Shutesbury is bordered by the Quabbin Reservoir, and the town's proximity to the huge body of water ensures preservation of some of its rural character because of the restrictions placed on development within the watershed of the Quabbin. The reservoir itself also creates opportunities for boating, swimming, camping and fishing. It includes both subsidized affordable units and market rate units in certain eligible subsidized developments. The major axes of transportation in Franklin County, where Shutesbury is situated, are State Route 2, and Interstate Route 91, which follows the Connecticut River. The region is well-served by rail.
Local roads provide access to other highways and forms of transportation in the region.
There is no freight rail service in Shutesbury, but the network of intermodal facilities serving Massachusetts is easily accessible. There is no fixed route service, but FRTA provides limited paratransit services for the elderly and disabled through the Amherst Council on Aging. It has 2 asphalt runways 5,000'x 150' and 4,998'x 150'. Only 7 Total 35 DPW caseloads are compiled by zip code. In addition to these agencies, the Regional Transit Authorities assisted with the transportation component of the profiles.