The Town of Wellesley is a predominantly residential community, located approximately 13 miles west of Boston. Its geographic location and its visual characteristics make it a highly desirable suburb for people who work in Boston. Wellesley although a residential community, is also an employment center, having several attractive office parks located primarily on its eastern border. The town is also a college community, having within its boundaries Wellesley College and Babson College, two private educational institutions, as well as Massachusetts Bay Community College.

Wellesley is equidistant from the north shore and south shore recreational facilities with access provided by Route 128/Route 95, a circumferential highway which skirts its eastern border. It is a gateway access to the western part of the state through access to the Massachusetts turnpike located just over Wellesley's northern border. The town derives approximately 85% of its tax revenue from a residential tax base with 15% derived from non-residential uses. Wellesley has been a leader in environmental issues and the town's attractiveness is ample evidence of that philosophy.