The Big List of Cities

Category: R

  • Readville, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Readville is a small neighborhood located within the city of Boston, Massachusetts. It is situated in the southernmost part of the city in Suffolk County. The neighborhood is bordered by the Neponset River and the Mother Brook to the north and the Boston-Providence Highway to the west.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The coordinates for Readville, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2394° N latitude and 71.1305° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Readville is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Massachusetts. The neighborhood itself is relatively small, covering a total area of approximately 2.6 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a neighborhood within the city of Boston, Readville does not have its own separate population count. However, the Hyde Park district, which Readville is a part of, has a population of around 35,000 people. The population is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups.

    🏛️ History

    Readville’s history is closely tied to the industrial development of the Boston area. The neighborhood was originally a part of Dedham, Massachusetts until it was annexed by Boston in 1867. It was named after James Read, a local industrialist. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Readville was home to several major manufacturing companies, including the Readville Trotting Park and the Boston and Providence Railroad Company.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Despite its industrial past, Readville is home to several green spaces. The most notable is the Neponset River Reservation, a state park that offers walking trails, fishing spots, and scenic views of the Neponset River. The neighborhood is also located near the Blue Hills Reservation, a large protected area with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

    🏫 Education

    Readville is served by the Boston Public Schools district. The neighborhood is home to several schools, including the Boston Preparatory Charter Public School and the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School. For higher education, residents have access to the many colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Readville is well-connected to the rest of Boston via public transportation. The neighborhood is served by the Readville station on the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Franklin Line and Fairmount Line. Several bus routes also pass through the area. For drivers, Readville is conveniently located near Interstate 95 and the Boston-Providence Highway.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Readville is known for its annual events, including the Readville Festival, which celebrates the neighborhood’s history and community. The neighborhood is also home to the historic Boston and Providence Railroad Depot, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Roslindale, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Roslindale is a residential neighborhood located in the city of Boston, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The neighborhood is situated in the southwestern part of the city, bordered by Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, West Roxbury, and Mattapan. The area is characterized by its hilly terrain and numerous green spaces, including the Arnold Arboretum, a part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Roslindale, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2832° N latitude and 71.1270° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Roslindale is part of Suffolk County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It covers an area of about 2.99 square miles (7.74 square kilometers). Despite being a part of the city of Boston, Roslindale has managed to maintain its unique identity, often referred to as a “garden suburb” of Boston due to its abundant greenery and open spaces.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Roslindale had a population of approximately 36,000 residents. The neighborhood is known for its diverse population, with a mix of races and ethnicities. It’s home to a large number of African Americans, Latinos, and Whites, along with a significant number of Asian and other minority communities.

    🏛️ History

    Roslindale was originally part of the town of Roxbury and was primarily a farming community in the 19th century. It was named after Roslin, Scotland, due to the topographical similarities between the two places. The neighborhood was annexed by Boston in 1873 and saw significant development with the arrival of the railroad. In the late 20th century, Roslindale experienced a period of decline but has since seen a resurgence with new businesses and residential developments.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Roslindale is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks and green spaces. The Arnold Arboretum, a 281-acre park, is a prominent feature of the neighborhood, offering a variety of plants and trees, walking trails, and educational programs. Other notable green spaces include Healy Field, Adams Park, and the Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild.

    🏫 Education

    Roslindale is served by the Boston Public Schools system. There are several elementary and middle schools in the neighborhood, including the Charles Sumner Elementary School and the Washington Irving Middle School. For higher education, residents have access to the many universities and colleges in Boston, such as Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Roslindale is well-connected by public transportation, with several bus routes and a commuter rail station, Roslindale Village, operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The neighborhood is also easily accessible by car, with major roads like Washington Street and American Legion Highway running through it.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Roslindale is known for its active community and hosts several events throughout the year. The Roslindale Day Parade, held annually since 1975, is a major event that celebrates the neighborhood’s history and diversity. Another popular event is the Roslindale Village Main Street Farmers’ Market, held weekly from June through November, offering locally sourced produce, baked goods, and crafts. The neighborhood is also famous for being the birthplace of former Boston Mayor, Thomas Menino.

  • Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Roxbury Crossing is a neighborhood located in the city of Boston, in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the historic Roxbury neighborhood and is situated to the south of downtown Boston. The area is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional land uses.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Roxbury Crossing are approximately 42.3316° N latitude and 71.0955° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Roxbury Crossing is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the most populous region in New England and one of the most populous in the United States. The neighborhood itself is relatively small, covering a compact area within the city of Boston.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Roxbury Crossing is a neighborhood within Boston, it doesn’t have its own separate population count. However, the larger Roxbury neighborhood, of which Roxbury Crossing is a part, had a population of approximately 63,672 as of the 2010 census. The area is known for its cultural diversity, with a significant African American community.

    🏛️ History

    Roxbury Crossing is part of the historic Roxbury neighborhood, which was one of the first towns founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. Over the centuries, the area has seen significant changes, from being a farming community to a bustling urban neighborhood. Roxbury Crossing itself is named after a former railroad crossing point in the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Despite its urban setting, Roxbury Crossing is home to several green spaces. The Southwest Corridor Park cuts through the neighborhood, offering biking and walking paths, playgrounds, and community gardens. Nearby, the Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat with its walking trails and wildlife habitats.

