Living in Sterling MA is a great opportunity. Once a hay-farming town, Sterling is a bustling community teeming with history, natural beauty, and modern charm. Colonial-style storefronts line the quaint downtown, and homes date back to the 1700s. Sterling was first known as Chocksett before incorporating as Sterling in 1871.
The town is named in honor of William Alexander, Lord Stirling, a Scottish lord who helped the colonists during the Revolutionary War. The annual Town Fair was first held in 1859. The Sterling Cadet Band first played during the Civil War. You’ll find plenty of parks, trails, and open spaces in Sterling, with opportunities to get out and enjoy nature.
Sterling boasts several prominent past residents. Lt. Joel Pratt was an aid to George Washington during the Revolutionary War, according to records. Silas Stuart invented a machine to make sewing machine needles in 1860.
What is Sterling, MA famous for? Sterling’s claim to fame is Mary Sawyer, born in Sterling in 1806, whose pet lamb was the inspiration for the poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb” in 1830, which has led to its nickname as being the birthplace of the little lamb. You’ll love the rich history and small-town charm of living in Sterling.
Where Is Sterling, MA?
Sterling is a town in Worcester County located about 13 miles north of Worcester. Interstate 190 runs right through Sterling, providing easy access to Worcester. To the south is West Boylston, the town of Clinton to the east, Princeton to the west, and the towns of East Princeton and Leominster lie to the north.
What County Is Sterling MA in?
Sterling, MA, is located in Worcester County.
How Far Is Sterling MA From Worcester MA?
Sterling is about 12 miles north of Worcester, which is roughly a 20-minute drive via I-190 S.
What Towns Border Sterling, MA?
Sterling is bordered by Leominster to the north, Princeton to the west, Clinton and Boylston to the south, and West Boylston and Lancaster to the east.
Is Sterling, MA a Nice Place to Live?
Yes! Sterling offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation. It’s a great place for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a quiet, safe environment while still being close to Worcester and Boston. Whether you’re moving here or just planning a visit, Casai offers thoughtfully designed vacation rentals that let you enjoy the town like a local.
Map of Sterling, MA
Before living in Sterling MA, check out this map:
Sterling MA Population and Demographics
The Sterling population is 7,985. Sterling was once home to 100% of the population of the Nashaway Indians as far back as 7,000 BC. The Nashaway were the most numerous and powerful tribe in Massachusetts at one time. The first European settlers came to the area in the 1640s, and the first permanent settlers in 1720. Sterling was first known as Chocksett, a Native American term meaning “land of the foxes”.
Race & Ethnicity Population Data
According to the latest Census data, here are the details for the race and ethnicity of those living in Sterling MA:
- White alone 95.7%
- Hispanic 3.3%
- Two or more races 1.9%
- Black or African American alone 1.2%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.2%
- Asian alone 0.4%
Here’s an overview of Sterling’s demographics:
- Population density: 250 per square mile
- Median age: 51.0
- Sex ratio: 48.4% males, 51.6% females
- Median household income: $136,027
- Educational attainment: 95.3% high school degree or higher, 53.5% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 6.9%
- Veteran population: 453
Living in Sterling MA is a very safe place to live. The Sterling Police Department, is committed to excellence when responding to the needs of our community. The department partners with the community to promote a safe and secure environment. Sterling has an average of 351 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 90% lower than the national average. In Sterling, there are 96 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 70% lower than the national average.
Sterling MA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sterling MA is 11.5% higher than the US average but 12.5% lower than the Massachusetts state average. One of the largest expenses will be Sterling MA real estate costs, which are 41% above the state average, although 14.4% below the state average. The median sale price of a home in Sterling is $600,000. The price per square foot of the current Sterling MA homes for sale is $271. Check out the many homes for sale Sterling MA has to offer.
Most of Sterling Massachusetts has owner-occupied housing units, though there are still rentals available. The average rent in Sterling is $2,365 for a two-bedroom apartment, according to Zillow. By comparison, the average rental cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Boston are $2,000 per month. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Sterling MA, on Zillow.
