Help Shape the Future of Fitchburg

Tell Us About Your Housing Needs

Fitchburg is growing, and we want to ensure it remains a place where everyone โ€” from young families buying their first homes to seniors looking to downsize โ€” can find a high-quality, affordable place to live.

8โ€“10 minutes 100% anonymous For all Fitchburg residents
Section 1 of 7 โ€” Your Connection to Fitchburg 0%
Section 1 of 7

Your Connection to Fitchburg

Help us understand who is taking this survey so we can make sure all voices are represented.

Select all that apply
e.g., Cleghorn, North of Main, Upper Common, West Fitchburgโ€ฆ
All income sources for everyone living in your home combined
Mortgage/rent plus utilities
Section 2 of 7

Work & the "Workforce" Connection

Understanding how work and commuting affect housing choices in Fitchburg.

e.g., lack of reliable transit, high cost, distance from work
Section 3 of 7

Home Condition & Rehabilitation

Fitchburg has a high volume of historic housing. This data helps justify "fix-it-up" programs and lead paint abatement grants.
Section 4 of 7

Starter Homes, Growth & Housing Types

Help us understand what types of homes Fitchburg should prioritize.

Select up to 3 options Starter home
Select up to 3 options Family home
Triple-decker home
Select all that apply
Townhomes/Rowhouses
Townhomes / Rowhouses
Attached homes sharing walls, typically 2โ€“3 stories
Cottage homes
Small "Cottage" Homes
Compact homes under 1,200 sf โ€” efficient & affordable
Duplex
Duplexes / Two-Family Homes
Two separate units in a single building
Mill loft
Loft Apartments in Converted Mills
Apartments in converted historic mill buildings downtown
Large single family home
Large Single Family Homes
Traditional single-family homes over 2,400 sf
Starter home on smaller lot
Starter Homes on Smaller Lots
Modest homes under 2,400 sf on compact lots
Would you be interested in building one on your property? Accessory Dwelling Unit
Section 5 of 7

Senior Living & "Rightsizing"

These questions help us plan for residents who want to stay in Fitchburg as their needs change over time.

Select up to 3
Section 6 of 7

Proximity, Walkability & Lifestyle

These questions help identify whether Fitchburg residents value convenience and walkability over square footage and yard space.

Larger home neighborhood
๐ŸŒณ Neighborhood A โ€” More Space
Houses are larger and have bigger yards, but you have to drive to schools, grocery stores, pharmacies, shops, and restaurants.
Walkable downtown
๐Ÿšถ Neighborhood B โ€” More Walkable
Houses are smaller and have smaller yards or patios, but it is easy to walk to schools, grocery stores, pharmacies, shops, and restaurants.
Rate 1โ€“5, where 5 = Essential
๐Ÿ›’ Grocery stores / Pharmacies
๐ŸŒฟ Parks and open space
๐ŸšŒ Public transit (MART bus or Commuter Rail)
โ˜• Local restaurants / Cafes
1 = Not important5 = Essential
Urban mill loft
๐Ÿ™๏ธ The Urban Explorer
A loft in a renovated mill downtown โ€” no yard, but steps from the train, restaurants, Market Basket & galleries
Cottage home
๐ŸŒฑ The Quiet Gardener
A small cottage on the edge of town โ€” large private yard & quiet nights, but drive for every errand
Townhouse
๐Ÿก The Modern Villager
A townhouse with shared courtyards & a playground โ€” small patio, walkable to neighbors, still drive for daily errands
Section 7 of 7

Fitchburg's Housing Future

Think beyond today โ€” envision a city that supports residents through every decade of life.

๐Ÿ† Become a Housing Champion

We're looking for Housing Champions โ€” residents who want to stay engaged, learn about local housing policy, and help turn these goals into reality. We are setting up small, informal sessions for residents to learn more about the HPP process and how they can support a stronger housing future for Fitchburg.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ

Thank You for Your Voice!

Your feedback is a vital piece of the puzzle. By completing this survey, you've provided the City of Fitchburg with the data needed to build a housing strategy that truly reflects the needs of its residents.

What Happens Next?

1
Data Analysis โ€” We'll compile results alongside a zoning and market analysis conducted by the consulting team to identify the most urgent housing gaps in the city.
2
Public Presentation โ€” A summary of findings will be presented at our next community meeting.
3
Plan Draft โ€” Your input will directly influence the goals and strategies in the final 2026โ€“2031 Housing Production Plan that will be released publicly.