The Town of Sunderland is a rural-residential community in the southeast corner of Franklin County.  Sunderland has a long history of agricultural operations, many of which continue today, including several active dairy farms, tobacco farms, produce farms and maple sugaring businesses.   Sunderland is home to Mount Toby State Forest, a favorite hiking, biking and trail-riding spot.  The Connecticut River provides the town's border to the west. 

The college town of Amherst is the town's most populous near neighbor and is in large part responsible for the high number of rental units in the town.  Statistics indicate that Sunderland has the highest number of rental units per capita, outside of the City of Boston, than any other municipality in Massachusetts.  Three large apartment complexes have provided housing for a somewhat transient population-primarily students and staff from the University of Massachusetts. 

In the last several years, young families from urban communities to the south have been  moving to these apartment complexes, diversifying the community and requiring new services from the school and town government.  One of the first towns in the region to construct a new elementary school, the community is proud of this beautiful building that has received architectural awards and favorable comments.  

The town's "Buttonball Tree" (over 350 years old) is a majestic presence on North Main Street and a tourist attraction.  Main Street (Route 47), intersected by Route 116 in the town's center, is a beautiful stretch of road, notable for its historic homes, wide lawns and maple trees.  The historic Town Hall and architecturally significant Graves Memorial Library, sit in the town center and provide a focal point for town activities.