Attleboro is a small manufacturing city with a unique combination of the advantages of urban and suburban living. Known as the birthplace of the jewelry industry in New England, the city has its share of red brick mill buildings and a healthy legacy of jewelry and metal fabrication jobs that make it one of the major manufacturing employment centers in Massachusetts.
At the same time, Attleboro's location at the southern end of the MBTA commuter rail line has encouraged the growth of suburban neighborhoods bringing increased support for public education and recreation. The public library is currently undergoing a $3 million renovation that will providefully accessible space for community activities, as well as additional areas for children's and young people's collections. Capron Park Zoo, located in the center of the city and completely rebuilt in 1989, features lions, tigers and its "signature" polar bear, as well as a nocturnal exhibit and tropical rain forest. The Bungay River and surrounding wetlands are under study for wildlife habitat preservation and sanctuary areas. Attleboro is also home to the LaSalette Shrine whose Christmas light display is one of the most spectacular in New England.