Typical Sterling Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $5.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.63
- Dozen eggs: $3.72
- 1 pound of chicken: $4.96
- Average Sterling monthly utility bill: $118.73
Source: Numbeo, Worcester, MA
The Best Neighborhoods in Sterling
The community of Sterling has a diverse selection of homes to choose from. There are many neighborhoods to choose from in living in Sterling MA. Downtown Sterling features well-preserved homes built from the mid-1700s to the 19th century. You can also find old Queen Anne’s style houses with restored interiors and wrap-around front porches.
Further out, New Traditional estates and midcentury ranch styles sit along winding streets. You can also find new construction builds in Sterling, including grand luxury estates on larger lots exceeding 2 acres. Many of these homes are Colonial style. Sterling neighborhoods are close to local parks, eateries, local boutiques, and recreational activities.
Sterling MA Weather & Climate
Living in Sterling MA has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. You’ll experience four distinct seasons in Sterling. Temperatures in the winter months typically fall below freezing. The average low temperature in January is 13 degrees. Summer brings warm weather and temperatures above 80 degrees.
July high temperatures average around 81 degrees. Spring and fall tend to be mild in Sterling, although these seasons do experience occasional snowfall and cold spells. Sterling gets an average of 48 inches of rain per year, which is above the US average of 38 inches per year. Be prepared for lots of snow in Sterling.
The town experiences an average of 53 inches of snow per year, almost twice as much as the US average, which is 28 inches of snow per year. On average, you’ll see 197 sunny days a year when living in Sterling. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time of year to visit Sterling is from mid-June to mid-September.
Things to Do in Sterling MA
Wondering what to do in Sterling MA? Living in Sterling MA offers many interesting things to see and do that attract residents and visitors alike. Additionally, enjoy convenient shopping at Notown Goods, Sterling Village Plaza, and The Mall at Whitney Field. Here are some of the best things to do in Sterling:
Davis Farmland
For families with young kids from 2 to 7 years old and those who are young at heart, Davis Farmland is a perfect outing. The on-site petting zoo houses over 100 breeds of farm animals and is the largest sanctuary of endangered or heritage livestock in North America. The animals include Highland Cattle, Poitou Donkeys, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, alpacas, camels, and many more. Davis also has a children’s Imagination Center, hayrides, pony rides, an 80-foot slide, a dinosaur dig site, and much more.
145 Redstone Hill Rd, Sterling, MA 01564, (978) 422-6666
Mulligan’s Miniature Golf
Mulligan’s is an outdoor, 18-hole mini-golf course that features glow-in-the-dark nights in summer and a snack cart. This popular Sterling attraction offers loads of fun for families, friends, and get-togethers. The award-winning course was ranked the #12 Best Miniature Golf in the country by Men’s Journal and the Best Place for Family Entertainment by Readers’ Choice.
124 Leominster Rd, Sterling, MA 01564, (978) 422-5022
Meadowbrook Orchards
Meadowbrook is a pick-your-own apple orchard that grows eight different kinds of apples in the town of Sterling MA. They have an on-site restaurant that’s open year-round and a bakery with homemade breads, pies, fruit squares, cookies, and other baked goods made fresh daily from scratch. Along with baked goods, the farm store sells fruit from their orchard, fresh flowers, jams, sauces, and more. It’s a favorite amongst those living in Sterling MA.
209 Chace Hill Rd, Sterling, MA 01564, (978) 365-7617
Additional Attractions near Sterling, MA:
For more outdoor activities while living in Sterling MA, the Sterling Department of Works (DPW) maintains about 7.5 acres of parks, including Sholan Park and Memorial Park. Sholan Park features picnic tables, grills, a sand volleyball court, and a half-court basketball court. A boat ramp gives access to Lake Waushacum.
