📍 Location & Geography
Norwood is a town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Greater Boston area and is situated about 20 miles southwest of downtown Boston. The town covers a total area of 10.6 square miles, of which 10.5 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. Norwood is bordered by Westwood on the north, Canton on the east, Walpole on the south, and Dedham on the northeast.
🌎 Coordinates
The coordinates for Norwood, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1945° N latitude and 71.1995° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Norwood is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town is located within Norfolk County, one of the 14 counties in Massachusetts. The town’s total area is approximately 10.6 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Norwood was approximately 29,000. The town is racially diverse, with a mix of White, African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Norwood is around 44 years. The town has a slightly higher proportion of females to males, with a gender ratio of about 52% females to 48% males.
🏛️ History
Norwood was first settled by Europeans in 1678 and was officially incorporated in 1872. The town was originally part of Dedham, known as the “South Parish”. The name “Norwood” is believed to have been derived from “North Woods”. Norwood’s history is marked by its development as an industrial town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with numerous mills and factories contributing to its growth.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Norwood is home to several parks and green spaces, including the popular Norwood Town Common and Wilson Street Playground. The Neponset River runs through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The town is also home to the Endean Wildlife Garden, a nature preserve that offers walking trails and wildlife viewing.
🏫 Education
Norwood Public Schools operates the public schools in the town, which includes one high school, one middle school, and five elementary schools. The town is also home to Norwood Montessori School, a private institution. For higher education, Norwood is near several colleges and universities, including Boston College and Northeastern University.
🚧 Transportation
Norwood is served by several major highways, including Interstate 95 and Route 1. The town is also accessible by public transportation, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) providing commuter rail service at three stations in Norwood. Additionally, Norwood Memorial Airport is a public airport located in the town, providing general aviation services.
📜 Trivia & Events
Norwood is known for its annual Fourth of July parade, which is one of the largest in the New England region. The town also hosts the Norwood Day festival every September, featuring food, games, and entertainment. An interesting fact about Norwood is that it is home to the Norwood Space Center, a creative and business hub housed in a former printing press factory.