Leominster

Most of Central Massachusetts' biggest communities saw single-family home sales fall or remain flat last year while median prices continue to rise, according to data released Wednesday by The Warren Group, the Peabody-based real estate market tracker.

A new report on North Central Massachusetts commissioned by the region's chamber of commerce shows workforce job growth across nearly every sector.

Hilltop Garden, a 120-unit Leominster apartment complex, has sold for $9.6 million.

Leo Ma Mall LLC, a division of Hull Property Group, a shopping mall management company based in Augusta, Ga., has purchased The Mall at Whitney Field in Leominster for $16 million.

Pier 1 Imports, the imported home furnishings retailer said up to 450 of its 942 stores are under consideration for closure, but it did not name specific locations. The Texas–based company operates Central Massachusetts stores in Bellingham, Framingham, Leominster, and Shrewsbury.

A new study says there's potential for more than 18,000 extra housing units along the three commuter rail lines serving Central Massachusetts, with most in MetroWest.

In Framingham, the influx of Brazilians has been particularly crucial to the revival of a former mill town going through hard times.

Nurses and supporters held a candlelight vigil at the Leominster campus of UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital.

An effort by a Massachusetts coalition of nursing homes to secure funding for nursing home patients appears to be headed for the ballot.

While Bay State home sales increased by less than 1% and median single-family sales price rose 3.5% in October, Worcester, Framingham, Leominster, and Marlborough bucked the trend.