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Sudbury
Suburban meets rural in this quiet, safe, down-to-earth and friendly town filled with green spaces and nature! Most commonly known for its history as a farming community, Sudbury has long been a central hub of commerce, agriculture, and a thriving economy. Its location along Boston Post Road has made it a frequent stop for visitors as well as people who end up moving to Sudbury.
Thomas Buckborough
Thomas Buckborough
Sudbury History
Sudbury, Massachusetts is about 20 miles west of Boston. It was first settled in 1638 and incorporated in 1639. Sudbury is one of the oldest towns in the United States and has a rich colonial history. Here are some key points in its history:
Early Settlement: The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Nipmuc. The first European settlers arrived in 1638, led by a group of Puritans who came from Watertown, Massachusetts. They established the town on land purchased from the Native Americans.
The Battle of Sudbury: Sudbury was involved in the early colonial conflicts with the Native Americans, as well as during King Philip’s War (1675–1676), a major conflict between Native American inhabitants and English settlers. The town was burned by Native American forces during the war, but it quickly recovered.
The Revolutionary War: Sudbury played a role in the American Revolution. In April 1775, the town’s militia was among those who responded to the British advance on Lexington and Concord. Though no major battles were fought in Sudbury, the town was part of the larger regional effort during the early days of the Revolution.
Sudbury’s Role in Agriculture and Industry: Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, Sudbury was an agricultural community, with farming and milling being central to its economy. The town also became known for its large brick-making industry, especially during the 19th century, contributing to the development of Boston.
More Sudbury History
Modern Growth: With its proximity to Boston, Sudbury began to grow rapidly in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, when suburban development spread out from the city. Today, Sudbury is a vibrant residential community with a strong emphasis on education, historical preservation, and natural conservation.
Historical Landmarks: Sudbury has several preserved historic sites, including the Wayside Inn, which dates back to the 17th century and is one of the oldest operating inns in the country. The inn is famously associated with author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote "Tales of a Wayside Inn" in 1863.
Sudbury is known for its rich colonial history, charming historic sites, and its role in the early days of American independence. Today, it blends its historical roots with modern suburban life.
Babe Ruth: Ruth spent some of his early years in Sudbury, specifically at the St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys in nearby Boston. Although Ruth was not raised in Sudbury directly, he had ties to the region during his time at this school. During his time at St. Mary's, he was introduced to baseball, which played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
Jack Kirby, co-creator of Captain America, lived in Sudbury, Massachusetts, during the later years of his career, where he created many iconic comic book characters. Although Captain America was originally conceived during World War II, Kirby's time in Sudbury in the 1970s and 80s played a pivotal role in shaping the Marvel Universe with characters like The Fantastic Four and The Avengers.
Maynard Life Outdoors and
Hidden History of Maynard
Barrett Sotheby's International Realty
The Sudbury Market
The real estate market here is characterized by a mix of single-family homes, many of which are spacious and sit on larger lots, reflecting the area's high median household income and desirability among families. Homeownership is common, with a lower rental market compared to nearby urban centers, as the majority of residents own their homes. As of recent years, the median home price in Sudbury has been well above the state average, typically in the $900,000 to $1.3 million range, making it less affordable for first-time buyers. However, the town’s top-rated schools, scenic parks, and proximity to major highways make it a sought-after location for families looking for suburban living with easy access to Boston.
Things to Do in Sudbury, MA
Explore the serene environment that is Sudbury, MA - where every drive is a scenic retreat!
Shopping and Dining
- Karma Coffee - Small batch roasting makes for a decadent cup of coffee. A must try!
TJ Maxx - Our Maxinistas swear this is one of the best TJ Maxx locations around!
Whole Foods
Roche Brothers
Shaw’s
The Wayside Inn - Step back in time and experience more than 300 years or history and hospitality. Enjoy the grounds, dine or stay in this historic inn.
Duck Soup Store - a well-known and beloved gift shop and boutique located at 75 Union Avenue in Sudbury. The store has been a staple in the local community for many years, offering a wide variety of unique and curated items. It’s known for its charming atmosphere and diverse selection of products.
Duck Soup Store
Goodnow Library
Libraries & Passes
Sudbury Town Library - The Sudbury Town Library is a key resource for the community. It is located at 1 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA, and serves as a hub for educational and recreational activities for residents of all ages.
