Note: This Community Profile draws information from a diversity of sources. The main source of information is listed under each section. In some instances comments submitted by the municipality were incorporated to correct and/or enhance the information obtained from the main source. However, no changes were made to those data bases which must be consistent throughout the state. The Department of Housing and Community Development has made efforts to ensure the accuracy of all data in the Community Profiles, but cannot take responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this document.

Narrative

The Town of Ashland's ideal location midway between Boston and Worcester provides easy access to the interstate highway system and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Ashland was, in earlier times, a stopping point on a major Indian trail which later became known as the Bay Path, connecting Cambridge and Connecticut. It was here that a community of Natick Indians was established as the Village of Magunkaquog in about 1659. Once the original starting point of the world famous Boston Marathon, which still runs through Ashland, the town is also known as the site of Henry Warren's invention of the electric clock, later manufactured here under the Telechron name.
Ashland, although predominantly residential, is committed to a close working relationship with its business community. Businesses, residents and visitors look forward to "Ashland Day", a not-to-be-missed annual celebration of traditional New England spirit.

Geography

Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by Sherborn on the East, Framingham on the North, Southborough on the West and Northwest, and Hopkinton and Holliston on the South. Ashland is 20 miles East of Worcester, 22 miles West of Boston, and 191 miles from New York City.


Total Area: 12.93 sq. miles

Land Area: 12.45 sq. miles

Population: 15,305 (2001 Annual Census)

Density: 969 per sq. mile

Climate: (National Climate Date Center, Framingham Station)
Normal temperature in January........24.7ºF
Normal temperature in July.............72.9ºF
Normal annual precipitation............44.9"

U.S.G.S. Topographical Plates
Framingham, Holliston, Marlborough

Regional Planning Agency

Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Metropolitan Statistical Area (1993 Definition)
Boston

Government

Municipal Offices: (508) 881-0100

Form of Government:

Board of Selectmen
Town Manager
Open Town Meeting

Year Incorporated as a Town: 1846
Registered Voters: 9,670 (2004 Primary Elections)

Housing Characteristics

Home Sales (Banker & Tradesmen): Town Stats - Free Market Statistics

Subsidized Housing Units (Department of Housing and Community Development, 1998):
DHCD Subsidized Housing Inventory
Subsidized Housing Units: The number of housing units which count toward the municipality's 10% goal for low- and moderate-income housing. It includes both subsidized affordable units and market rate units in certain eligible subsidized developments.

Public Housing Units (DHCD 1999)
Conventional State: 40
Conventional Federal: 0

Rental Assistance (DHCD 1999)
State (MRVP): 0
Federal (Section 8): 0

Transportation

Transportation and Access
Ashland is situated in the Greater Boston Area, which has excellent rail, air, and highway facilities. State Route 128 and Interstate Route 495 divide the region into inner and outer zones, which are connected by numerous "spokes" providing direct access to the airport, port, and intermodal facilities of Boston.

Major Highways

Principal highways are State Routes 126 and 135. The Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate 90, is easily accessible in the neighboring town of Framingham.

Rail

Commuter rail service to Back Bay Station and South Station, Boston, is available from Ashland. Travel time to BBS: 42-45 min.; 700 MBTA parking spaces available. Freight rail service is available from CSX. Contact number: (617) 783-6222.

Bus

Ashland is a member of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). LIFT offers hourly bus service between Ashland, Framingham and Hopkinton.

Other

The Worcester Municipal Airport, a Primary Commercial (PR) facility with scheduled passenger service, is easily accessible. It has 2 asphalt runways 5,500' and 6,999' long.

Culture and Recreation

Libraries (Board of Library Commissioners)

Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland

Museums (American Association of Museums)

Ashland Historical Society

2 Myrtle Street
(508) 881-8183

Miscellaneous

Health Facilities (Dept. of Public Health 1992)

Hospitals
Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham is located at 115 Lincoln Street, Framingham, MA and is 4.3 miles from the Town Hall. 
There is a Metrowest Medical Center in Natick, MA.
Ashland is located just 20 miles to all of the Boston Hospital's and 20 miles from Worcester Hospital's.

Long Term Care

Hospices

Rest Homes
Mill Pond Rest Home

Utilities Telephone Numbers for Public Utilites