Massachusetts Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Millis, Massachusetts

Population: 7,902

Located in Norfolk County

Millis was originally settled in 1657 when it was a part of Medfield. In 1713 it then became part of Medway and was known as East Medway until 1885 when it was incorporated as a separate town. These three towns are closely related in history and are referred to by many as the "M" towns.

Narrow country roads dotted with working farms and horse stables are rare on the Boston side of Interstate 495. The exception to the rule is the picturesque town of Millis. A community with deep rural roots, Millis has maintained its old colonial character.

The folks that call Millis "home" are protective of their town and lifestyle because it is one of the last vestiges of' rural Massachusetts within the greater Boston orbit. Route 109 is the only major thoroughfare in Millis and there are very few commercial or office structures within its boundaries. Millis is located at the intersection of Routes 109 and 115 with the only set of traffic lights in town. (E-W with Route 109, N-S with Route 115).

There is no loss for recreation; Glen Ellen Country Club is open to the public for a small fee, three widely acclaimed 4-Star restaurants, canoeing and fishing on the Charles River, as well as Boggastowe Brook, ice-skating on Richardson's Pond and six tennis courts provide plenty of recreational opportunities. A community chorus and Community Theatre have also found a foothold in town.

The diversity of the town is represented by all of the major houses of worship. Millis' heritage began under the name of "Boggastow", which was assigned to this area by the Nipmuc Indians because of its rich grasslands. Millis is named for founding father Lansing Millis, a New York railroad executive. Today you can recapture some of Millis' rich heritage by canvassing historically significant antique properties identified in a numbered Historical Trail. Of particular note are the Town Hall on Exchange Street (a former railroad station), the Oak Grove Farmhouse (part of Lansing Millis' farmstead), and Rossi's Restaurant (prominent home of Harriet Millis VanKleeck).

Millis is governed by an elected three-member Board of Selectman. The Board exercises authority as provided in the town charter, to lead Millis in managing the affairs of the town.

The Millis Public Schools feature a campus setting in the center of town on 20+ acres. Much of the character and focus of our family-oriented town is embodied and reflected in our schools. Millis' commitment to education is exhibited in the newly-built and renovated Clyde F. Brown Elementary School which houses pupils attending early childhood, pre-K and grades 1-5. The school offers a bright learning environment with all-encompassing library, physical education and laboratory facilities. Millis is also a member of Tri-County Regional Vocational School, located in nearby Franklin.

Situated 20 miles southwest of Boston, one can conveniently and within 15 minutes access major highways i.e.: Routes 495, 128, 9, 95, 1, 1A and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Heightened recognition of Millis' central location, picturesque landscape, attractive and affordable real estate and family-oriented lifestyle has yielded a population growth.

In an age of over-development, Millis boasts over one-half of its 12.10 square miles in conservation land. Several working farms reflect traditional values and Millis offers diverse housing options covering a broad economic stratum. With sensitive long-range planning and continued commitment to the environment, Millis maintains those special qualities. Millis has everything a family could want.