📍 Location & Geography
Northbridge is a town located in Worcester County, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 13 miles south of Worcester and 34 miles southwest of Boston. The town is bounded by Grafton to the east, Upton to the southeast, Sutton and Douglas to the south, Uxbridge to the southwest, and the Blackstone River to the west and north.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Northbridge are approximately 42.1515° N latitude and 71.6501° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Northbridge is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, the oldest industrialized region in the United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 18.1 square miles, of which 17.3 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Northbridge was approximately 16,700. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 40.5 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Northbridge was first settled by Europeans in 1704 and was officially incorporated in 1772. The town played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution, with numerous mills established along the Blackstone River. The Whitin Machine Works, founded in Northbridge in the early 19th century, became one of the largest manufacturers of textile machinery in the world.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Northbridge is known for its scenic beauty, with the Blackstone River and its tributaries providing a picturesque backdrop. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and canoeing opportunities. The town is also part of the larger Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, which is dedicated to preserving the region’s natural and cultural resources.
🏫 Education
Northbridge Public Schools oversees the education of students in the town, with Northbridge High School being the main secondary education institution. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in nearby Worcester and Boston.
🚧 Transportation
Major roads serving Northbridge include Massachusetts Route 122, which runs north-south through the town, and Route 146, which provides a direct link to Worcester and Interstate 90. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest rail service is in Worcester, and the closest major airport is Worcester Regional Airport, approximately 20 miles to the north.
📜 Trivia & Events
Northbridge hosts several annual events, including a Memorial Day Parade, Fourth of July Fireworks, and a Christmas Tree Lighting. The town is also home to the Whitin Community Center, a non-profit organization that offers a variety of recreational and educational programs for the community. Additionally, Northbridge was the filming location for the 2014 movie “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.