Moving to the Area… on Gardner Magazine
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In the Community
Whether you are Moving to the Greater Gardner MA area or a resident relocating within it, this page is a helpful guide to the availability of various needs in your MA community with relevant links. The guide is divided into sections –Click on a link below to go directly to that section.
A: Utilities including cable tv, internet, electricity, water, sewer, gas, fuel oil, trash, phone and laundry.
B: Housing and Home including Apartments, Home Information, Property Taxes, Insurance, Building Department, Landscaping, Pest Control, Security Systems, Repairs and Maintenance, Tools, Furnishings and Equipment, Warranties, Consumer Rights, Government Information, and employment.
C: Transportation and Taxes including auto dealers, tires, auto insurance, registry, gas-diesel, fees, car repair, parking, taxes, and big purchases.
D: Municipal Services including public safety, city or town hall, airport, senior center, golf course and dog park.
E: Financial Services including banks, credit unions, mortgages, loans, and financial planning.
F: Education includes public schools, public colleges, private education, school supplies, and saving.
G: Vices including alcohol, taverns, cigarettes and tobacco, and marijuana.
H: Medical including medical clinics, hospitals, dental, and medications.
I Outdoor Activity and Exercise including parks, bike path, playgrounds, trails, and gyms.
J. Shopping including groceries, clothing, personal care, pet food, and gifts.
K: Entertainment and Social including entertainment, dining, cinema – movies, music concerts, games, subscriptions, vacations, charity, worship – churches, and child day care. Use as helpful tips or to set up a budget.
Section A: Utilities
Cable TV
Cable TV – One cable provider is available in each community. Some choose to save money by getting internet only through the cable company and subscribing to an internet streaming service which can also provide live tv. Check with your cable company for new subscriber deals. Here’s a list of cable tv providers in your area (by zipcode)
Electricity
Electricity – Billing is generally through one local company, but you can select a different competing provider for a portion of the service. One electricity supplier to Gardner is National Grid, and here’s some information on a low cost energy supplier program managed by the city.
Search for your electricity provider by zip code
Valuable information from the State of MA on Energy.
Sewer
Sewer – Will be billed through your city or town if so provided, otherwise there are local companies who can pump your septic tank.
If your home needs to be connected to the sewer system, here’s some info.
Click here to find your town in the Greater Gardner Area;
Fuel OIl
Oil – Various local providers are available from full-service companies who provide both oil and equipment servicing and companies who only sell oil. Here’s a google search for fuel oil gardner ma.
If you want strictly the cheapest price, use one of the searches below:
Discount Oil providers in Worcester County
New England Oil prices in Northern Worcester County
Phone Service Including Cell
Phone Service including Cell – Landline service is still available in most towns, cable companies offer phone service, voice over ip services work well, and most all of the national cell phone providers are available. The cell phone business is now highly competitive with low cost cell service available, often using the same networks as the more expensive providers.
Land Line
Cellular
VOIP:
Internet
Internet – Available through cable company, phone company offering DSL, Satellite Internet and 5G cellular internet service. Internet providers in Gardner include XFinity (Comcast) cable internet and Verizon DSL. Various companies have made a business of referring internet providers by area. Results you get may not be the only alternatives, but the search may be useful:
Check your town for internet providers:
Website Provider WebTech Online
Water
Water – Will be billed through your city or town if so provided, otherwise there are local companies who can test your well water. If your home needs to be connected to the water system, here’s some info.
Search for your water provider by zip code
Gas
Gas – Natural gas is available in certain communities when piped to the home, otherwise local companies sell individual propane gas for heating and cooking. Unitil is a provider of Natural Gas in some communities.
Search your zip code for a gas provider
Trash
Trash – Some communities have trash pickup included in municipal services and in others you need to select a local company to pick up your trash. Here’s some information on trash pickup in Gardner MA. Contact your local town offices for information on approved providers for your town. Helpful note: Many trash companies now provide two separate containers: one for trash and one for recycling. Be sure to ask.
Laundry
Laundry – Homes have laundry hookups, some apartments provide hookups, and local laundromats exist in most communities.
Section B: Housing and Home
Apartments
Apartment Information – Area consumers use sources such as Craigslist which is free or paid services such as a realtor
Valuable information from the State of MA on Housing and Property
Attorney General’s Guide to Landlord
Property Taxes
Property Taxes – Most tax information is available publicly through municipal websites. Taxes are lower than in some neighboring states which don’t have a sales tax or income tax. To view more information about a particular community:
Building Department
Building Dept. – Building permit and site information is available through this department of your local municipality.
Landscaping
Landscaping – Various local companies are available at various rates.
Many consumers do their own landscaping with products purchased at farm and garden or home improvement stores.
Search for landscaping companies Gardner MA
Security
Security Systems – Security systems are available for purchase and various local companies offer system installations with full monitoring capabilities.
Employment
In Massachusetts, employers will ask you to fill out a w-4 form and provide your social security number.
Deductions from pay include Social Security, Medicare, State tax, Federal tax, possibly employee portion of health insurance premium, possibly union dues, and also possibly voluntary deductions for retirement and/or savings.
