Sudbury -- a Dramatic History and a Sparkling Future

http://www.sudbury.ma.us/

Few locations in the United States offer the remarkable combination of history and progress found in Sudbury, Massachusetts. We’re proud to call it our hometown! Whether you’re researching Sudbury for the first time or seeking to know the area better, we hope you’ll join us in discovering this welcoming town. Its rich history mirrors the birth of our nation and its wonderful services and neighborhoods make it a great place to live.

In existence for more than 350 years and primarily agricultural until after World War II, Sudbury is one of the most modern, well-planned communities you’ll find, with unparalleled services and a strategic commitment to progress. We are a social community, with a range of activities and events suited to every possible taste.  We have invested deeply in our schools, a decision which benefits not only families with school-age children, but also everyone who cares about the value of their home. Our sensational library and outstanding parks and recreation facilities demonstrate the town's commitment to providing the very best for its citizens.

Incorporated in 1639, Sudbury is one of the oldest towns in New England and has one of the oldest and longest-running open town meeting forms of government. Echoes of our proud past are reflected beautifully in the colonial flavor of the town center, the winding roads bordered by stone walls and the semi-rural ambience that our town cherishes. We have some 120 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Deeply rooted in history, Sudbury today is known for its excellent schools and well managed government. On the 2000 census its population is recorded as just under 17,000, with roughly 5,500 households – more than 92% of which are owner-occupied. The total land area of the town is more than 24 sq. miles, with a population density of about 600 people per sq. mile.

Location, Location

Sudbury lies immediately west of I95 (Rt128). It is 20 miles west of Boston and 26 miles east of Worcester. This makes our town the first choice for people who want an easy commute from a community where they can enjoy a distinctly higher quality of life. Sudbury is bordered by Wayland, Framingham, Concord, Acton, Hudson, Maynard, Marlborough and Stow, which together create a diverse and thriving super-community.

History

A major battle of the Kind Philip War was fought in Sudbury in 1676. The Sudbury militia helped fire the shot heard round the world, and Longfellow wrote his tales in the town’s historic Wayside Inn– which includes the Redstone Schoolhouse, where Mary brought her little lamb, and the Martha Mary Chapel.

Archaeological digs along the river meadows have established that Indians were here at least a thousand years before the white men came. They included Nipmucs, Red Paints, Naticks and Wamesits, sub-tribes of the Algonquin nation. Remains of their passing can still be seen. There is a large midden pile near the headquarters of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge off Weir Hill Road in Sudbury. An old grinding stone still stands just to the northeast of the junction of Green Hill Road and Singletary Lane.

Local Economy

From quiet country town to thriving Boston suburb, Sudbury has come along way in the more than 350 years of its existence. But it has never lost its historic charm or sense of community. Major changes in the local economy took place in the 1950s, when the town began to actively pursue the right kinds of businesses, which would help to support the town’s growth. Raytheon opened its doors in 1958 followed by Sperry Rand in 1960. Star Market and the First National Supermarket (now Sudbury Farms) soon followed. This infusion of business enabled the town to make major improvements to the schools, build a new post office and two fire stations, and enlarge the Goodnow Library, all in the space of two years.

In the midst of this growth and expansion, Sudbury’s Conservation Commission was awarded for its outstanding work in protecting the environment by the Audubon Society.  Today, Sudbury hosts a spectrum of large and small businesses, and its citizens serve in every level of the work force. We have outstanding professional and financial services, an impressive array of boutique-style shops, elegant restaurants and family-style dining, and many of the familiar stores and restaurants found in successful communities. Sudbury is a place where people live and work, in addition to being a favorite home choice for those who commute to Boston or Worcester.

Transportation

Roughly 20 miles west of Boston, Sudbury is part of the “Metro West” area. Interstate 95 (State Rt. 128) and Interstate 95 divide the region into inner and outer zones which are connected by various “spokes” providing direct access to excellent rail, air and highway facilities.

Sudbury's Natural Beauty

The elegance of Sudbury’s natural environment captivates residents and visitors alike. Enjoy a canoe trip down the picturesque Sudbury River, or discover the wild beauty of Hop Brook, Pantry Brook, Landham Brook and dozens of other feeder streams that meander through the town. Our valuable wetlands offer reminders of the town’s glacial history Marshes, swamps and broad floodplains abound. More than 100 vernal pools serve as breeding ponds for many species, including some of the state’s most endangered amphibians. Willis Pond, Grist Mill Pond, Carding Mill Pond and many smaller ponds dot this landscape and provide significant wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for residents.

Enjoying Your Leisure time in Sudbury

Sudbury’s parks and recreation facilities offer something for everyone. This active community caters to the young and young at heart, with activities for every age group and interest. Recreation facilities include the Atkinson pool (a year-round aquatic facility with an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool), the Fairbank Senior Center, an extremely well-equipped toddler playground, beautifully maintained tennis courts, a skate park for in-line skates and skateboards, golf-putting area, sand volleyball court, outdoor skating area, and fields for baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, softball and soccer. Major recreation areas include Davis Field, Featherland Park, Frank C. Geeley Field and Haskell Recreation Area.

Sudbury Takes Pride in its Seniors

The Fairbank Senior Center is a focal point for Sudbury Seniors, providing social, recreational and educational activities that reflect the varied interest of our senior population. From book clubs and elegant high teas, to exercise programs and entertainment, the Center is always cooking up something new.
The Center also serves as an informational resource for local senior citizens. Through the Council on Aging, it plays an advocacy role for seniors at the local, state and federal level.

The Goodnow Library 

The Goodnow Library is Sudbury's lifelong recreational and learning/information center. This newly built facility is equipped with the most up-to-date technology and resources, providing services to for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. From books, video Internet access, books on tape and compact discs to museum passes, art prints, toys, children’s story times and cultural programs, the Goodnow Library reaches out to every corner of our stimulating community.

A Community with HOPE

Sudbury is a community that cares. HOPE Sudbury, Inc. is a humanitarian outreach project designed to engage Sudbury citizens, employees and business people in an annual, community wide effort to provide humanitarian aid to people in need. Recent HOPE Sudbury showed its appreciation for military families by delivering comfort baskets to the Family Support Center at Hanscom Air Force Base.

Four Seasons in Sudbury

New England weather is famous for its contrast, and Sudbury is no exception. We experience the four seasons here in all their splendor. The brilliant colors of fall foliage add luster to crisp, clear autumn days. The pristine covering of white snow blankets our town several times each winter. Springtime brings a heady profusion of blossoms and warming weather, luring some into the garden and others out for a casual stroll. Summertime is for short sleeves, canoe trips on the Sudbury River, lazy backyard parties and trips to the beautiful Atkinson Pool. Our weather tends to be a shade milder than our neighbors just to the west, who live outside the 495 belt around Boston. The snow melts a little faster, the spring sun shines a bit warmer, and we’re just that much closer to the ocean beaches beckoning us in the dog days of summer!