Framingham

Framingham is a suburban city in Greater Boston, Massachusetts, with a population of more than 72,000 (2020). This former blue-collar manufacturing town is now a sprawling western suburb of Boston, known for its high density of white-collar technology and business professionals, as well as an ethnically diverse population.

Understand
Framingham is the home of several major corporations, including Staples, TJX, Perini, Boston Scientific, and Bose Audio, and also is part of what is known as the Golden Mile, a large conglomeration of shopping malls and retail outlets. This is where the first mall in America was built.

By car
Framingham has 2 exits on I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike toll road). Exit 12, on the western edge of town (near Southborough town line), intersects with State Route 9. Exit 12 is near Staples, Inc. and Bose Corporation. Hotels near Exit 12: Econo Lodge, Motel 6, Residence Inn (Marriott), and Sheraton Hotel. Exit 13, on the eastern edge of town (near Wayland and Natick town lines), intersects with State Route 30. Exit 13 is near the Golden Triangle retail/business center including Shoppers World, Natick Mall, and TJX Companies, Inc. Hotels near Exit 13: Courtyard Inn (Marriott), Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, Best Western, and Travelodge.

Framingham is served by several state routes - from the north-south via Route 126 (Old Connecticut Path/School St/Concord St/Irving St/Hollis St), and from the east-west via Route 9 (Worcester Rd), Route 30 (Cochituate Rd/Worcester Rd/Pleasant St), and Route 135 (Waverly St).

By train

 * Train operators:
 * The MBTA provides commuter rail service from South Station, Boston to Framingham. Trains run approximately hourly, and at the half hour during rush hour.
 * Route stopping at Framingham:
 * Lake Shore Limited operating daily between Chicago and Boston or New York City. It makes stops at most stations along the route, though it does not stop at some of the smallest stations. Trains consist of train cars from both branches between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer).  The trains split into separate branches between Albany (Rensselaer) and both Boston and New York City.  Stops between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer) include South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Schenectady. Stops between Albany (Rensselaer) and Boston include Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham.

By plane
Framingham is accessible only via Logan Airport in Boston. Travelers must take the Logan Express shuttle or private shuttle from the airport, or use the trains.

Logan Express Bus Service

 * Logan Express Depot, Shoppers World Mall (Route 30), Phone: 508-872 5424. Operates 7 days a week, year round. One of the most hassle free ways to get to and from Framingham (and MetroWest) to Logan Airport in Boston $ Adult 1-Way Fare: $12, Adult Round Trip Fare: $22, Senior (65+) 1-Way Fare: $10, Senior (65+) Round Trip Fare: $18, Children under 12 free.

Get around

 * Town Taxi Co., Phone: +1 508-875-4241.
 * Executive Coach, Phone: +1 508-872-6100.
 * Typically several taxis are waiting for arrivals from the airport at the Logan Express station.
 * Executive Coach, Phone: +1 508-872-6100.
 * Typically several taxis are waiting for arrivals from the airport at the Logan Express station.

Beaches
Yes beaches in Framingham! (Framingham has 3 public beaches.) Resident permit ($30 per family) or $2 person, per day. (Non resident rates available).

Buy
If you enjoy shopping, Framingham is definitely the place in eastern Massachusetts to visit. There is every major retail chain from Wal-Mart to Best Buy and more. The shopping district, nicknamed "The Golden Triangle", is located along Route 9 (Worcester Rd) in the eastern part of town and extends into neighboring Natick. The shopping district includes Shoppers World (on the border with Natick), a vast outdoor mall featuring 795,308 square feet of retail space.



Sleep
There's a large selection of lodging, including:

Go next
Boston and Worcester are reachable by train. For day trips by car, try Plymouth, Cape Cod, or North Shore towns.