📍 Location & Geography
Sudbury is a charming town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated 20 miles west of Boston, nestled in the heart of the New England region. Sudbury spans a total area of 24.6 square miles, 0.6 square miles of which is water. The town is characterized by its rolling hills, extensive forests, and beautiful wetlands, including the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Sudbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3834° N latitude and 71.4162° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Sudbury is part of the Greater Boston area, in the eastern part of Massachusetts. It’s located within Middlesex County, the state’s most populous county. The town is surrounded by several communities, including Wayland to the east, Framingham to the south, and Maynard and Stow to the north.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Sudbury has a population of approximately 18,000 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a significant percentage of Asian and Hispanic residents. The median age in Sudbury is 44.2 years, slightly higher than the state average. The town is known for its affluent population, with a median household income well above the national average.
🏛️ History
Sudbury was incorporated in 1639, making it one of the older towns in the New England area. It was initially a farming community and later developed as a mill town with the establishment of several mills along the Sudbury River. The town played a role in the early history of the United States, with the Wayside Inn, the country’s oldest operating inn, located in Sudbury. The town has managed to maintain much of its historical charm, with numerous colonial-era homes and structures still standing.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Sudbury is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, conservation lands, and hiking trails. The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a significant wetland habitat, is a major attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The town is also home to the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, offering additional opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation.
🏫 Education
Education in Sudbury is highly regarded, with the town’s public schools consistently ranking among the best in the state. The Sudbury Public Schools district operates four elementary schools and one middle school. High school students typically attend Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. The town is also in close proximity to several prestigious universities and colleges in the Greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Sudbury is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by several major roads, including Route 20 and Route 27. While there is no direct rail service in Sudbury, the nearby MBTA commuter rail stations in Framingham and Southborough provide access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town also has a senior and disabled transportation service known as the Sudbury Connection.
📜 Trivia & Events
Sudbury is home to the Wayside Inn, the oldest operating inn in the United States, which was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Tales of a Wayside Inn”. The town is also known for its annual events, including the Sudbury Colonial Faire and Fife & Drum Muster, which celebrates the town’s rich colonial history.