Real places, real neighborhoods and current market numbers, verified by broker Ryan C. Winslow.
What Auburn is known for
Auburn is where Robert Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket on March 16, 1926, on Pakachoag Hill. Today it is also a regional shopping stop, with the Auburn Mall and busy Southbridge Street sitting at the meeting point of I-290, I-90, I-395, Route 12 and Route 20.
Auburn was carved from outlying parts of Worcester, Leicester, Sutton and Oxford and incorporated as the town of Ward on April 10, 1778, then renamed Auburn in 1837. Farming and home industry gave way to a bedroom community for Worcester workers; the town counted more than 100 farms in 1857 and only four in 1957. The Goddard Rocket Launching Site on the former Ward farm was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Auburn is a mostly single-family, owner-occupied suburb just south of Worcester, with about 16,900 residents in the 2020 Census. Daily life mixes quiet residential streets with quick highway access and big-box shopping along the main roads.
Where to live
One of the historically significant areas named in the town's housing plan. Much of the older housing near the center sits in the Residence A district, with smaller lots, homes built largely before zoning, and town water and sewer. (source)
Hilltop area near the Worcester line, site of Goddard's 1926 launch, Pakachoag Golf Course and the Pappas Recreation Complex. Single-family neighborhoods served by the Elm Hill Water District. (source)
A historic village area now zoned as the Drury Square Village District, where mixed-use buildings and apartments are allowed by special permit. (source)
A historic village near Stoneville Pond with single-family streets such as Main Street and Vinal Street, small businesses within walking distance, and the newer Julia Bancroft Apartments. (source)
A historic village area around Pondville Pond, where local conservationists have identified a certified vernal pool. (source)
One of the historically significant village areas named in the town's housing plan, served by the Auburn Fire Rescue West station on West Street. (source)
The more rural part of town, zoned for 40,000 to 60,000 square foot lots. Some homes here rely on private wells and septic systems, and some higher areas are outside the water district's service. (source)
Local favorites
Locals go for corned beef hash, eggs Benedict, fish and chips and clam chowder. It also caters events. (source)
Known for blueberry pancakes, homemade muffins, omelettes and big portions. (source)
Owner-run spot for eggs Benedict with hash browns, French toast and a Thursday turkey dinner special. (source)
Regulars order the thin crust buffalo chicken pizza, meat lovers pizza and steak subs. (source)
Neighborhood favorite for the Holiday Special pizza, meatball grinders and fresh salads. (source)
Go-to for chicken marsala, lasagna and baked stuffed shrimp, plus catering trays for events. (source)
Roast beef sandwiches, pastrami, wings, clam chowder and twin lobster rolls. (source)
Chinese, Japanese and bar menu with pu-pu platters, boneless spare ribs, beef teriyaki and sushi. (source)
After hours
Bowling center in Auburn with 50 lanes, an arcade, a sports bar and private event rooms. (source)
Southbridge Street bar and function hall used for parties, gatherings and memorial dinners. (source)
Swanson Road dessert stop for Italian ice and soft serve with a long list of flavors. (source)
Fenced dog park in Lower Lemansky Park off Brayman Street, with separate big-dog and small-dog areas, a shade pavilion and water fountains. (source)
Library at 369 Southbridge Street with book clubs, craft workshops, museum passes and a Library of Things. (source)
Shopping
Simon-owned enclosed mall anchored by Macy's, with about 60 stores including Five Below, Famous Footwear and a dining pavilion. (source)
Shop on the main level of the Auburn Mall, listed in the mall's current store directory. (source)
Family farm stand and garden center at Hillcrest Farm selling its own flowers, perennials, produce and farm-raised beef. (source)
Full-service supermarket on Southbridge Street next to Auburn High School. (source)
Outdoors
20-acre complex on Pakachoag Hill with five playing fields, a concession stand and the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion, which hosts summer concerts. (source)
24.4-acre park on Oxford Street with lighted ball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a quarter-mile track, a skate park, the Rocketland playground and the town dog park. (source)
Auburn's first official hiking trail, opened in 2017. It runs 1.75 miles out and back along the Worcester Flood Diversion Channel from the Pappas Complex, with steep sections. (source)
2-acre park behind the fire station on Southbridge Street with a replica of Goddard's rocket and a dam dedicated to firefighter Captain Patrick Foley. (source)
Mass Audubon sanctuary of about 435 acres with marked trails through woods, fields, streams and marsh, plus a nature center. (source)
State reservation with trails to rock formations such as The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers' Leap, plus rock climbing, picnic areas and a visitors center. (source)
National park telling the story of the American Industrial Revolution, starting at Old Slater Mill with ranger tours and exhibits. (source)
Things to do
National Historic Landmark marked by a granite monument by the ninth fairway of Pakachoag Golf Course on Upland Street, where the first liquid-fueled rocket flew in 1926. (source)
Museum at 41 South Street with a large Robert Goddard display, Nipmuck artifacts, a Civil War uniform and rotating exhibits. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (source)
Town-owned 9-hole golf course at 15 Upland Street on Pakachoag Hill, home to the Goddard launch site monument. (source)
Science and nature museum with the Alden Planetarium and space-themed exhibits. (source)
Living history museum of early New England life with seasonal fall and Halloween programs. (source)
On the calendar
Thursday evening concerts, mostly tribute and cover bands, at the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion. (source)
Evening event at the Pappas Complex with food vendors, kids games, train rides, live music and fireworks, with shuttles from around town. (source)
Daytime festival at Auburn High School with food, craft vendors and pumpkin decorating. (source)
Tree lighting beside Fire Station Headquarters on Auburn Street with carols by the Auburn High School band and chorus and a visit from Santa. (source)
Town-run fair at Auburn High School with more than 175 craft vendors, food and Santa visits. (source)
Schools
Bryn Mawr School, Pakachoag Elementary School, Swanson Road Intermediate School
Auburn Middle School
Auburn High School
Listed for reference, not ranked. Confirm school zoning for any address with the district. (source)
Broker notes
I-290, I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), I-395, Route 12 and Route 20
Worcester Regional Airport, about 20 min; Boston Logan International, about 65 min; T. F. Green (Warwick, RI), about 65 min; Bradley International (CT), about 1 hr 25 min
Ryan C. Winslow, broker/owner of Winslow Homes. REALTOR® since 2009, 3,000+ homes sold, broker in FL, MA, CT and RI, U.S. Army Retired.
Researched and verified 2026-09-28. Businesses change; call ahead.