Accessible MetroWest living in Millis
Millis sits in the heart of Norfolk County, about 30 miles southwest of Downtown Boston. Established in 1885, Millis has transitioned from its mill town origins to a suburban community, centered around Main Street. "It’s just a nice little town," says Realtor, broker and owner of Northeast Signature Properties, Jennifer Colella McMahon, who grew up in Millis. "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 I-495 and Route 109, the nearby Norfolk Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (T) station offers a commuter rail. Millis takes after the typical MetroWest suburb, while also offering accessibility, relatively affordable housing options and highly rated public schools.
Shops and eateries on Main and nearby houses of worship
Millis has plenty of stores and restaurants packed onto Main Street, keeping the majority of the town residential. The Roche Bros. supermarket is right in the center of town, and Shaw’s is another grocery option a few miles down the road. The closest department stores and retail options, such as Target and Lowe’s, sit within 10 miles in Milford. Despite its small size, Millis promises a rich dining experience. Millis House of Pizza stands out for its pies and calzones, and residents frequent the Twist Bakery & Café, known for its gluten-free menu. For a vegan option in a Zen atmosphere, Nirvana Tea House & Café is available and is a popular faux office among remote workers. A cluster of Christian churches sit along Main and Plain Streets, and Ael-Chunon Congregation is within about 2 miles. The closest Masjid is about 10 miles away in Milford at NEJAF Islamic Center.
Private and public education options in Millis
The Millis Public Schools district scores an overall A grade on Niche. Clyde F. Brown Elementary School earns a B-plus grade and serves free, healthy meals every day. Millis Middle scores an A-minus, and Millis High has an A. High school students have over a dozen extracurricular options, including Happiness Club, Pop Culture Club and Super Smash Bros Club. "The school district has a great Spanish immersion program," adds McMahon. "They’ve won awards in Spain. The program starts in first grade and goes all the way through high school." Private education is also available for every division nearby at Woodside Montessori, Sparhawk Academy and Montrose School.
Millis’ array of outdoor recreation options
Cedariver, a property of the Trustees of Reservations, provides a picturesque loop for hiking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking along the Charles River. Bridge Island Meadows also has trails and wetlands that surround South End Pond. Dogs are not allowed here, and seasonal bow hunting is permitted and highly regulated. Oak Grove Playground, located next to an old farmhouse, has a jungle gym and soccer field, where residents often bring their dogs. For golf enthusiasts, Cassidy’s Clubhouse driving range and Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham sit within 10 miles.
Millis’ classic and contemporary colonials
The Millis housing stock consists of various price points and architectural styles. "All of the new houses tend to be colonials. We’re really a big mix of historic homes." Newer properties tend to have contemporary influences, such as extra gables and built-in garages. Prices most often fall between $550,000 and can climb past $1 million. Smaller units, including condos in complexes and detached multifamily houses, are also available and can start as low as $300,000 for two bedrooms. Many residential streets have sidewalks, often populated with walkers and joggers. Lots tend to increase in size with distance from Millis’ downtown area, though properties are not in complete seclusion from neighbors.
Transportation and health care near Millis
While the neighborhood does not have public transportation, there are plenty of major thoroughfares running through and around town. With Interstate 495 and Route 109 nearby and the Norfolk station’s commuter rail about 4 miles away, residents can easily access surrounding towns and Boston. Plain Street is another major artery that cuts through the center of town, eventually becoming Route 27. For longer trips, Boston Logan International Airport is about 30 miles northeast. The nearest health care hub is within 10 miles in Natick at MetroWest Medical Center – Leonard Morse Hospital.
Photography Contributed By
Colin Gee
