Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Chelmsford, Massachusetts is a welcoming community located about 24 miles northwest of Boston, known for its strong civic life, access to nature, and central role within the Revolutionary Valley. In 2020, Chelmsford was recognized by Money Magazine as one of the Best Places to Live in America, reflecting the town’s balance of livability, community engagement, and quality of life.

Long before its incorporation, the land that became Chelmsford was home to Indigenous peoples. In the mid-1600s, parts of the area were designated as a Praying Town, a colonial system established during English expansion that shaped the region’s early history. Over time, Chelmsford developed as an agricultural community, with dairy farms and orchards influencing both its economy and landscape.

Today, the Chelmsford Town Common remains a focal point of community life, hosting annual gatherings including Fourth of July celebrations and the town’s popular Winterfest each February. Outdoor recreation is woven into everyday life here, with places like Heart Pond offering opportunities for walking, kayaking, fishing, and seasonal enjoyment. Chelmsford also serves as an access point to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, a well-loved multi-use path that connects several Revolutionary Valley communities and invites visitors to explore the region by bike or on foot. Local history can be discovered through the Chelmsford Historical Society, which shares stories spanning Indigenous presence, colonial settlement, and industrial growth.

Balancing small-town character with modern convenience, Chelmsford offers a mix of locally owned restaurants, neighborhood shops, cultural programming, and educational opportunities. The Chelmsford Crossroads area, near Routes 3, 495, and 129, supports a diverse business and technology corridor, reinforcing the town’s role as a place to live, work, explore, and stay connected within the Revolutionary Valley.