Natick, MA
The popular metrowest suburb of Natick, MA is located just 15 miles outside the city of Boston and has a population of about 32,000+ spread across it's 16 square miles. Natick is a diverse community that offers a little something for everyone. The several nearby highways and the towns two commuter rail stops make it an excellent location for commuters.
Natick Public Schools have a strong reputation and now feature a brand new $79 million High School. For nature enthusiasts the Charles River, Lake Cochituate and the Dug Pond, along with the rest of the towns extensive network of lakes & ponds, offer many recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, fishing and ice skating. The Audobon's Society's Wildlife Sanctuary and Cochituate State Park offer other ways to get in touch with nature and are terrific for walking & hiking.
Prefer shopping over hiking? Route 9 which passes through the town is populated with many strip developments including the Natick Collection, which is the largest mall in New England, has over 200 restaurants and retail stores, as well as an adjacent cinema complex. Natick Center or Downtown Natick as it's also known, adds more of a local flavor with popular family run shops- such as The Bakery on the Common, The Natick Outdoor Store & Casey's Diner- the oldest, continually run diner in the US and a Natick institution that is famous for it's hot dogs.The downtown area was beautifully renovated in the mid 90's, adding to its landscape a new Town Hall, Fire Station and Police Station, as well as an expanded and refurbished library. The new brick buildings give the town a clean look while preserving it's historic suburban industrial feel. Many of it's other buildings have also been restored and remodeled, such as The Center for Arts Natick (TCAN), which is located in the towns old fire station and is a popular venue for musicians and concerts, as well as theatrical performances. Natick Common, located in the heart of the downtown area, is a nice place for walking and relaxing and is host to many community events such as Natick Days and the towns Fourth of July celebration.
The homes and neighborhoods in Natick are also very diverse, ranging form 18th century farmhouses, to post World War II ranches and capes, to many newer developments as well. Natick truly has something for everyone.
