Located due south of Boston, Milton MA is a beautiful city with a small-town feel, some almost rural areas thanks to the Blue Hills Reservation, and some of Boston's most attractive historic homes. There are plenty of reasons Milton has topped many best-of lists, but its atmosphere can't be quantified through statistics. This overview will let you know what to expect if you're considering a move to the area.
What are the Demographics in Milton?
Milton offers more diversity and color than many other Boston suburbs. At the 2010 U.S. census, there were 27,002 residents living in the town. Of those, 71.4% were White, 20.3% were Black or African American, 4.1% were Asian, and 2.5% were two or more races. Three percent of the population considered themselves Hispanic or Latino. Those people made up 9,274 households, including 6,835 families. They occupied 9,161 housing units at a density of 702.7 housing units per square mile, at 1,999 people per square mile.
Milton is an attractive choice for many families--as evidenced by the fact that 37% of households are family units, with an average family size of 3.27. Milton is a popular center for young professionals as well as families. The median age at the 2010 census was 39 years--a little higher than Boston's median age of 31. Milton also happens to be known as the town with the highest percentage of residents claiming Irish lineage (38%). Its culture, from dining to true Irish pubs, reflects that heritage.
Irish heritage plays a very real role in Milton's overall feel. Though it's not a "little Dublin" by anyone's standards, you will find plenty of pubs and lots of celebrations surrounding St. Patrick's Day. Milton abuts the Blue Hills Reservation, a 7,000-acre green space that makes some Milton homes actually feel rural despite their proximity to the city. The Blue Hills Reservation also offers miles (around 125 miles, to be exact) of jogging and hiking trails. Access to that offers a sweet spot for the outdoor enthusiast and encourages activity thanks to its proximity to many Milton residents.
A few town square-style business districts give Milton a small town community feel and offer spaces where you can walk through a picturesque town center, grab a latte and maybe stop in at a bookstore or music shop on a lazy afternoon. It's known as being one of the smaller Boston suburbs with limited services. That small-town vibe and limited services and shopping opportunities is appealing to some but irritating to others.
In 2011, Money Magazine ranked Milton as the second best place to live in the U.S.--and that wasn't the only time it made a top-10 list. Milton's excellent school districts, beautifully-maintained historic buildings, manicured streets, and out-of-town feel have distinguished it as an incredibly livable city with an excellent quality of life. The median household income is one of the higher ones among Boston suburbs, at $107,577. The median home price is currently $650,000, down from $834,000 one year ago. Most Milton homes are colonials or colonial revivals featuring elegant architectural details and large, open rooms with ample space. Set on quiet, tree-lined streets, it's no wonder these homes are so desirable.
The weather in Milton varies widely. Winters can be long and cold, with an average of 62 inches of snow each year and average high temperatures in the 30s. But the profusion of new growth in the spring, beautifully mild summers, and breathtaking fall foliage more than make up for the cold days.
Milton's safety rankings are also excellent. Though the town does border Mattapan, which is known for its less-than-stellar reputation, Milton itself remains relatively untouched by other cities' higher crime rates. Milton's overall crime rate is lower than 88% of U.S. cities. The vast majority (90%) of the few crimes that are committed are nonviolent property crimes such as burglary.
Milton's history goes back to the mid 1600s, when it was home to a high-production grist mill. In the 1700s, Milton became even more embedded as an industrial center as iron mills and even a chocolate factory were built. Today, visitors can still stroll through the old chocolate factory.
Milton is also known for the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, the Granite Railway, and Curry College. The Blue Hill Observatory is one of the States' earliest weather reporting stations and home to the longest-running continuous weather observations anywhere in North America. The Granite Railway has the distinction of being one of the first railroads in the U.S. and is now known as the first purely commercial railroad in the States. Curry College, founded in 1879, also brings an influx of students to the area and takes up 135 acres of land near the Blue Hills Reservation.
If you're considering a move to Milton, having a local agent on your side can make all the difference between a successful housing search and a frustrating one. Feel free to contact a Movoto agent who can listen to your plans and help you find exactly what you want in a new home.
