Welcome to Carlisle
Rural New England community with homes on large acreages
Carlisle's population is just over 5,000, making it one of the smaller Boston suburbs. However, this small town is highly in demand for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of eastern Massachusetts, this serene town fosters a sense of quiet and calm in a rural environment.
Carlisle has deep roots in conservation efforts, so you'll find more walking trails and nature preserves than commercial districts here. However, despite its rural feel, it's only 19 miles from Boston. The location allows residents to achieve a countryside lifestyle without giving up easy access to big-city amenities. Homes here are luxurious, private, and often large. Due to local zoning regulations, most homes sit on lots of two or more acres of land.
What to Love
- Rural setting with great conservation areas and excellent walking trails
- Luxurious properties on large lots that offer privacy and plenty of space
- Just 19 miles from Boston for easy access to the city
Local Lifestyle
Carlisle offers a laid-back rural lifestyle that's often difficult to find so close to Boston. People here enjoy the privacy that large lots afford, but it's still a friendly community where neighbors watch out for each other. There is only a little shopping within Carlisle, but plenty to meet the necessities.
Residents have excellent access to nearby picturesque New England towns that offer a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment. That keeps the crowds and noise outside of Carlisle, too. You'll find most residents spending their time riding horses, walking the many trails in the area, or cross-country skiing in the winter.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
While there are no extensive commercial areas in Carlisle, there are some can't-miss destinations for those seeking a taste of rural living. Kimball Farms is a family-owned roadside stop that offers over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream. The fun doesn’t stop there if you’re an ice cream fan — check out Great Brook Dairy Farm on North Road. Not only will you enjoy their homemade ice cream, but you can also walk along the nearby trail network while eating it.
Ferns Country Store in downtown Carlisle offers a little bit of everything, including incredible freshly made sandwiches that are ideal for taking along on a picnic across the street in Conant Land. End your day at Clark Farm, where you can pick up organically grown vegetables and berries or dine at their farm-to-table restaurant.
Things to Do
If you love farm-fresh foods and spending time outdoors, you'll love Carlisle. Visit the Great Brook Farm State Park to explore hundreds of acres of wooded trails and fields surrounding Meadow Pond. A working dairy farm on-site offers tours, a great way to spend the day with the family and learn more about the animals providing your favorite foods. The park is also great for cross-country skiing in the winter, a popular pastime with residents.
You can also head to the nearby Cranberry Bog, exploring more than 150 acres of land used to farm cranberries since 1908 and still operating today. On Saturday mornings from July to August, you can get more fresh food from local growers at the Carlisle Farmers Market on Bedford Road. It's also a great place to meet more of your neighbors.
Schools
Carlisle Public Schools serve the town of Carlisle. Nearby schools include:
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Concord Carlisle High School, Grades 9-12
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Carlisle Public Schools, preschool to Grade 8
