Looking for more space and a slower pace without losing easy access to Greater Boston? Hollis, New Hampshire offers a rare blend of country living and commuter convenience that can fit your lifestyle. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of everyday life in ZIP 03049, from farms and festivals to housing, schools, and realistic commute options. Let’s dive in.
Hollis at a glance
Hollis sits in southern Hillsborough County and spans about 32.3 square miles with 8,342 residents at the 2020 census. You’ll find a classic New England village center, broad meadows, and active orchards that anchor the town’s identity. Large-lot zoning and conserved land help preserve a rural look and feel across many neighborhoods. If you want room to breathe while staying connected to Cambridge, Newton, or Framingham, Hollis is worth a close look.
- Town overview and history: Hollis, New Hampshire
- Population data: Census QuickFacts
- Official town maps and zoning: Hollis Maps page
Village center and small-town rhythm
The compact village core around Monument Square is part of the Hollis Village Historic District, with 18th and 19th century architecture, town hall, and local businesses that set a neighborly tone. You can grab coffee, run quick errands, and catch up with familiar faces on a Saturday morning. The Lawrence Barn hosts community gatherings that add to the local heartbeat. For a deeper look at the district’s character, explore the Hollis Village Historic District.
Farms, orchards, and seasonal fun
Hollis is known for working farms and pick-your-own traditions. Brookdale Fruit Farm is a long-running favorite with a farmstand, seasonal produce, and fall attractions that draw weekend visitors from across the region. You’ll also see other local farms offering PYO programs and seasonal stands when harvests are in full swing. If farm-fresh produce and autumn afternoons in the orchard are on your wish list, you’ll feel right at home.
- Local staple: Brookdale Fruit Farm
Outdoor time at Silver Lake and beyond
When the weather warms up, residents head to Silver Lake State Park for swimming, boat rentals, and a sandy beach. Summer weekends can be lively at the water, while shoulder seasons offer quieter trails and birding nearby. Beyond the lake, local conservation areas and small ponds support a relaxed, outdoorsy routine that matches the town’s rural setting.
- Park details: Silver Lake State Park
Everyday errands and nearby conveniences
Within town, you’ll find small markets, farmstands, local bakeries, and a handful of restaurants that match the village scale. For broader shopping, Nashua is the go-to for grocers, big-box stores, and services, typically a short drive from most Hollis addresses. That mix lets you keep daily life close to home while having easy access to more options when needed.
Housing styles and lot sizes
Expect a mix of historic farmhouses, classic Capes and Colonials, renovated barns, and newer builds that lean traditional. Larger lots are common, often an acre or more, with plenty of tree cover and privacy. Many properties have longer driveways and may use private well and septic systems, so planning for routine maintenance is part of homeownership. The town’s zoning and conserved parcels help maintain low-density character across much of Hollis, which many buyers appreciate.
- Official zoning and maps: Town of Hollis Maps
What homes cost in 03049
Hollis is a small market, so a few sales can swing short-term medians. A practical way to view prices is as a bracket. For single-family homes in ZIP 03049, mid 700s to near 1 million is a reasonable current range. Different sources use different methods: Zillow’s ZHVI recently tracked around the high 700s, Realtor.com’s listing medians hovered closer to the 1 million mark, and MLS-based summaries published by PropertyFocus sat in the high 700s. Methodologies vary, and inventory is tight at times, so treat these as directional snapshots rather than fixed rules. If you want a hyper-local valuation tied to your street and home features, ask for a custom analysis.
Commuting to Cambridge, Newton, Framingham, and Boston
If you work along the Cambridge–Newton–Framingham corridor or downtown Boston, you have realistic options from Hollis. Driving to Boston is roughly 50 to 53 miles and commonly about 1:00 to 1:15 in typical conditions, with traffic adding variability. Many commuters split the trip by driving to a nearby MBTA commuter rail station on the Lowell Line, then taking the train to North Station. Others use express bus services from nearby New Hampshire corridors to reach Boston and Logan Airport.
- Drive-time reference: Hollis to Boston distance
- Rail schedules: MBTA Lowell Line
- Bus options overview: NH to Boston coaches
For day-to-day needs, Nashua is typically 10 to 20 minutes away, depending on your starting point and route. That short hop covers many residents for groceries, pharmacies, and services.
Schools and district basics
Hollis and neighboring Brookline operate a cooperative public school district (SAU 41) serving K–12. The schools include Hollis Primary, Hollis Upper Elementary, Hollis-Brookline Middle School, and Hollis-Brookline High School. The district is commonly cited by buyers as a key consideration, and parents often review public profiles and independent rankings while researching. For official information and reporting, start with the New Hampshire Department of Education’s school profiles.
- District profiles: NH DOE school list
Who Hollis tends to fit
- You want country quiet and bigger lots but need a workable commute to Cambridge, Newton, Framingham, or Boston.
- You enjoy a village feel, seasonal farm traditions, and easy access to hiking, swimming, and local festivals.
- You prefer a classic New England home style and are comfortable with routine well and septic care.
- You value a small-town rhythm while keeping major shopping and services within a short drive.
Buyer and seller tips for Hollis
- Test your commute. Drive the route to your workplace or MBTA station at your typical time to confirm timing.
- Budget for systems. Plan for well and septic inspections and ask about age, service records, and water quality.
- Consider lot maintenance. Larger yards can mean more time or vendor costs for mowing, leaf cleanup, and snow.
- Watch seasonality. Spring and fall see strong buyer activity, while winter can present opportunities with less competition.
- Stage for space. Thoughtful staging highlights natural light, flow, and outdoor living, which are major draws in Hollis.
- Check zoning and maps. If you are considering an addition or accessory structure, review the town’s maps and zoning in advance.
Bringing it all together
Hollis blends a true New England village experience with practical access to the Cambridge–Newton–Framingham job centers and Boston. You get farms, festivals, and nature at your doorstep, plus larger lots and classic home styles. If you are weighing a move, or thinking about how to position your Hollis property for top dollar, a tailored plan makes all the difference. For a custom valuation, staging strategy, and a commuter-savvy search, reach out to Michelle Daley for concierge guidance.
FAQs
How far is Hollis from Boston and Cambridge for daily commuting?
- Typical driving distance is about 50 to 53 miles, with around 1:00 to 1:15 in normal conditions, and many residents drive to an MBTA Lowell Line station for rail into Boston.
What price range should I expect for single-family homes in 03049?
- A practical bracket is mid 700s to near 1 million, based on differing measures like Zillow’s ZHVI, Realtor.com listing medians, and MLS summaries from PropertyFocus.
What outdoor activities are most popular in Hollis?
- Silver Lake State Park offers swimming and boat rentals in season, while local conservation areas and working farms provide hiking, birding, and pick-your-own outings.
Are there public transit options from Hollis to Boston?
- There is no station in town, so many commuters drive to the MBTA Lowell Line or use express coaches from nearby New Hampshire corridors to reach Boston and Logan.
Where do residents do most of their shopping and errands?
- You’ll find village-scale markets and eateries in Hollis, while Nashua covers larger retailers and services, typically a 10 to 20 minute drive from many Hollis addresses.
