Real places, real neighborhoods and current market numbers, verified by broker Ryan C. Winslow.
What West Boylston is known for
West Boylston is known for the Wachusett Reservoir, which fills the middle of town and supplies drinking water to about 2.7 million people in greater Boston. The Old Stone Church on the reservoir shore is its best-known landmark. Route 12 and I-190 put Worcester a short drive south.
The town was carved from parts of Shrewsbury, Boylston, Lancaster, Sterling and Holden and incorporated in 1808, with Ezra Beaman called the father of West Boylston. Mills grew along the Quinapoxet and Stillwater rivers, and Robert B. Thomas, founder of the Farmer's Almanac, lived here. From 1896 to 1905 the state built the Wachusett Reservoir, which displaced more than 1,700 residents and wiped out the mills, four churches and eight schools, leaving the Old Stone Church behind. A quiet residential town of about 7,900 people where the reservoir shoreline keeps much of the land open and wooded. Daily life runs between the Route 12 shops and restaurants, Goodale Park and the town common.
Where to live
A village on the far side of the Wachusett Reservoir from the town center, along Route 140. The Oakdale Village Historic District covers streets such as North Main, Green, High, Laurel and Waushacum. (source)
The civic heart of town, with Town Hall at 140 Worcester Street, the Beaman Memorial Public Library on Newton Street and the town common where the fall scarecrow contest is displayed. (source)
A small National Register district at 60, 64 and 65 Worcester Street, one of six National Register listings in town. (source)
The main commercial strip running south toward Worcester, home to Walmart, the West Boylston Square Plaza, Gerardo's Plaza and most of the town's restaurants. (source)
A stretch on the west side of town with Wachusett Country Club, which overlooks the reservoir and Mount Wachusett, and Pinecroft Dairy. (source)
The road past the DCR Wachusett Reservoir field headquarters at 180 Beaman Street, with watershed land and access gates nearby. (source)
Local favorites
Serving the community since 1918 with fried seafood, fish and chips, burgers and ice cream. BYOB with outdoor picnic tables. (source)
Open since 2011, with weekly specials like Prime Rib Night and live music in the lounge Thursday through Saturday. (source)
Locally owned kitchen and bar known for grilled steaks, seafood and game-day crowds. (source)
Thin crust pizza and Italian classics, plus a Thursday three course dinner that ends with house-made blueberry crisp. (source)
A restaurant and fresh fish market in one, serving shrimp, wild salmon and scallops. (source)
Cannoli, Italian cookies and custom wedding cakes. (source)
Family-owned Thai restaurant with dine-in, takeout and delivery. (source)
Ramen with rich simmered broths and rice bowls. (source)
After hours
Casual dining with a choice of the dining room, the bar or an outdoor deck at the golf club. (source)
TrackMan-powered golf simulator bays you can reserve at Wachusett Country Club, 187 Prospect Street. (source)
Ice cream and frozen yogurt stand on Route 12 with an outdoor seating area. (source)
The town library at 8 Newton Street, with meeting rooms, study spaces, book discussion groups and a museum pass program. (source)
Dog-friendly taproom at 112 Industrial Drive in Holden with a different food truck every weekend. (source)
Shopping
Independent pet food shop at 67 West Boylston Street in the West Boylston Square Plaza, known for raw diet brands. (source)
Equestrian store for rider apparel, boots, saddles and barn supplies at 67 West Boylston Street. (source)
Fish market with fishmongers and a curated selection of seafood and shellfish to cook at home. (source)
Store at 137 West Boylston Street with a pharmacy, garden center, photo center and liquor department. (source)
Gift and garden shop at the botanic garden on French Drive. (source)
Outdoors
A 6.5 square mile reservoir with 37 miles of shoreline. Walking, running, fishing in designated areas and cross-country skiing are allowed. No dogs, swimming or boating. (source)
The town's main park and home to Fall Fest and the Labor Day weekend bonfire. The town has a Goodale Park Master Plan. (source)
Town park managed by the Parks Commission, the subject of a renovation project. (source)
A 55 acre DCR site on the Stillwater River with an 18th century farmhouse and a self-guided interpretive trail. (source)
Nearest state park. 3,000 acres with 17 miles of trails and a summit road to a 2,006 foot peak with 360 degree views. (source)
A 1,220 acre Mass Audubon sanctuary on a former farmstead with woodlands, wetlands, meadows and grazing sheep. (source)
National wildlife refuge with five miles of trails along the Nashua River, oxbow ponds, wetlands and forest. (source)
Things to do
The last remnant of the village flooded by the Wachusett Reservoir, standing on the shore and listed on the National Register in 1973. (source)
The dam that impounds the Wachusett Reservoir, listed by DCR as a facility of the reservoir. (source)
Nearly 200 acres of gardens with an apple orchard, fall events and a Night Lights holiday display. (source)
Ski and ride area with lessons, terrain parks, a ski train and fall events. (source)
A National Register historic district covering the old mill village of Oakdale along Route 140. (source)
On the calendar
Annual Memorial Day exercises organized by the town Celebrations Committee. (source)
Weekend evening concerts with local bands through the summer. (source)
Live music, dessert food trucks, Seven Saws beer and a bonfire at the Goodale Park upper field. (source)
Residents and businesses build scarecrows displayed on the town common through October, with voting at Fall Fest. (source)
An afternoon of food, live music, vendors, performers and games at Goodale Park. (source)
Schools
Major Edwards Elementary School
West Boylston Middle/High School
West Boylston Middle/High School
Listed for reference, not ranked. Confirm school zoning for any address with the district. (source)
Broker notes
Route 12 (West Boylston Street), Route 140, I-190 and nearby I-290
Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), about 20 minutes. Boston Logan International (BOS), about 1 hour without traffic.
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.