Services and Resources:
A wide range of books, e-books, audiobooks, and digital media, community programs and events, computer access and Wi-Fi, community meeting rooms and quiet study areas. They also offer summer reading programs, author talks and book discussions, movie nights, workshops
Library Hours: The library typically has hours that vary throughout the week. It's always a good idea to check the current schedule on the Sudbury Town Library website for the most up-to-date information.
A library card here is also valid for use at other libraries in the Minuteman Library Network, which includes over 40 libraries in the region.
Museum and Park Passes:
Boston Museum of Science (discounted or free admission), New England Aquarium (discounted admission), The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (free admission), The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (free admission), Plimoth Patuxet Museums (discounted admission), Old Sturbridge Village: (discounted admission), Tower Hill Botanic Garden (discounted or free admission), Harvard Museum of Natural History (discounted admission).
Residents of Sudbury can reserve these passes through the Sudbury Town Library website.
Historic Homes of Sudbury
The Wayside Inn - Step back in time and experience more than 300 years or history and hospitality. Enjoy the grounds, dine or stay in this historic inn.
Learn about early inhabitants of the landscape and the How(e) family who settled and farmed the land, operated the inn, and who fought in wars for independence; about poets, and artists, and about Henry Ford and his vision to create a living history museum here. The Wayside inn continues to inspire new tales. The mill, which is still operational, adds to the historic charm of the site and gives visitors a glimpse into the town's agricultural and industrial past.
Historic Fact: Henry Ford was the last private owner of the Inn.
The Hosmer House - in 1793 by Asher Goodnow, was first owned by Captain Elisha Wheeler and later purchased by the Hosmer family in 1896. Florence Hosmer, the last surviving family member, bequeathed the house to the Town of Sudbury in 1959 to be preserved as a public memorial to her father, and it features 11 rooms, 10 fireplaces, and an attached carriage shed.
Freedom's Way
Walk with Bruno
Dog Spots
Sudbury, Massachusetts, is a dog-friendly town with several parks, trails, and open spaces where dogs are welcome to enjoy the outdoors. Here are some great spots for walking, exercising, and enjoying time with your dog:
1. Sudbury Town Forest
2. Wayside Inn Historic Site
3. Burke’s Meadow Conservation Area.
4. Haskell Field and Park
5. Flynn Recreation Complex
6. Sudbury Reservoir
Always keep your dog on a leash unless in specifically designated off-leash areas. Be mindful of local wildlife and other visitors to the park. Clean up after your dog to maintain the parks and nature areas for everyone.
Parks in Sudbury
- Haskell Field and Park
Flynn Recreation Complex
Cutler Park
Memorial Park
Yelp
Town of Sudbury
Water & Swimming
Walback Pond is a picturesque body of water located in Sudbury, Massachusetts. It is part of the Walback Pond Conservation Area, which is a popular spot for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the natural beauty of Sudbury.
The Sudbury Reservoir
Hikes and Nature
- Sudbury Town Forest
Burke's Meadow Conservation Area
Fairbanks Conservation Area
Tipling Rock - a notable landmark within the town’s Nobscot Hill area. It is part of a small but historically interesting natural feature that has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike.
Town of Sudbury
Nashoba Valley Winery
Breweries
Here are some places in and around Sudbury where you can find great brews:
1. The Sudbury Brewing Company
2. Nashoba Valley Winery & Brewery
3. The Marlborough Brewing Company
4. Battle Road Brewing Company
5. The Concord Brewing Company
6. Forge Brewing Company
7. Hopsters Brewing Co.
Nightlife
Sudbury, Massachusetts, is a quiet suburban town with limited nightlife compared to larger cities, but it offers a few charming options for evening entertainment. Local pubs and restaurants like The Sudbury Inn and Wayside Inn Tavern provide a cozy atmosphere for casual dining and drinks. For more lively options, nearby towns like Marlborough and Framingham (we especially love Bourbon's in Framingham!) offer a wider variety of bars, live music venues, and entertainment spots. Additionally, the area's proximity to Boston gives residents and visitors easy access to the vibrant nightlife scene of the city.
Bourbon's Framingham
Coffee Shops
Sudbury Coffee Works - house-roasted coffee!