Memorial Park is the site of Sterling’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, as well as other town events. The DPW also maintains over 65 acres of playgrounds and athletic fields, including Muddy Pond Road Fields, Redstone Fields, and West Sterling Fields. The fields provide 11 baseball fields, four soccer fields, and one combination football/soccer field.
Restaurants in Sterling MA
Living in Sterling MA comes with local cafes to Mexican and Asian cuisines. Sterling’s array of dining options caters to many different tastes. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining restaurants Sterling MA has, such as:
Over Easy Cafe
The Over Easy Café is a casual, welcoming restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Over Easy uses locally sourced ingredients to provide a high-quality selection of home-cooked meals, including tasty buttermilk pancakes and more. This is a popular spot for easy eggs and hash browns, a signature breakfast burrito, and for those living in Sterling MA.
220 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling, MA 01564, (978) 422-6686
The Brick Mexican Grill
The Brick Mexican Grill uses only high-quality products with no artificial colors or flavors to create delicious Mexican dishes. The restaurant features traditional tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, as well as soups, seafood, and salads.
27 Main St, Sterling, MA 01564, (978) 563-1906
Emma’s Cafe
Emma’s is all about making fresh food made from scratch every day. Breakfast items are served all day, including omelets, Belgian waffles, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and more. For lunch, they have signature sandwiches like Pesto Chicken Panini, Hand Carved Thanksgiving Turkey, and the Californian B.L.T., as well as burgers and salads.
37 Main St, Sterling, MA 01564, (508) 803-9302
Jobs in Sterling MA
The economy while living in Sterling MA is good. Sterling provides job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. Sterling’s proximity to Worcester offers additional job opportunities. One of the major employers near Sterling is UMass Memorial Health, a non-profit healthcare network based in Worcester and operated by the University of Massachusetts. The healthcare network, with around 13,000 employees, is the largest health system in Central Massachusetts.
Other major employers near Sterling include the Hanover Insurance Group, AbbVie, and Fallon Health. If you’re looking for a job in Sterling, check out Indeed, Sterling Employment Opportunities, or other job board sites.
Schools in Sterling MA
Is living in Sterling MA in your plan because of the schools? Sterling is part of the Wachusett Regional School District, consisting of an early childhood center, six elementary schools, three middle schools, two K-8 schools, and one high school. Sterling residents typically attend Houghton Elementary School, Chocksett Middle School, and Wachusett Regional High.
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School offers students a technical or vocational education. Wachusett Regional School District is a high-performing district in the state, providing a quality education that prepares all students for bright futures.
Sterling also provides very good private school options. Some popular private schools include Eagle Hill School, Holden Christian Academy, and South Lancaster Academy.
If you’re looking to further your education in Central Massachusetts, many great schools are in the area. Some popular choices include Mount Wachusett Community College, Assumption University, Fitchburg State University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
If you’re looking for a fun and free day out while living in Sterling MA, check out the Conant Free Public Library, which opened in 1871! You can check out books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and much more. They have a computer you are available to sign in to as well. Their goal is to service the persons living in town, and for over a century now, they’ve done that!
The library also offers a host of events for kids every week. The library is a very historic part of the town, and many visit with their kids weekly to attend the different events put on.
Sterling Massachusetts Statistics & Information
- County: Worcester County
- Area: 31.6 square miles
- Sterling MA zip code: 01564
- Area code: 351, 978
- Elevation: 502 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport: Worcester Regional Airport
Moving to Sterling? Mass Bay Movers Is Here to Help!
Wondering if living in Sterling, MA, is the right choice for you? With its charming rural atmosphere, excellent schools, and close-knit community, Sterling is a wonderful place to call home. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic beauty, small-town feel, or convenient location near Worcester, this town has plenty to offer.
If moving to Sterling Mass is in your future, we’re here to help make your transition smooth and stress-free! At Mass Bay Movers, we can help with local moving, apartment moving, or even special relocations like piano moving. We’re the best Sterling moving company. Give us a call at 978-587-3775 or fill out our form for a free quote!
