Founded in 1655, Billerica is an important part of the Boston area as both the origin of the Yankee Doodle nursery rhyme and a picturesque neighborhood along Route 3. Today the community is a popular spot for commuters due to its proximity to Boston and its serene setting. “The area certainly means a lot to me,” says Mark Morreale, a Realtor with RE/MAX Triumph who was born and raised in Billerica. Highly ranked for education, outdoor recreation, and even its farmers markets over the years, the community has recently worked hard to evolve alongside downtown Boston. This includes school renovations and recreation centers that have been built alongside housing developments and new construction. “It's nice to see the town starting to develop commercially. I think we will see more of it in the future and further add value to our town." Even with all that Billerica can celebrate, the area still seeks to grow and become a place that residents can always be proud to call home.
Billerica is split into several smaller neighborhoods and areas connected by Boston Road,
Visitors to Billerica are greeted by a large sign when entering the town.
1/2
Boston Road and commutes
Due to its size, Billerica is split into several smaller neighborhoods and areas connected by Boston Road, which creates pockets of walkable areas. “The town has an abundance of family-friendly neighborhoods,” Morreale says. “A lot of the neighborhoods are adjoining so there are plenty of safe areas to ride your bike or take walks.” Route 3 is on the western end of the neighborhood, allowing residents to reach downtown Boston in 30 minutes. Commuters can also hop on the train at the North Billerica commuter rail station to get downtown. Boston Logan International Airport is 30 miles away, and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is 10 miles to the south.
Restaurants close to home
Many residents head to neighboring Burlington for its commercial area and dining options, but there are also a few restaurants close to home. Mangia Mangia Italian Kitchen serves generous portions and specialty pizzas, and Garrisons “has family friendly service and fantastic buffalo chicken,” Morreale says. Casa Blancas offers unique cocktails in a comfortable environment. Residents can head to a Market Basket location just north or south of the neighborhood or shop at the Billerica Community Farmers Market on Monday afternoons from June through October. The latter was voted one of the best farmers markets in Massachusetts by the American Farmland Trust in 2023.
Garrison's Restaurant in Billerica, offers relaxed dining atmospher.
Meet a friend for lunch at Garrison's Restaurant in Billerica.
1/2
Recreational activities and Billerica views
Kids Konnection Playground off Andover Road is an expansive property packed with colorful obstacles, including bulldozer- and hippo-themed slides. To the west, the 16-mile Concord River borders a portion of Billerica and is a destination for boating and fishing. In the center of town lies Fox Hill Summit Trail, a light trek of just under a mile views of the forest below. Locals are also often seen at the Peggy Hannon-Rizza (or PHR) Recreation Complex, which provides recently renovated and refurbished fields. “The new PHR Complex is breathtaking. My daughter plays youth lacrosse, so we are there quite often,” Morreale says.
After school kids meet up for a basketball game at PHR recreation center in Billerica.
Kids Konnection Playground in Billerica is packed with colorful obstacles to play on.
1/2
The Split entry capital
Many of the homes in the neighborhood are older and can range from historic Colonial Revivals, split-entry homes and Cape Cods. “I jokingly like to call the area the split entry capital of the world,” Morreale says. “A good portion of homes in the area tend to be split entry from the 1960s and 1970s.” Homes in the area are have also moved into the modern age, with the last five or ten years leading to a number of new construction projects around the neighborhood. Prices for single-family homes tend to run between $500,000 and about $900,000.
A good portion of Billerica homes in the area tend to be split entry.
Rows of split level and colonial homes fill Billerica streets.
1/2
Billerica Public Schools
The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognizes Billerica as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the country. The John F Kennedy School receives a B-plus rating on Niche, and Marshall Middle School earns a B rating. Students can then finish their education at the recently renovated Billerica Memorial High School or Shawsheen Technical School, both of which score a B rating on Niche. Billerica Memorial High School offers standout athletics programs, with three students reaching the major leagues, including notable alum Tom Glavine, a baseball Hall of Famer pitcher for the Braves from 1987 to 2010.
Marshall Middle School in Billerica earns a B rating in Niche.
Billerica Memorial High School serves the older students of Billerica.
1/2
Yanke Doodle Homecoming
Yankee Doodle isn’t just a vestige of Billerica’s past. Rather, it’s still celebrated with the town’s annual Yankee Doodle Homecoming weekend each September. “It has been a staple in the area since I was a kid,” Morreale says. What began as a jingle about a former resident making a trip to Boston and winding up tarred and feathered by British soldiers has become a much more pleasant experience, with tons of fun, including fireworks, parades, food trucks and tons of games for the kids. “I went with my parents, and now I go with my kids,” Morreale says. “It’s a great time that brings our town together."
A monument commemorating the lives lost is located in the town of Billerica, Massachusetts.
The clock tower overlooks the beauty of the neighborhood of Billerica.
Vena Priestly grew up in Brookline, MA, and received a BA in Biology and Minor in Music from Pine Manor College. She enjoys helping people accomplish their real estate goals, and always strives to build personal relationships with her sale and rental clients. Vena is an incredibly active member of the Brookline Community and spends her time volunteering, acting as an elected town meeting member, and working with local non-profits. When she is not pursuing real estate you can find her, with her family of six on the Cape!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
