In 2021, Milton was named the 8th-best small city in America and also ranked in the top 25 small cities for safety, education, and health. Milton is a small town, and its town government provides all the amenities of a city. The area of Milton was first inhabited by Indigenous people more than 12,000 years ago. European settlers established a community in Milton in 1640, naming the town “Milton” after Milton Abbey in 1662. Milton is a nice place to live and offers peace and prosperity. To get the most out of living in Milton, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive guide.
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Where Is Milton MA?
Milton is in Norfolk County. It is a suburb of Boston and lies within the Boston metro area. The northern areas are more developed and dense than the southern areas, which contain a few small ponds and nature preserves.
Milton is directly south of Mattapan and Ashmont, two neighborhoods of Boston. It’s 10 miles from Milton to Downtown Boston.
The Mattapan Trolley line runs through northern Milton. Several bus routes run through Milton; Route 215 connects to Quincy while Route 240 connects to Dorchester and Avon.
Milton MA Population and Demographics
The population of Milton MA is 28,577 people. That number is up by 4.9% from 2010. 2,200 people live per square mile in the town. Residents of Milton include President George H.W. Bush, poet T.S. Eliot, and comedian Jenny Slate.
Norfolk County has 725,981 people, and Milton is one of the largest towns in Norfolk County. However, it is smaller than Norfolk’s other cities which include Dedham and Braintree. The demographics of Milton MA are:
- Sex ratio: 52.7% women, 47.3% men
- Median age: 39.5 years
- Racial and ethnic composition: 71.6% White, 16.7% Black or African American, 5.6% two or more races, 5.1% Asian, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native alone
- Median household income: $153,971, nearly $65,000 higher than the state median
- Educational attainment: 95.8% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 65.0% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 15.9%
Milton is not just one of the safest communities in Massachusetts; it’s one of the safest communities in the United States. SafeWise ranked Milton as #22 on its list of the safest communities in America. Approximately 409 crimes occur per 100,000 residents, which is 83% lower than the national average and 70% lower than the state. 29 violent crimes occur per 100,000 Milton residents, which is 93% lower than America’s average and 91% lower than the state average. 380 property crimes take place per 100,000 residents, which is 81% lower than the country and 64% lower than Massachusetts’ average.
The Milton Police Department has 52 police officers that serve the town.
Cost of Living in Milton, MA
You can use Boston metro area statistics to calculate the cost of living in Milton. Boston’s cost of living index is 116.9, meaning Boston’s cost of living is 16.9% higher than the national average. Milton can be an expensive place to live in, though there are ways you can save money.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Norfolk County would need to make $136,956 to pay their expenses. The most prominent expense is housing. According to Redfin, the median sales price of Milton MA homes for sale is $770,000. The average price per square foot is $442, up by 11.2% since 2021. Estimates for the average rent price vary depending on amenities, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms, but you may need to pay more than $2,000 a month to rent an apartment.
Typical Milton MA Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $4.12
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.17
- 12 regular eggs: $3.82
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $6.43
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.74
- 1 month of basic utilities for a 915 square feet apartment: $183.55
Source: Numbeo (statistics for Boston)
Milton Neighborhoods
Though the Town of Milton MA is small, Milton has a number of neighborhoods or communities. Some of them are better for families while others better suit single professionals.
East Milton | Accessible Milton Neighborhood With Diverse Housing
East Milton is a close-knit residential community with access to stores and commute routes. Interstate 93 cuts through the neighborhood, connecting you to downtown Boston.
East Milton offers a range of choices for homes. You can buy four-bedroom and even seven-bedroom properties that cover more than 6,000 square feet. These homes are great for large families with young children, some of which cost less than $2 million.
Milton Hill | Walkable Community Close to Stores and Restaurants
Milton Hill is a historic district in northern Milton. It contains a commercial center with three T stops, grocery stores, and small restaurants. The neighborhood includes a few points of interest and historic landmarks like Ventura Park. The neighborhood is very walkable, with large trees that provide plenty of shade for pedestrians and children playing in yards. You can buy three-bedroom homes at 1,500 square feet for less than $1 million.
Milton Centre | Small Homes Next to Premium Resources
Milton Centre is another historic district. The Milton Town Hall, Milton Public Library, Milton Police Department, and Milton High School are all located within walking distance of each other. You also have access to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital’s Milton branch as well as Milton Academy and Pierce Middle School.
Homes in Milton tend to be smaller, making them better choices for couples or young professionals. You can find townhomes for rent in the neighborhood for less than $3,000 a month. Some townhomes offer three or more bedrooms, so you can split the rent with several friends.
