Thinking About Moving to Hollis? Why Conserved Land Is Part of What Makes This Town Different

There are farms, wooded roads, stone walls, trails, open fields and stretches of land that have remained largely untouched despite Hollis' proximity to Nashua and the Massachusetts border.

That isn't entirely by accident.

According to Hollis Brookline News, more than 33% of the land in Hollis is estimated to be under conservation trust or otherwise non-buildable. That figure doesn't even include roads, bodies of water, town buildings and cemeteries.

The Hollis Conservation Commission has been working since 1964 to help protect the town's natural resources and rural character, including agricultural and forest resources, waterways, greenways and scenic views.

For someone considering buying a home in Hollis, this is more than an interesting fact about the community.

Conserved land can contribute to the rural character that attracts many buyers here in the first place. It also means buyers may encounter conservation easements, wetlands, protected land or properties located adjacent to conservation areas during their home search.

If a beautiful wooded area behind a property is part of what makes you fall in love with a home, don't simply assume it can never be developed. Ask questions. Find out who owns it, review available town records and understand whether the land is actually protected.

The same advice applies if you're purchasing a property that includes significant acreage. Understanding wetlands, easements, current use and other land restrictions should be part of your due diligence.

Hollis has managed to retain much of the rural New England character that makes it special while sitting just minutes from major shopping, employment and commuting routes.

For many homeowners, that's one of the best parts of calling Hollis home.