are in the middle of the country, while still being close to the bigger, more urban areas. Douglas is a place of the future, come and make Douglas your future!