Is Hopedale ok to live in? (Boston, Worcester: theatre, pharmacy, living)

[mcarpenter04]

ok so the normal question: Should i relocate from Boston suburbs to Hopedale? Seems nice although VERY quiet. here are a couple questions:

1. is that mill ever going to be developed?
2. why are there no stores in downtown? just a pizzeria, barber shop, and diner. seems like there should be a bank, pub, drycleaner, deli, liquor store, pharmacy etc. where does everyone go to shop?
3. is the town financially stable?
4. are residents welcoming to incoming folks?

[David223]

I live in Milford, a nearby town. Hopedale is a very nice town in my opinion. Just a guess but for food shopping Hopedale people probably go to Milford. We have Stop&Shop, Hannafords, Shaws, and an Aldi's. Milford also has a Target and Kohls store.

There is a Market Basket grocery nearby in Bellingham along with Walmart. Milford also has several banks and the regional hospital.

I don't know about the mill, financial stability, but I think people are friendly in these parts.

[mcarpenter04]

Wow that is great info thanks. I was surprised there was not much to do in Milford. The downtown looks like it could be really charming but many of the storefronts look a little tired. I did notice that there are lots of c sin stores out near 495 so that is a plus in terms of convenience. Also, someone should open an ice cream store in Milford. Every town needs one.

[xo_kizzy_xo]

I know a couple of people from Milford. They'd tell you it's a small, friendly place and they all know each other (you could interpret that in different ways and be correct with each interpretation, btw). In other words, it's a small-town area which has historically always been "in the middle of nowhere". Some people enjoy that. Some people don't.

There is highway access via 495, but it's a hike to get to anywhere. The commute to Boston, for example, can be arduous because the most direct route involves three different highways (495, 95, and 128/93). The closest commuter rail, I believe, is in Franklin, which isn't quite a hop-and-skip. Many people work in the greater Worcester area because I gather it's easier to get there than it is to Boston (495 to 295?)

It's also a somewhat depressed area. There's very little industry in those parts, and a lot of local businesses have closed in the last few years. There are some big box retailers taking advantage of this, especially near 495, but nobody knows what the long-term plans may be.

But no, I have no personal experience living there. As I said, this is anecdotal from people I know who live in the area. I hope it helps.

[495neighbor]

The small sampling of people I know from Hopedale and Mendon, grew up there.

You wouldn't be too far from Providence and whatever outdoor recreation Rhode Island has to offer at least.

[David223]

Originally Posted by mcarpenter04

Wow that is great info thanks. I was surprised there was not much to do in Milford. The downtown looks like it could be really charming but many of the storefronts look a little tired. I did notice that there are lots of c sin stores out near 495 so that is a plus in terms of convenience. Also, someone should open an ice cream store in Milford. Every town needs one.

Downtown Milford is old and unappealing. The only place there I go is a good breakfast/lunch place called Johnny Jacks. There are two ice cream shops in Milford that come to mind. Friendly's and Dairy Queen. There is a frozen yogurt shop somewhere in town.

Nearby Hopedale is the town of Mendon and believe it or not there is a good old fashioned Drive-In movie theatre. Also in Mendon there is an ice-cream shop and diner in of all places a giant card dealership (Imperial cars).

If you like to ride bicycles or walk there is a very large walking/bike path in Milford that goes to Hopkinton and Holliston that is fantastic.

[mcarpenter04]

thanks all for the great info. confirming kind of what i was thinking. Yeah i saw the drive in in Mendon as well as the car dealership. it was funny but mendon had a more bustling business district than Hopedale for sure. i wonder why that is?

anyone else with any updates.

[David223]

This may or may not interest you but Saturday October 4th is the 5th annual Hopedale Oktoberfest. Free hot air balloon rides. 9am to 5pm.
World Famous RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Comes to Hopedale's Oktoberfest - Around Town | Milford, Massachusetts Patch

[mcarpenter04]

Thanks I did see that and we attended day in the park which was nice.

[mcarpenter04]

anyone else have any info?