Frequently Asked Questions

About Hildreth Hills

Hildreth Hills sits high on scenic Sparks Hill in Westford, Massachusetts, surrounded by conservation land.

With easy access to I-495, Route 2 and Route 3, residents are within commuting distance from companies in Boston MetroWest and the I-95/I-495 high tech corridor.

Residents also enjoy convenient access to the commuter rail system and the regional airport in nearby Manchester, NH.

Westford is a suburban residential community northwest of Boston. The town of about 22,000 covers about 31 square miles. Although it is close to Lowell, Boston, and the high tech corridor, Westford retains much of its rural character.

In 2009, Westford was the only Massachusetts community named one of the “100 best places to live” in the country by RelocateAmerica.com. The reasons for Westford’s inclusion included its state-of-the-art library, thriving community center, excellent school system, blend of older and newer homes, and numerous recreation opportunities such as the nearby Nashoba Valley Ski Area.

Westford is known for its school system. In 2011, Westford Academy was ranked in the top three in the region on all three MCAS 10th grade exams. The school was ranked first in the region and 12th in the state on the math test, with 80% of students scoring Advanced.

Children from Hildreth Hills attend Robinson, Crisafulli, Blanchard, and Westford Academy located nearby.

Westford employers include well-known high tech firms, MIT’s Haystack Observatory, Puma North America, as well as many small businesses. Several top-rated medical centers are within 20 mile radius.

Close enough Boston for an evening at the ballet or symphony, Westford also has access to nearby regional performing arts organizations including the Westford Parish Center for the Arts, Indian Hill Symphony, the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, and Commonwealth Ballet Company.

Hildreth Hills consists of 108 homes set on 180+ acres of meadows and woodlands.

The park-like setting is crossed by nature trails and surrounded by conservation land.

Neighbors get together for bridge, book clubs, yoga, and parties at the Hildreth Hills Clubhouse. During the annual Earth Day Cleanup, families spruce up common areas, collect refuse, haul away tree branches and brush, and enjoy a potluck lunch.

Amenities at Hildreth Hills include nature trails, nearby conservation land, pool, tennis/pickleball court, and clubhouse.

Hildreth Hills is a well-established, fiscally-sound community with a strong Capital Reserve Fund and a low turnover rate. Some families have lived here for 30 years.

Buying a Condo

Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines condominium as “joint dominion” or “joint ownership.” In general, State Condominium Ownership Acts define a condominium as, “the ownership of a single unit in a multi-unit project together with an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities.”

Simply stated, a condominium is a dynamic concept in real estate ownership whereby a person can own his/her own home in a multiple unit project and enjoy many of the benefits that have heretofore been restricted to individual homeowners. Condominium makes possible the individual financing, buying, and selling, insuring and taxing of each unit.

Under condominium plan, the owner holds title to his/her own home. He/she receives a deed to it, which includes his/her proportionate share of common elements. His/her home is mortgaged and taxed separately from the other homes in the development. Maintenance expenses are shared with other members of the development.

These definitions do not constitute legal advice. The condominium documents and state law are the controlling statements on the matter.

The costs of homeownership for a single-family home include not only the monthly mortgage payments and property taxes, but also insurance, and all of the utilities, maintenance, and services that are needed to maintain a home.

Condo fees bundle costs of master insurance; amenities, such as a pool and tennis courts; services, such as maintenance, snow removal, and landscaping; and some utilities, into a single fee. Part of the fee pays for property management services to engage, manage, and pay the sub-contractors who provide those services, as well as to provide all the necessary accounting services.

The condo fee also includes money put into a Capital Reserve Fund that funds the inevitable repair and replacement costs in the common areas of a community.

When comparing condo fees between different properties, it is useful to look at not only the total condo fee, but also what that fee covers. To make the comparison more useful, compare condo fees per square foot, condo fees per acre, and the number and types of amenities and services included.

Four specific questions to ask about condo fees:

  • how well-funded is the capital reserve fund?
  • are sewer, water, and refuse/recycling pickup included?
  • are the units on a public road or a private way?
  • is the development still in an active sales phase?

Hildreth Hills Condo Fees Cover:

  • Clubhouse
  • Open Space/
  • Park-like Setting
  • Swimming Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Walking/Nature Trails
  • Exterior Maintenance
  • including Gutter Cleaning,
  • Exterior Painting
  • Landscaping
  • including Tree Pruning
  • Master Insurance
  • Recycling*
  • Road Maintenance
  • Snow Removal
  • Sewer
  • Water
  • Underground Utilities

*Included in Westford’s local property taxes.

A non-profit Home Owners Association exists to handle the management and affairs of the condominium community. The volunteer officers of the Association are annually elected by the homeowners. This Association is responsible for the supervision of the professional management team serving the entire Association. The Association’s operations are supported by a monthly assessment collected from the homeowners.

These definitions do not constitute legal advice. The condominium documents and state law are the controlling statements on the matter.