Burlington was a quiet farming village from its founding in 1641 until the 1950s. Stout colonial-era stone buildings still grace its compact and historic downtown. Then Route 128 opened and the area boomed. Today, high-tech companies line the highway – and the pockets – of this prosperous Boston suburb.

Despite all the development, Burlington retains a splendid natural area, the Burlington Landlocked Forest. Its 270 acres are crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails, and it is a favorite spot for enjoying the fall colors during New England’s leaf-peeping season. For more hiking and biking trails, visit the Mill Pond Conservation Area – or bring your rod and do a little fishing.

There’s plenty of shopping to be done at the upscale Burlington Mall and Wayside Commons. Best of all, you’re just 12 miles from Boston, so you can enjoy a steaming bowl of clam chowder or follow history on the Freedom Trail within 30 minutes of leaving the office park.