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Holliston, MA

Frequently asked questions

Holliston, MA

Holliston is a New England town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States in the Greater Boston area. The population was 14,996 at the 2020 census. It is located in MetroWest, a Massachusetts region that is west of Boston. Holliston is the only town in Middlesex County that borders both Norfolk and Worcester counties.

At the time of the earliest European settlements, where Holliston exists now was part of the territory of the Awassamog family of Natick (the first Nipmuc Praying Town), who also held authority over land near Waushakum Pond at Framingham and land near Annamasset at Mendon. In 1701, a large tract of land that included the west half of Holliston, eastern Milford, and parts of Hopkinton and Ashland was given to the local Nipmucs in a land exchange with Sherborn. Their ownership of the tract was brief, as settlers purchased tracts of land there until all traces of Nipmuc's presence disappeared. The Nipmuc village of Mucksquit (translation – "place of much grass"), located on the shore of Wennakeening (translation – "smile of the great spirit") was near the site of the Morse family farm, today known as Lake Winthrop. The Morses, Sheffields, Marshalls Bullards, and many others followed Pout Lane (an old Native American foot-path, now partly modern day Rte 16 and Highland St., respectively) out to the new territory and settled along the path, thus forming a cluster of farms that would eventually become Holliston. John Eliot and Daniel Gookin (Christian missionaries) also followed the path in search of converts to Christianity and encouraged the Nipmucs to gather into villages, which made their task of finding them easier. Though not as famous as the Bay Path or the Old Connecticut Path, Pout Lane played a major role in the settlement of Holliston and other points southwest of Boston. Holliston, then part of Sherborn, was first settled by Europeans in 1659 by Massachusetts Bay Puritans.

The town of Holliston was incorporated on December 3, 1724, by virtue of approval by the General Court petition requesting that "the western part of Sherborn be a Town." The name was taken in honor of Thomas Hollis of London, a benefactor of Harvard College. The first town meeting was held at the house of Timothy Leland on December 23, 1724, "at which five selectmen and all other required officers were chosen." The town has grown from a community of a few hundred residents setting aside ten pounds per year for public education to a community of over 13,000 with an annual budget of over $40 million including more than $23 million for a nationally recognized school system.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 19.0 square miles (49 km2), of which 18.7 square miles (48 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) is water. Water covers 1.73% of the town's total area. The Charles River passes near the southern region of the town. It is located 21.6 mi (34.8 km) west of Boston and is within short driving distance of Interstate 495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (part of Interstate 90). Massachusetts Route 16 and Massachusetts Route 126 pass through the town.

Holliston places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Milford Regional Medical Center and Holliston Pediatric Group offer a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Firewall Fitness provides a fully equipped gym and various fitness classes to keep you in shape. The Yoga Exchange and Prana Center offer diverse yoga classes to suit all levels. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic beauty and walking trails at Holliston Trail. To enhance your well-being with holistic therapies, check out Healing Elements Day Spa.

Top sites in Holliston, MA are Ashland State Park, Putts & More, and Goodwill Park.

Population: 14,902 (2023). ZIP code: 01746. Area codes: 508, 774. Elevation: 188 ft (57 m). Area: 19.0 sq mi (49.3 km²).

FAQs

Is Holliston, MA a good place to live?

Holliston is a suburb of Boston with a population of 14,891. Holliston is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Holliston offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Holliston, there are a lot of parks.

What is Holliston, MA known for?

Once populated by factories and farms, Holliston has now transformed itself into a largely residential community for those who commute into Boston and the Route 128 & Route 495 technology belts. Holliston is known for its quaint town center with numerous antique shops and boutiques, Carnegie Public Library, Town Hall, and white-steepled churches. Holliston, originally part of Sherborn, was first settled by Europeans in 1659 by Massachusetts Bay Puritans.

What are the demographics of Holliston, MA?

Holliston is a city located in Massachusetts. Holliston has a 2024 population of 14,856. Holliston is currently declining at a rate of 0% annually and its population has decreased by -0.78% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 14,973 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Holliston was: White: 87.27%, Asian: 5.44%, Two or more races: 4.62%, Other race: 2.1%, Black or African American: 0.58%, Native American: 0%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Holliston

Niche

World Population Review

Tri County Chamber MA

Ashland State Park

Putts & More

Goodwill Park

Milford Regional Medical Center

Holliston Pediatric Group

Firewall Fitness

The Yoga Exchange

Prana Center

Holliston Trail

Healing Elements Day Spa

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