Milton Weather and Climate
Milton has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average highs in the summer range between 73 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit, while average lows in the winter can fall between 22 and 32 degrees.
Milton experiences snow between November and April. January is the snowiest month, with an average of 8.6 inches, but February has 8.2 inches, and December has 5.4. Some snowstorms can drop more than a foot of snow over one or two days, causing power outages and shutting roads down. Milton can receive more than 50 inches of rain, with wet days occurring throughout the year. The best time to visit Milton is in the fall when temperatures are mild, and there is less snow.
Blizzards and nor’easters are the most common severe weather in Milton. The number of blizzards varies from year to year, but Milton usually experiences at least one every winter. Hurricanes and tropical storms are occasional occurrences in the summertime.
Things to Do in Milton MA
Despite its small size, you can find plenty of family-friendly activities. Milton is perhaps best known for its outdoor activities and green spaces, but you can also find museums and tourist attractions.
Milton has a few grocery stores, such as Eagle Farms, which sells seasonal goods and freshly-made sandwiches in addition to locally grown produce and meat. You can buy clothes at The Cue and purchase home equipment at Milton Village Hardware.
Houghton’s Pond
Houghton’s Pond is a tranquil pond that you can swim and fish in. The recreational area around the pond includes baseball fields, making it a kid-friendly destination.
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area, 840 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186 617-698-1802
Blue Hills Reservation
The Blue Hills Reservation is one of the biggest outdoor attractions in Massachusetts, covering more than 7,000 acres. You can go hiking or bicycling down 125 miles of trails, and you can ski in the Blue Hills Ski Area during the winter.
Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186 617-698-1802
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
The Blue Hills Trailside Museum is a natural history museum that includes animal habitats. You and your family can look at snowy owls and falcons, and you can attend educational programs on wildlife and nature conservation.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186 617-333-0690
Additional Attractions in Milton, MA
Other engaging things to do in Milton include:
The Town of Milton has a Parks and Recreation Department that maintains public spaces and plans special events. You can use the department’s events calendar to find family-friendly attractions like concerts and holiday performances.
Milton Restaurants
Milton MA has a thriving restaurant scene. You have many options for date nights, client meetings, and family dinners at night.
Steel and Rye
Steel and Rye is one of the best Milton MA restaurants for breakfast, brunch, quick lunches, and simple dinners. The restaurant serves sandwiches, pizzas, and baked goods.
Steel & Rye, 95 Eliot Street, Milton, MA 02186 617-690-2787
Abby Park
Abby Park is a casual American restaurant that is good for young professionals and date nights. In addition to brunch, Abby Park offers salads, seafood, and pasta dishes, including risotto.
Abby Park, 550 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186 617-696-8700
Ichiro Sushi
Ichiro Sushi is a cozy and casual place to order Japanese cuisine. Ichiro offers numerous types of sushi, including sashimi and maki, as well as fried rice and udon noodles.
Ichiro Sushi, 538 Adams Street Suite A, Milton, MA 02186 617-698-8832
Jobs in Milton
Milton has a vibrant economy. 14,600 jobs were located in Milton in 2020. That’s up by 3.1% over the previous year. The largest employment sectors are health care, educational services, and professional services. According to Payscale, the average salary in Milton is $78,000; wages increased by 2.3% during the third quarter of 2022.
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, Curry College, and Milton Academy are three of the largest employers in Milton. The Town of Milton also offers employment opportunities, including ones in the police department. You can use Indeed and other job boards to find jobs in Milton and surrounding communities.
Milton Schools
Milton’s most famous school is Milton Academy, which Niche considers to be the best private school in the state. Students participate in a rigorous curriculum that includes summer reading assignments and performing arts classes.
Milton Academy is a highly-selective private school. But Milton Public Schools has an A+ rating from Niche. Milton High School has a graduation rate of 97%, and 94% of students test at or above the proficiency level for science.
Curry College is the most prominent college in Milton MA. The school is well-known for its health, law enforcement, and business programs. You can also take graduate programs in accounting, business, and education.
The Milton Public Library is open every day, and you can take out and buy new books.
Milton MA Statistics and Information
- Milton county: Norfolk
- Area: 13.3 square miles
- Milton MA zip code: 02186
- Milton MA area codes: 617 and 857
- Elevation: 130 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
- Closest airport to Milton MA: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), 11 miles away
Milton MA Map
You can find even more things to do after moving to Milton with this map of Milton MA.
Living in Milton MA connects you to some of Massachusetts’ best schools and most beautiful homes. When you’re ready to start moving to Milton MA, Mass Bay Movers can offer you a full-service experience with the best Milton movers. Get your free quote at 978-587-3775.