    🏫 Education

    Roxbury Crossing is home to Roxbury Community College, a two-year college offering a variety of academic programs. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to several other higher education institutions, including Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

    🚧 Transportation

    Roxbury Crossing is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), with the Roxbury Crossing station (also known as the Ruggles Street station) on the Orange Line providing easy access to downtown Boston and other parts of the city. Several bus routes also serve the neighborhood.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Roxbury Crossing hosts several community events throughout the year, often centered around its educational and cultural institutions. Notably, Roxbury Community College holds an annual Roxbury Rocks Music Festival, celebrating the local community with live music, food, and activities.

  • Roxbury, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Roxbury is a neighborhood within Boston, located in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It is bordered by the neighborhoods of Fenway, South End, Dorchester, South Boston, and Jamaica Plain. Roxbury covers an area of approximately 2.84 square miles, featuring a blend of urban and suburban landscapes. The neighborhood is characterized by its historic buildings, parks, and diverse residential areas.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Roxbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3152° N latitude and 71.0914° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Roxbury is part of the Greater Boston area, situated in the eastern part of Massachusetts. It is one of the 23 official neighborhoods of Boston and is part of Suffolk County. The neighborhood covers ZIP codes 02118, 02119, and 02120.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Roxbury had a population of approximately 48,454 residents. The neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity, with a significant proportion of African American, Latino, and Asian residents. The median age in Roxbury is around 31.4 years, with a fairly even gender distribution.

    🏛️ History

    Roxbury was founded in 1630, only a few months after the establishment of Boston. It was originally a farming community and was incorporated as a town in 1846. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Roxbury underwent significant industrial development. It was annexed to Boston in 1868 and has since been an integral part of the city. Roxbury has played a significant role in the history of Boston, particularly in the civil rights movement and the development of jazz music.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Roxbury is home to several parks and green spaces, including Franklin Park, which is considered the “crown jewel” of the Emerald Necklace Park System. The neighborhood is also home to the Roxbury Heritage State Park, a history-themed park showcasing the area’s past. Roxbury’s environment is a mix of urban development and natural beauty, with a commitment to maintaining green spaces and promoting sustainability.

    🏫 Education

    Roxbury is served by the Boston Public Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools within the neighborhood. It is also home to Roxbury Community College, offering a range of associate degree and certificate programs. Additionally, many students in Roxbury attend nearby universities and colleges in the Greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Roxbury is well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes and subway stations operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Major roads in Roxbury include Massachusetts Avenue, Columbus Avenue, and Tremont Street. The neighborhood is also easily accessible by bike or on foot, with numerous bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Roxbury is known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosts several annual events, including the Roxbury International Film Festival, the largest New England film festival dedicated to celebrating films by, for, and about people of color. The neighborhood has also been the backdrop for several films and TV shows. Roxbury is rich in historical landmarks, including the Shirley-Eustis House, one of the few remaining royal colonial governors’ residences in the United States.

  • Rowley, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rowley is a charming town located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 32 miles north of Boston. The town is bordered by Ipswich to the south, Boxford to the west, and Georgetown and Newbury to the north. Rowley is known for its beautiful landscapes, featuring a blend of rolling hills, flat plains, and marshlands. The town covers a total area of 20.3 square miles, of which 18.2 square miles is land and 2.2 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Rowley, Massachusetts are approximately 42.7167° N latitude and 70.8833° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rowley is part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, which is known for its historic towns and beautiful beaches. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. Rowley’s total area is 20.3 square miles, making it a small but significant part of Essex County.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Rowley had a population of approximately 6,285 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, accounting for about 97% of the population, with the remaining 3% comprising of various other races.

    🏛️ History

    Rowley was first settled in 1639 by Reverend Ezekiel Rogers, who led a group of approximately 20 families from Yorkshire, England. The town was officially incorporated in 1639, making it one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. Rowley played a significant role in the early American textile industry, with the first fulling mill in the colonies established here in 1643. The town is also known for its historic architecture, with numerous buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rowley is home to a diverse range of natural environments, from marshlands to forests. The town is intersected by the Rowley River, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The Mill River also runs through the town, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Rowley is also home to parts of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Bay Circuit Trail, providing ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rowley is managed by the Triton Regional School District, which also serves the neighboring towns of Newbury and Salisbury. The town has one elementary school, Pine Grove, for students from kindergarten through grade six. Students in grades seven through twelve attend Triton Regional Middle School and Triton Regional High School, located in the neighboring town of Byfield.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rowley is served by Massachusetts Route 1 and Interstate 95, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the Rowley station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, providing direct rail service to Boston’s North Station. Additionally, the town has several local bus services.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rowley is known for its annual town-wide yard sale, which is a popular event attracting visitors from all over the region. The town is also home to the Rowley Historical Society, which hosts events and exhibits showcasing the town’s rich history. One notable trivia about Rowley is that it was the birthplace of the American wool industry, with the first fulling mill established here in the 17th century.