Town of Boston

Town of Boston
Name	Town of Boston
Settlement type	Town
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Erie County
Established title	Settled
Established date	1803
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	1817
Government type	Town Council
Leader title	Supervisor
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	35.66
Area land sq mi	35.50
Area water sq mi	0.16
Elevation ft	1040
Population total	8020
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	14025
Area code	716
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	36-029-07444
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0978731
Website	https://www.townofboston.com/

Town of Boston. The Town of Boston is a suburban community located in Erie County, within the Western New York region of the State of New York. Incorporated in the early 19th century, it is distinct from the major city of Boston and is characterized by its rural landscapes, historic hamlets, and proximity to the City of Buffalo. The town serves as a residential area for commuters while maintaining a significant agricultural presence.

History

The area was part of the Holland Land Purchase and was first settled around 1803 by pioneers from New England, primarily Massachusetts. It was officially formed from part of the Town of Eden in 1817 and named after the prominent city of Boston. Early development was driven by agriculture and milling, with the Boston Valley providing fertile land. The town was connected to broader markets by the arrival of the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad in the late 19th century. Historically, it contained several small hamlets like Boston and North Boston, which served as local commercial centers. The 20th century saw a gradual shift from purely agricultural to a more residential character, especially after the expansion of the New York State Thruway and growth in Buffalo's southern suburbs.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.7 square miles, predominantly land, with a small portion consisting of water from streams like Murder Creek. It is situated in the northeastern part of Erie County, bordered by the Town of Hamburg to the west, the Town of Orchard Park to the northwest, and the Town of Concord to the south. The terrain is part of the Allegheny Plateau, featuring rolling hills and the broad Boston Valley. A portion of the Boston Hills runs through the town, and it lies within the watershed of Lake Erie.

Government

The Town of Boston operates under a Town Council system as defined by New York State Town Law. The chief executive officer is the elected Town Supervisor, who presides over the Town Board. Other elected officials include the Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Tax Collector. The town provides services through various departments and maintains its own zoning and planning boards. It is part of New York's 27th congressional district and is represented at the county level by the Erie County Legislature. Law enforcement is provided by the Erie County Sheriff's Office and a local constabulary.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 8,020. The population density was approximately 226 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income historically exceeds the average for New York State, and a significant proportion of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. The town is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan statistical area.

Economy

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, including dairy farming, crop production, and apple orchards. In recent decades, it has become a bedroom community for professionals working in Buffalo, Orchard Park, and other parts of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area. Local commerce is centered in its hamlets, featuring small businesses, restaurants, and service providers. The town is also home to several Christmas tree farms and vineyards that contribute to agritourism. Major employers include the Frontier Central School District and various light industrial and service sector firms.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the Town of Boston include Warren Spahn, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the Milwaukee Braves who was born there. John J. O'Connor, a U.S. Representative from New York, maintained a residence in the town. Contemporary figures include professionals and artists who have gained recognition in fields such as academia, sports, and local governance within Western New York.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Erie County, New York Category:1817 establishments in New York (state)