📍 Location & Geography
Wayland is a charming town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, about 20 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 15.9 square miles, of which 0.6 square miles is water. The Sudbury River, a significant geographical feature, flows through the town.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Wayland are approximately 42.3626° N latitude and 71.3615° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Wayland is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in New England. It is surrounded by the towns of Sudbury, Lincoln, Weston, Natick, and Framingham. The town is primarily residential, with a mix of suburban and rural characteristics. It is divided into several villages, including Cochituate, Wayland Center, and North Wayland.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Wayland was approximately 14,000. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of families with children. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with small percentages of Asian, African American, and other races. The median household income is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the town’s affluent nature.
🏛️ History
Wayland was first settled in 1639 as part of the Sudbury plantation. It was incorporated as a separate town, East Sudbury, in 1780 and renamed Wayland in 1835 in honor of Dr. Francis Wayland, a Baptist minister and president of Brown University. The town has a rich history and retains several historic buildings, including the Wayland Free Public Library, which was established in 1848 and is one of the oldest in the state.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Wayland is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, conservation areas, and bodies of water. The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a significant birdwatching site, extends into the town. The Wayland Town Beach and Lake Cochituate offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The town is committed to environmental sustainability and has several initiatives to protect its natural resources.
🏫 Education
Education in Wayland is highly regarded, with the Wayland Public Schools district consistently ranked among the top in Massachusetts. The district includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and Wayland High School. The town is also home to several private schools and is in close proximity to many colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Wayland is served by several major roads, including U.S. Route 20 and Massachusetts Route 27. While there is no direct public transportation in the town, the nearby MBTA commuter rail stations in Natick and Framingham provide access to Boston and other areas. The town is also within driving distance of Logan International Airport.
📜 Trivia & Events
Wayland is known for its community events, including the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market and the annual Wayland Town Meeting. The town was also the location of the first hostile act of the American Revolutionary War, the stealing of four brass cannons from the town’s arsenal in 1775. Notable residents have included Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and the late Steve Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs.