Category: N

  • Nonantum, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Nonantum is a village located in the city of Newton in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the eastern part of the state and is bordered by the Charles River to the north. Nonantum covers an area of approximately 0.85 square miles. The village is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Nonantum, Massachusetts are approximately 42.35 degrees north latitude and 71.19 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Nonantum is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the most populous region in the New England states. It is located in the southeastern part of Newton, a city that is made up of 13 villages. Nonantum is also known as Silver Lake or The Lake for its historical and geographical features.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    The village of Nonantum is part of the city of Newton, which has a total population of approximately 88,000 people as of the 2020 census. Nonantum itself is a diverse community with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age in the area is around 40 years old.

    🏛️ History

    Nonantum’s history dates back to the 17th century. The name “Nonantum” comes from an Algonquian word meaning “blessing or prayer.” It was the site of the first Christian Indian settlement led by John Eliot, a Puritan missionary. The village grew steadily over the years, with significant development in the 19th and 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Nonantum is home to several parks and green spaces, including the scenic Charles River. The river provides opportunities for recreational activities like boating and fishing. Nonantum also has a number of trees lining its streets, contributing to the area’s overall green environment.

    🏫 Education

    Nonantum is served by the Newton Public School District, which is known for its high-quality education. The village is in close proximity to several elementary, middle, and high schools. Additionally, the area is near several higher education institutions, including Boston College and Boston University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Nonantum is well-connected by road and public transportation. The Massachusetts Turnpike runs through the southern part of the village, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The MBTA bus service also operates routes that pass through Nonantum, connecting it to various parts of Newton and Greater Boston.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Nonantum is known for its annual celebration called the Nonantum Christmas Tree Lighting, which brings the community together during the holiday season. The village also has a unique local dialect known as Lake Talk, which is a blend of Italian-American and Boston slang. This dialect is a testament to the strong Italian-American presence in the community.

  • Needham Heights, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Needham Heights is a neighborhood located in the town of Needham, in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, near the Charles River. The terrain of Needham Heights is characterized by a mix of flatlands and gently rolling hills.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Needham Heights are approximately 42.3117° N latitude and 71.2208° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Needham Heights is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Massachusetts. The neighborhood is located in the eastern part of the town of Needham, with the city of Boston approximately 15 miles to the northeast.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Needham Heights is a neighborhood within the town of Needham, it does not have its own separate population count. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total population of Needham was approximately 31,000 as of 2020. The population is predominantly white, with significant representation from Asian, African American, and Hispanic communities.

    🏛️ History

    Needham Heights is part of the town of Needham, which was first settled in 1680 by people from Dedham, and was officially incorporated in 1711. The neighborhood of Needham Heights developed as a residential area over the centuries, with the arrival of the railroad in the 19th century contributing to its growth.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Needham Heights is home to several parks and green spaces, including Greene’s Field and Perry Park. The Charles River, which flows nearby, offers opportunities for boating and fishing. The neighborhood is also close to the Cutler Park Reservation, a large state park with wetlands, forests, and trails.

    🏫 Education

    Needham Heights is served by the Needham Public Schools district, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The neighborhood is also home to the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, a private undergraduate engineering college.

    🚧 Transportation

    Needham Heights is well-connected by road and rail. Interstate 95 runs near the neighborhood, providing easy access to other parts of Massachusetts. The Needham Heights station, the terminus of the MBTA’s Needham Line, offers commuter rail service to downtown Boston.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Needham Heights is known for its annual Fourth of July celebrations, which include a parade, fireworks, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The neighborhood is also home to the Needham Free Public Library, which hosts a range of community events and programs throughout the year.

  • Needham, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Needham is a charming town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the western banks of the Charles River, which forms part of the town’s northeastern border. Needham is surrounded by several towns including Wellesley to the west, Newton to the north, and Dedham to the east. The town encompasses a total area of 12.7 square miles, of which 12.6 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Needham, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2809° N latitude and 71.2378° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Needham is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the tenth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. It is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Boston. The town is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, including Needham Heights, Needham Junction, Birds Hill, and Charles River Village.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Needham had a population of approximately 31,000 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a significant number of Asian and Hispanic residents. The median age in Needham is around 43 years. The town is known for its high standard of living, with a median household income significantly above the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Needham was first settled in 1680 and was officially incorporated in 1711. The town was named after Needham Market, a village in Suffolk, England. In the 19th century, Needham became a significant center for the manufacture of hats. The town’s historical legacy is preserved in several sites, including the Needham Historical Society and Museum.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Needham is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Charles River Peninsula, a nature reserve that offers walking trails and bird-watching opportunities. The town also has a number of small ponds and brooks. Needham takes pride in its environmental initiatives, including recycling programs and efforts to preserve open spaces.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Needham is highly regarded, with the Needham Public Schools district consistently ranking among the top in the state. The town has five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. In addition to public schools, Needham is home to several private schools. For higher education, Olin College of Engineering is located in Needham.

    🚧 Transportation

    Needham is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which provides commuter rail service from Needham to Boston. The town is also accessible via several major highways, including Interstate 95 and Route 135. For air travel, Needham is approximately 20 miles from Boston Logan International Airport.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Needham is known for its annual Fourth of July celebration, which includes a parade, fireworks, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The town was also the birthplace of the popular television personality Phil Donahue. In a unique piece of trivia, Needham and its neighboring town of Wellesley jointly own the only remaining wooden aqueduct in use in the United States.

  • Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Newton Upper Falls is a village situated in the city of Newton, Middlesex County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is located on the eastern bank of the Charles River, the village’s natural border. The area is characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and several parks.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Newton Upper Falls are approximately 42.3126° N latitude and 71.2193° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Newton Upper Falls is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in the northeastern part of Massachusetts. It is one of the thirteen villages within the city of Newton. The village covers a relatively small area, making it a tight-knit community.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a part of the city of Newton, Newton Upper Falls shares in the city’s population of approximately 88,000. The village itself is a diverse and vibrant community. The population is a mix of different age groups, with families, young professionals, and retirees. The city of Newton is known for its high educational attainment, with a significant portion of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

    🏛️ History

    Newton Upper Falls’ history dates back to the 17th century. It was known for its several water-powered mills, which led to its development as an industrial village. The village’s historical significance is recognized by the Newton Upper Falls Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Newton Upper Falls is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Hemlock Gorge and Echo Bridge. The Charles River, which runs along the village, offers opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and canoeing. The village is also part of the Charles River Reservation, a state park that provides a green corridor in this urban area.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Newton Upper Falls is served by the Newton Public Schools district, which is known for its high-quality education. There are several public and private schools in the vicinity, catering to all levels of education from elementary to high school. For higher education, residents have easy access to the many colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Newton Upper Falls is well-connected by road and public transportation. The village is served by the MBTA’s Green Line D branch, with the Newton Highlands station located nearby. Several major roads, including Route 9 and Interstate 95, pass through or near the village, providing easy access to other parts of the city and the Greater Boston area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    One of the unique features of Newton Upper Falls is the Echo Bridge, an iconic stone arch bridge that spans the Charles River. The bridge is known for its remarkable acoustics, which give it its name. The village also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Upper Falls Village Day, a celebration of the village’s history and community spirit.

  • Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Newton Lower Falls is a village located in Newton, a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The village is situated on the Charles River, the longest river in the state. The area is characterized by its hilly terrain, lush greenery, and the scenic waterfall from which it gets its name.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Newton Lower Falls are approximately 42.3284° N latitude and 71.2500° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Newton Lower Falls is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in the northeastern part of Massachusetts. It is one of the thirteen villages within the city of Newton, which covers a total area of 18.2 square miles. The village itself is primarily a residential area, with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a part of the city of Newton, Newton Lower Falls shares in the city’s population of approximately 88,000 people. The village is known for its diverse community, with residents of various ages, professions, and cultural backgrounds. The median age in Newton is around 40 years old, and the city has a slightly higher percentage of female residents than male.

    🏛️ History

    The history of Newton Lower Falls dates back to the early 17th century when the area was first settled by Europeans. The village developed around the manufacturing industry, with mills harnessing the power of the Charles River to produce paper and textiles. The Lower Falls Wine Company, one of the oldest businesses in the area, has been in operation since 1933.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Newton Lower Falls is known for its beautiful natural environment. The village is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course and the Riverside Park. The Charles River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and bird watching. The area is also part of the Charles River Reservation, a state park that provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Newton Lower Falls is served by the Newton Public Schools district, which is known for its high-quality education. The district includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Newton Lower Falls is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Boston College and Brandeis University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Newton Lower Falls is facilitated by a network of roads, including Interstate 95 and Route 16. The village is also served by the MBTA Commuter Rail, with the Newton Lower Falls stop on the Framingham/Worcester Line providing easy access to downtown Boston. Additionally, there are several bus routes that pass through the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Newton Lower Falls is home to the historic Hamilton Place, a district that includes several 19th-century homes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The village also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Newton Lower Falls Village Day, a family-friendly event that features food, music, and games.