Karma Coffee
Boston Bean House
Karma Coffee
Farms & Farmers' Markets
- Sudbury is home to several farms, many of which offer a variety of farm-fresh products, from produce to livestock, and some even provide opportunities for community engagement through farm tours, events, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs. Here are some notable farms in Sudbury:
The farm at the Wayside Inn is part of the larger historic site and is used for educational purposes, promoting agricultural heritage. The farm includes traditional farm animals like chickens, goats, and sometimes sheep, and hosts various farm-related events and programs. Visitors can learn about farming history and watch demonstrations on how farm animals were raised historically.
Farmer's Market:
Sudbury hosts a few great farmers markets where you can find fresh, locally grown produce, meats, baked goods, and other artisan products.
Location: 276 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA (at the Sudbury Historic Town Hall parking lot)
Season: Typically runs from June through October (check for specific dates each year)
Hours: Usually Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Russell’s Garden Center (Farm Stand) - Open year-round, though farm stand offerings change with the seasons. Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sudbury Town Council
Sudbury Minutemen
Town Days & Celebrations
Sudbury Town Day - Typically held on the second Saturday of September at Haskell Field and Park. Sudbury Town Day is the town’s annual celebration, filled with family-friendly activities, local entertainment, food vendors, games, and more. It’s a day where Sudbury residents and visitors come together to celebrate the town’s history, local businesses, and community organizations.
Sudbury Fourth of July Celebrations - Various locations, including Haskell Field and Fairbank Community Center
Sudbury's Annual Memorial Day Parade - Last Monday in May, throughout Sudbury.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - Late November or early December; Sudbury Town Center or Fairbank Community Center
Sudbury Farmers Market Special Events
Sudbury Summer Concert Series
Sudbury Art and Craft Fair - Usually in the fall (around October) at Fairbank Community Center
Hotels & Places to Stay
- Sudbury, MA is home to many local inns that embrace the history of the area:
Fairfield Inn Boston-Sudbury
Inn on the Horse Farm - B&B in an 1800s farmhouse!
Wayside Inn - one of the most historic spots in the area
Inn on the Horse Farm
Transportation
Sudbury, MA, offers convenient access to various transportation options, making it well-connected to both local and regional destinations. While the town itself is primarily residential and car-dependent, it benefits from its proximity to major highways, including Route 20, Route 27, and Interstate 90 (Mass Pike), providing easy access to Boston (about 20 miles east) and other nearby communities. This makes Sudbury a popular choice for commuters who prefer suburban living with a relatively short drive to the city.
For those who prefer alternative modes of transportation, Sudbury offers a growing network of biking opportunities, particularly along scenic routes and nearby conservation areas, though it lacks extensive dedicated bike lanes. The town is also served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), though it does not have its own commuter rail station. The nearest commuter rail station is in nearby Wayland, providing direct service to Boston's South Station. Additionally, bus services are available, though they are limited and may require transfers for broader regional travel.
Overall, while Sudbury's public transit options are not as extensive as those found in urban areas, its highway access, combined with nearby public transit options and opportunities for biking, provide flexibility for residents commuting to Boston or other parts of MetroWest.
Flooding & Flood Insurance
Sudbury, Massachusetts, has experienced flooding in various parts of the town, typically due to its natural landscape, which includes wetlands, ponds, and rivers. The town is situated near the Sudbury River and other bodies of water that can be prone to seasonal flooding, especially during heavy rain or spring snowmelt. Understanding the flood zones and being aware of flood risks is important for residents, homeowners, and visitors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides flood maps, which are commonly used to identify flood-prone areas.
Sudbury’s flood zones are mapped and categorized based on the risk of flooding. These areas are classified as:
Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs): These are areas with a higher risk of flooding, and properties within these zones may require flood insurance if they have federally-backed mortgages. They are typically located near major rivers and ponds, like the Sudbury River, Walback Pond, and Duck Soup Pond.
Floodways: The most flood-prone areas, typically along rivers and streams, where the flow of water can cause significant damage. These zones require careful planning for construction and development.
Zone AE: Areas within the 100-year floodplain with a defined base flood elevation.
Zone X (shaded): Areas outside the 100-year floodplain but still subject to some flooding.
