The most active area of growth in Charlestown is residential. The town's pride in its rural assets has motivated the planning commission to restrict population growth and residential development with building caps. Read more on Modeling Development & Conservation in Charlestown.

While this residential growth adds stress to the town's schools, the collected taxes do not provide sufficient funds to finance them. In light of the fact that the town has little commercial activity, and only seasonal at that, there is little foreseeable growth in the commercial sector.

Population has increased three fold (from 1966 to 7859) in the past forty years. This does not take into account the seasonal influx of residents that can amount to a total population of 30,000 during the summer months. This transient population represents the prime industry in town and the only feasible option for future commercial growth.

While tourism has continuously boosted the town's commercial activity, recently events such as shellfish bed closings in Green Hill Pond serve as indicators of over stressed ecosystems.

A study on the public perception of open space identifies residences' priorities of open space.