Millis combines relative affordability with accessibility outside Bost
With roots dating back to the 17th century, the town of Millis is a small Norfolk County community 30 miles southwest of downtown Boston. “It’s just a nice little town,” says Jennifer Colella, a Millis native and local Realtor with Team Signature of Signature Properties at Realty Executives Boston West. “Homebuyers tend to like it because we’re far enough away from the city but still have decent restaurants in the MetroWest area. It’s more affordable than surrounding suburbs and only around 45 minutes to both Providence and Boston, making it an attractive location for commuters.” In addition to proximity to Interstate 495 and Route 109, the nearby Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (or simply the "T") station in neighboring Norfolk offers a commuter rail. Millis takes after the typical MetroWest bedroom community, offering accessibility, a wide range of housing choices and the highly regarded Millis Public Schools district, which earns an overall A-minus rating from Niche. The town also has relatively low housing costs, with an average price tag of $630,000 compared to the Boston metro area’s $890,000 average home cost.
Housing options range from $350,000 to over $1 million
Millis’ housing options consist of various price points and home styles. “All of the new houses tend to be colonials. We’re really a big mix of historic homes,” Colella says. Newer properties tend to have contemporary influences, such as extra gables and built-in garages. Single-family homes comprise most of the housing, with condos and townhouses combined making up about 30% of the stock. Move-in-ready single-family properties range from roughly $450,000 for smaller starter homes to over $1 million for some larger, more modern estates. Condos, townhomes and other multifamily builds usually cost between $350,000 and $950,000. Lots tend to increase in size with distance from Millis’ downtown area, though properties are not entirely secluded from neighbors. Walkers and joggers populate the abundant sidewalks that line residential neighborhood streets.
Attending Millis Public Schools
The A-minus-rated Millis Public Schools district includes three schools that comprise the K-12 pipeline. Prekindergarten through fifth-grade students can attend Clyde F. Brown School, rated B-plus. Millis Middle School and Millis High School are both rated A-minus. “The school district has a great Spanish immersion program,” Colella says. “They’ve won awards in Spain. The program starts in first grade and goes through high school.” Students at Millis High School can join over a dozen extracurricular programs, including Happiness Club, Pop Culture Club and Super Smash Bros Club. Locally, private education options are offered through Woodside Montessori, Sparhawk Academy and Montrose School.
Millis parks include playgrounds, wetlands and walking trails
Part of the Trustees of Reservations, Cedariver is an outdoor area with a scenic loop that accommodates activities like hiking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking along the Charles River. Bridge Island Meadows also features trails and wetlands surrounding South End Pond. While dogs aren’t permitted, seasonal bow hunting is allowed under strict regulations. Oak Grove Playground is a family-friendly spot with a jungle gym and soccer field, and is a popular gathering spot for dog owners. For golfers, Cassidy’s Clubhouse driving range and the public 18-hole golf course at Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham are located within a 10-mile radius.
Shops, cafés and grocery stores line Main Street
Main Street in Millis contains a mix of shops and restaurants, while the rest of the town remains primarily residential. Roche Bros. supermarket is located centrally, and Shaw’s provides an additional grocery option a few miles away. Larger retail stores such as Target and Lowe’s are situated approximately 10 miles away in Milford. Millis is home to several dining establishments, including Millis House of Pizza, Twist Bakery & Café, with gluten-free options, and Nirvana Tea House & Café, which offers a vegan menu in a quiet setting.
Millis offers road and rail access to Boston and nearby towns
Although Millis lacks a public transit system, it benefits from connectivity to major routes like Interstate 495 and Route 109. The Norfolk commuter rail station for the T is 4 miles away, offering convenient access to surrounding towns and Boston. Plain Street serves as a primary thoroughfare through the center of town and transitions into Route 27. Boston Logan International Airport is approximately 30 miles northeast. Residents can also access 24-hour emergency healthcare services within 10 miles at MetroWest Medical Center – Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick.
