Thoughts on Milford as a place to buy (Boston, Worcester: renting, house)

[HowieCFan]

Hello everybody,

Looking to get your thoughts on Milford. We are currently renting in Franklin and we are in the beginning stages of looking for a single-family home to buy and we're finding that places like Medway, Franklin, Hopkinton, Holliston, etc. are quite expensive, especially if you want 1.5 bathrooms and a decent yard, while Milford is comparatively affordable and offers more house for the money. I work in Worcester, she works in Johnston, RI. Does anybody on the forum live in Milford and could share what their experience has been like? Wondering about pros/cons. Areas/neighborhoods that are desirable? Ones to steer clear of? Thank you in advance!

[panchilly]

It is a trash heap

[HowieCFan]

Could you tell me in what ways? I know a lot of people say that about the city I work in, but I know there are some pretty nice areas. Anything redeemable about Milford?

[CaseyB]

Oh, Milford has some decent neighborhoods, lots of retail. If you have or are planning to have kids, I'm not sure you'd want to send them to the Milford schools.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by HowieCFan

Hello everybody,

Looking to get your thoughts on Milford. We are currently renting in Franklin and we are in the beginning stages of looking for a single-family home to buy and we're finding that places like Medway, Franklin, Hopkinton, Holliston, etc. are quite expensive, especially if you want 1.5 bathrooms and a decent yard, while Milford is comparatively affordable and offers more house for the money. I work in Worcester, she works in Johnston, RI. Does anybody on the forum live in Milford and could share what their experience has been like? Wondering about pros/cons. Areas/neighborhoods that are desirable? Ones to steer clear of? Thank you in advance!

If you are commuting between Worcester and Johnston, why not live in Uxbridge or somewhere along 146? You'll get more for your money and nicer.

[HowieCFan]

Is anybody familiar with the area this house is in? Went to see it today. It seemed like a normal, somewhat densely populated older residential area you might find in a lot of cities in and around greater Boston. Thoughts? Thank you!

https://www.estately.com/listings/info/17-grant--2

[Arya Stark]

Moderator cut: link removed, competitor site

[FCMA]

Originally Posted by panchilly

It is a trash heap

Every “trash heap” in Massachusetts also has nice neighborhoods. That characterization is never the whole story because New England has no full blown equivalent to Gary Indiana except maybe Bridgeport CT.

Also the housing stock in MA is nearly identical in any town you buy in as in Natick and other former “trash heaps” turned “desirable.” The difference being the hollow nouveau riche d-bags’ first step after spending $800k and to proudly acquire a wornout split level in a former janitor colony is spending seven figures for a tear-down / rebuild to create a proper characterless vinyl sided McManse. This hasn’t hit Milford yet too hard because this type is afraid of school districts with a minor % of poor kids left in them. Only the best sheltered, privileged, and banal upbringing that money can buy will do.

Milford is a somewhat dense middle class outer suburb, still affordable and with a solid retail base and an opioid problem like everywhere else. Steer clear of that and it’s fine. At only $289k, a newly updated old house like the linked one seems on the surface like a solid investment.

[HowieCFan]

Thank you for taking the time for your thoughtful reply FCMA, it is very helpful. I grew up in Waltham in the 1980s/90s and can remember when that city was not nearly as popular as it seems to be now. I also remember Natick not being considered a great place. Same for Somerville, Medford, etc. I'm definitely cautious about a town like Milford because of what you hear but I do wonder if it is going to turn itself around like some of those other places. Seems like it has potential.

[panchilly]

The big issue with Milford is the proximity to Boston. I wouldn’t bother with Milford if you are looking for a turn around in the next 20 years. You are better off with a town like Norwood which offers a better location.