Need to write a resume? Here’s some tips from Indeed.com
Warranties
Products sold in this state carry an implied warranty of merchantability, often carry a specific warranty from the manufacturer, and often have extended warranties available. In the state of Massachusetts, almost any item purchased can be returned for refund if defective despite any store policy to the contrary.
Home Info
Home Information -Houses may be purchased outright or with a down payment and a mortgage.
Most consumers purchasing a home will utilize a real estate agent to make a home selection and submit a purchase offer. Once accepted, next steps include having the home inspected by a licensed inspector and arranging financing. The transaction transferring ownership is called the Closing.
Insurance
Insurance – Home insurance is a competitive business in this state through insurance companies and independent insurance agents.
The home and contents are insured against potential loss. Claims are subject to a deductible selected by the customer when setting up the policy.
Additional flood insurance may be desired if the property is in a flood zone.
Search for insurance companies gardner ma
Pest Control
Pest Control – Various private pest control companies are available.
Do a search for pest control gardner ma
Home Repairs
Home repairs in the area are typically performed by tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians with larger projects being handled by licensed general contractors.
In many cases, building permits are required.
Furnishings and Equipment
Furnishings & Equipment – Various local furniture stores sell high quality furniture as do a number of nationally known chain stores. Used furniture is offered by the Salvation Army Stores, the Restores run by Habitat for Humanity, and various locally-owned second hand stores. Also, used furniture is sold at individual yard sales and at flea markets.
Massachusetts Consumer Rights
Consumers have rights. Whatever the purchase,you are entitled in Massachusetts to certain benefits, information, and protections.
For Consumer Rights and Resources, Visit the page on Mass.gov
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
MA Government Information
State and local governments have extensive resources for consumers.
Section C: Transportation and Taxes
Auto Dealers
Auto Dealers – New and used vehicles are sold by franchised auto dealers and various used auto dealers. There is no temporary plate in MA.
Insurance
Insurance – Auto insurance is available through nationally known companies or through independent insurance agents.
Gasoline and Diesel
Gasoline & Diesel – In this state you are allowed to pump your own gas. Self-service is the default with some stations offering full service.
Most vehicles can use the lowest price gas at the pump.
Auto Repair
Auto Repair – Massachusetts requires an annual inspection of all motor vehicles. There is a short grace period within which a new resident must obtain MA license plates etc.
Visit the MA Vehicle check website to locate an inspection station and registered emissions repair facility
Taxes
Income – Massachusetts has a state income tax. Tax is withheld from paychecks. Tax returns are due annually.
Tires
Tire Dealers – Tires may be purchased through auto dealers, tire dealers, or even the local department store.
Registry
Registry of Motor Vehicles – Used for Driver’s License and Auto Registrations and Title Transfers. There is an in-person RMV office in Leominster. Many functions can be accessed through the RMV Online.
Valuable information from the State of MA on Transportation
Fees
Excise – Local cities and towns send out a bill each year with a bill based on the value of the automobile. Bills are sent out automatically.
Information from State of MA on Motor Vehicle Excise
Parking
Metered Parking is offered in downtown Gardner. There are also several free municipal parking lots.
Here is some information on public parking from the official Gardner MA website.
Meter Violation Payment Information
Big Purchases
Purchases: Sales Tax – The sales tax in MA is 6.25%
Guide to Sales and Use Tax in MA
Occasionally, MA has a sales tax holiday one weekend in August.
Section D: Municipal Services
City Hall
Gardner MA City Hall – a place to visit for business involving any of the following departments
Assessor, Building, City Clerk, Community Development, Conservation, Economic Development, Emergency Management, Engineering, Gardner Educational TV, Health, Housing, Human Resources, Parking, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Purchasing, Treasurer/Collector, Veteran’s Agent, and Water & Sewer.
Looking for the Town Hall in your community. Visit our Around the Towns section to find your town. CLICK HERE.
Event Machine. Public Meetings. Organizations Guide.
Senior Centers
Senior Centers – Gardner MA and surrounding communities have Senior Centers.
The Gardner Council on Aging designs, promotes, and implements services for the community’s elderly population to include transportation, meals, information, counseling, assessments, and referrals.
Here is some information on the Gardner Senior Center.
Consult your town regarding its local senior center.
Airport
Airport –Gardner MA has a municipal airport.
Here is some Airport information
Police and Public Safety
Gardner MA Police Department Information
Gardner MA Fire Department Information
Golf Courses
Golf Course –
Gardner MA maintains a municipal golf course. It was established in 1936 and features 18 holes of golf plus a driving range and putting green.
The Gardner Golf Course has a website.
Other golf courses in the area include:
Bolton: The International – Harvard: Shaker Hills – Sterling: National – Westminster :Woods – Templeton: Templewood -Athol:Ellinwood – Winchendon – Golf Club
Dog Park – Gardner MA has a dog park at Pulaski Park. It features a Large Dog area, a Small Dog area, and an agility area. There are double gates for entering, dog waste stations, water fountains, and benches.
Here is some information on the Dog Park Looking for a pet? Visit our Petfinder page.
