Great Places, Great People
Intriguing diversity and personal warmth characterize the First Middlesex District. Families whose ancestors tilled the soil over 350 years ago are still here, joined of late (within merely the last hundred years or so) by artisans, executives, scientists, teachers, soldiers and everyone else you could imagine it takes to build fine communities. As reflected in their Open Town Meetings, District towns pride themselves on the spirit of volunteerism and self-determination that makes their governments work.
Ayer is located conveniently near the Route 2 corridor and provides residents easy access to MBTA commuter rail service. The town includes a portion of the booming Ft. Devens complex that was re-purposed during the Weld administration.
Dunstable keeps life simple and economical, choosing to preserve its agrarian roots. Preferring traditional farms and good neighbors to hustle and bustle, this town of 17+ square miles leaves the action to Nashua, NH, which lies a convenient six miles away.
Groton encompasses the largest land area in Middlesex County, much of it preserved from development. Galaciers left those drumlins that roll across town, yielding beautiful vistas. The town is home to Lawrence Academy and The Groton School, two of the finer preparatories found anywhere.
Look beyond Pepperell's picturesque covered bridge (now undergoing replacement by Mass Highway) and historic mill area. You'll find many fine homes tucked into the town's verdant hillsides and quiet neighborhoods.
Townsend has received an unprecedented gift from Sterilite Corporation, in the form of a new senior center, public library and public works facility now under construction. Don't miss the Reed Homestead's outstanding murals attributed to Rufus Porter, founder of Scientific American magazine.
The Nashua River Rail Trail follows what were the tracks of the Hollis branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad from Ayer's center, through Groton and north through Pepperell, providing recreation opportunities for everyone.
Water runs through the First Middlesex, notably the Nashua & Squannacook Rivers and the James, Bixby and Salmon Brooks.
