City of Methuen Master Plan

Methuen Master Plan 2007
COMMUTING PATTERNS
According to the 2000 US Census, approximately 81% of Methuen residents commute outside of the
community to their place of employment (see Figure 14) with Lawrence and Andover being the two
largest destinations for workers. Of those employed within Methuen, 30% also live in the City, with
commuters from Lawrence comprising the next highest group (15% - see Figure 15).
Figure 14: Place of Work for Methuen
Residents
Figure 15: Place of Residence for Those
Employed in Methuen
Other
30%
Methuen
19%
Other
31%
Methuen
30%
Woburn
2%
Wilmington
3%
Lowell
3%
Haverhill
4%
Boston
5%
Salem, NH
5%
North Andover
7%
Andover
11%
Lawrence
11%
Dracut
1%
Lynn
2%
North Andover
2%
Andover
2% Derry, NH
3%
Lowell
3%
Salem, NH
5%
Haverhill
6%
Lawrence
15%
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING CONTEXT
The issue of economic development is one rooted in a larger context than the bounds of a municipality,
particularly for a suburban locale like Methuen. While specific strategies are targeted for the city’s
action, their relative success frequently, if not always, is tied to numerous factors that influence the
region’s economy.
Methuen is part of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) regional planning area which
includes 15 communities in northern Essex County (see Figure 16).
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