Section E: Financial Services
Banks
Banks – Various in the area offer all types of accounts and loans.
Some area banks include TD Bank, Athol Savings,Santander Bank, Fidelity Bank
Mortgages
Mortgages – Offered locally through banks & credit unions and various mortgage companies
Loans
Loans are offered in the area through banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and pawn shops.
Credit Unions
Credit Unions – Very popular in this region,
Various in the area offer all types of accounts and loans.
The two main credit unions in Greater Gardner are Worker’s Credit Union and GFA Credit Union
Financial Planning
Financial Planning
Some local financial institutions offer these services. Some services are offered through the Chamber of Commerce. And private firms are in operation.
Section F: Education
Public Schools
Public Schools – MA schools have generally high standards.
School Supplies
School Supplies –
Educational supplies are available at local department stores and local dollar stores. Convenience stores carry a limited supply.
Good Housekeeping has a list of suggested school supplies by age group. Get the list.
Saving
Saving –
Some area credit unions encourage saving by operating branches at some area schools.
Public Colleges
Public Colleges – MA has affordable 2 year community colleges as well as 4 year universities
Mount Wachusett Community College
Quinsigamond Community College Worcester MA
Worcester State University Worcester MA
Greenfield Community College Greenfield MA
Framingham State University Framingham MA
Private Schools and Colleges within 40 miles of Gardner MA
Section G: VIces
Alcohol
Alcohol – Beer and wine is sold at the supermarket and available at privately owned liquor stores.
Taverns
Alcohol is available at local taverns. Please keep in mind that Massachusetts does not tolerate drunk drivers and the legal blood alcohol level is low.
Smokes
Tobacco – This highly dangerous item is still sold in the state
Information on Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking from CDC
Marijuana
Marijuana – This item is now legal in MA for recreational use and various places to purchase are available.
It is illegal in Massachusetts to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of any mind-altering substance including alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs or substances and violators are routinely prosecuted. If you smoke a joint in a car while driving, you endanger lives. Use at home.
Section H: Medical
Medical
Medical –
Various medical facilites operate in the area including Heywood Hospital, Athol Hospital, Winchendon Health Center, the Medical Arts Building at Heywood Hospital and other private medical offices and practices.
Hospital
Hospital:
Heywood Hospital is located in Gardner MA
Visit the Heywood Hospital Website.
Dental
Dental –
MA licensed dentists and dental clinics are in operation throughout the area.
Medications
Medications which are not “over the counter’ are prescribed in MA by licensed physicians and dispensed by licensed pharmacists through local pharmacies.
Section I: Outdoor Activity and Exercise
Parks
Parks –Information on area parks is found on our Attractions page
Bike Path
Bike Path –
Information on the Bike Path is found on our Attractions page.
Playgrounds
Information on Playgrounds is found on our Attractions page.
Trails
Information on Trails is found on our Attractions page.
Our All Sports Page covers 10 sports categories.
Gyms –
Mount Wachusett Community College has a facility open to the public (for a fee) and several private fitness centers exist in the area.
Section J: Shopping
Groceries
Grocery Stores –
Major grocery stores in the area include Market Basket in Athol, Hannaford in Gardner, Price Chopper in Gardner.
Clothing‘
Clothing –
New and used clothing stores operate in the area.
Personal Care
Personal Care Items –
Several “dollar stores” operate in the area and thus offer discounted personal care items
Pet Food
Pet Food –
Pet Food is sold in Massachusetts at grocery stores, farm and garden centers and stand-alone pet stores
Gifts –
Various stores exist in the area for those wishing to purchase gifts for various occasions.
Section K: Entertainment and Social
Entertainment
Entertainment –
This region is like most areas of the country with a wide assortment of entertainment options available
Like to listen to area radio stations on your computer or Smart Phone? Click for our Live Audio page.
Play Games while you are on this website.
Dining
Dining –
Various Sit-down and Fast food restaurants operate in the region. Purchases are subject to Sales Tax and in some communities, a small sur-tax
Cinema
Cinema – Movies
Most all drive-in theaters have long-closed,but several successful movie theater chains still operate.
Concerts
Concerts –
Musical Acts perform in Worcester, Boston and other towns and cities in MA
Here’s a Wikipedia article on Music venues in Massachusetts
Games
Games –
There are some video game stores and some titles may be rented through RedBox locations.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions – Some area newspapers still offer delivery.
Magazines are sent through the mail after a subscription is purchased
Streaming video and audio services are purchased online.
Vacations
Vacations – There are some vacation homes in the area, generally along the water. Those seeking to book vacations out of the area can do so through a local travel agent.
Charity
Charities – There are local charities which serve the Greater Gardner area.
Many local clubs and organizations are listed on our Clubs page. Also visit our Public Service page
Worship
The region has a number of churches which can be found on our Church page.
Want to read the Holy Bible online? Here is our page.
Child Care
Day Care for Children – MA licensed Daycare providers are available.
Section L: Attractions – Visit Page
See More of the Area on our Photos Pages: Area Photos – Gardner – Gardner Historical – Regional Historical
Trying to plan your day? Want a great weather forecast page? Click here.
Here’s a nice road map.
