Category: S

  • South Walpole, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Walpole is a small, unincorporated village located within the town of Walpole in the state of Massachusetts. It is situated in the eastern part of Norfolk County. The village is primarily residential, characterized by a mix of suburban and rural landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of South Walpole are approximately 42.1168° N latitude and 71.2495° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Walpole is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in Massachusetts that includes the city of Boston and its surrounding areas. The village covers a relatively small area within the town of Walpole, which itself spans a total area of 21.9 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As an unincorporated village, South Walpole doesn’t have its own separate population count. However, the town of Walpole, which South Walpole is part of, has a population of approximately 24,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The demographic makeup of Walpole, and by extension South Walpole, is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic groups.

    🏛️ History

    South Walpole shares its history with the town of Walpole. The town was first settled by Europeans in 1659 and was officially incorporated in 1724. It was named after Sir Robert Walpole, who was the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. The village of South Walpole developed as part of this larger town, serving as a residential area for those working in the surrounding regions.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Walpole is home to a variety of natural features. The village is surrounded by a number of forests and parks, including the Francis William Bird Park and the Ellis Gardens Playground. The Neponset Reservoir also lies to the west of South Walpole, providing opportunities for water-based recreational activities.

    🏫 Education

    South Walpole is served by the Walpole Public Schools district, which operates a number of elementary, middle, and high schools. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Walpole is accessible by a number of major roads, including U.S. Route 1 and Massachusetts Route 27. The village is also served by the MBTA Commuter Rail, with the Walpole station providing direct links to downtown Boston. Additionally, the village’s proximity to Interstate 95 provides easy access to other parts of Massachusetts and the New England region.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Walpole is home to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Cedar Junction, a maximum-security prison. The village also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including holiday parades and seasonal farmers’ markets.

  • Sheldonville, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sheldonville is a small, unincorporated community located in the town of Wrentham, in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, nestled within the New England region of the United States. The area is characterized by a mix of residential properties, farmlands, and patches of woodland.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Sheldonville, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.02 degrees North latitude and 71.38 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sheldonville is part of the Greater Boston region, which is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Massachusetts. The community itself is relatively small, with its area being a part of the overall 22.9 square miles that make up the town of Wrentham.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As an unincorporated community within the town of Wrentham, Sheldonville does not have a separate population count. However, the town of Wrentham, as of the 2020 census, has a population of approximately 11,488 residents. The demographics of the town are largely reflective of Sheldonville, which is predominantly Caucasian, with a mix of other ethnicities including Asian, African American, and Hispanic residents.

    🏛️ History

    Sheldonville, named after the Sheldon family who were early settlers, has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. The community was part of the town of Wrentham, which was officially incorporated in 1673. Over the centuries, Sheldonville has maintained its quiet, rural charm, with many of its historical structures still standing today.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sheldonville is surrounded by natural beauty, with a mix of farmlands, forests, and small bodies of water. The community is near the Charles River, which provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing. Several parks and nature preserves, such as the Joe’s Rock and Wrentham State Forest, are also within a short distance, offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Educational services in Sheldonville are provided by the Wrentham Public Schools system for elementary and middle school levels, and by the King Philip Regional School District for high school level. The community is also within reach of several colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Sheldonville is primarily a car-dependent community due to its rural setting. The nearest major highway is Interstate 495, which provides access to other parts of Massachusetts and the New England region. For public transportation, residents can access services provided by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in nearby towns.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Sheldonville is home to the Sheldonville Baptist Church, a historic church that was built in 1835 and continues to serve the community today. The community, along with the rest of Wrentham, celebrates various local events such as the Wrentham Day, a family-friendly event featuring food, games, and live entertainment, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

  • Sharon, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sharon is a town located in Norfolk County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated about 22 miles south of Boston and 27 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island. The town covers a total area of 24.2 square miles, of which 23.3 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. Sharon is characterized by a mix of suburban living, wooded areas, and several small bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Sharon, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1237° N latitude and 71.1787° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sharon is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the most populous region in New England. The town is bordered by Canton to the north, Stoughton and Easton to the east, Foxborough to the south, and Walpole to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Sharon was approximately 18,624. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age of residents is around 42 years.

    🏛️ History

    Sharon was first settled by Europeans in 1637 and was officially incorporated in 1765. The town was originally a part of the Neponset Purchase and was used as a hunting ground by Native Americans as the area was filled with wild game and fish. It was named Sharon after the Plain of Sharon, near Tel Aviv in Israel. The town has a rich history with several historical landmarks and sites.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sharon is known for its beautiful natural environment. The town is home to several parks and conservation lands, including the Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and Borderland State Park. Lake Massapoag, a significant body of water in Sharon, is renowned for its beauty and recreational opportunities. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous green spaces.

    🏫 Education

    Sharon Public Schools is the local school district serving the town, which includes an elementary, middle, and high school. The Sharon High School is consistently ranked among the top schools in the state. For higher education, the town is within commuting distance to several universities and colleges in Boston and Providence.

    🚧 Transportation

    Sharon is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) which provides commuter rail service from Sharon station to Boston’s South Station. The town is also close to major highways, including Interstate 95 and Route 1, providing easy access to Boston and Providence.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Sharon has been recognized as one of the best places to live in America by CNN Money Magazine several times. The town hosts several events throughout the year, including the Sharon Classic Road Race and the annual Independence Day Celebration at Lake Massapoag. Sharon also has a rich cultural scene with the Sharon Community Chorus and the Sharon Community Band.

  • Scituate, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Scituate, Massachusetts is a seacoast town located on the South Shore of Massachusetts Bay. It is positioned halfway between Boston and Plymouth. The town is 31 square miles in area, with 17.3 square miles of it being land and 13.7 square miles of it being water. Scituate is bordered by Cohasset to the north, Norwell to the northwest, Marshfield to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Scituate are approximately 42.1959° N latitude and 70.7256° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Scituate is part of Plymouth County in the state of Massachusetts. The town is divided into several villages, including North Scituate, Scituate Harbor, Minot, Humarock, and Greenbush. The total area of the town is 31.6 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Scituate was approximately 18,400 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents being of Asian, African American, and Hispanic origin. The median age in Scituate is around 45 years.

    🏛️ History

    Scituate was first settled by Europeans in 1627 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1636. The name “Scituate” is derived from “satuit,” a Wampanoag term meaning “cold brook,” which refers to a brook that runs to the inner harbor of the town. Scituate was once a significant maritime and fishing town, and it still retains a working harbor today. In the early 19th century, Scituate was also known for its sea mossing industry, where moss was harvested from the ocean for use in pharmaceuticals and food products.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Scituate’s coastal location offers an abundance of natural beauty. The town has five public beaches and the Scituate Reservoir, which is the primary water supply for the city of Providence, Rhode Island. The town is also home to several parks and conservation areas, including the Ellis Estate Trails and the Wompatuck State Park. Scituate’s climate is characterized by warm summers and cold, wet winters.

    🏫 Education

    Scituate is served by the Scituate Public Schools district, which includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The town also has a public library, the Scituate Town Library, which offers a wide range of resources and programs for residents of all ages.

    🚧 Transportation

    Scituate is accessible by Massachusetts Route 3A and is served by the Greenbush Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, which provides direct access to Boston. The town is also served by GATRA, which provides public bus transportation in Plymouth and Bristol Counties.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Scituate is known as the “Irish Riviera” due to its large Irish-American population. The town hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the largest on the South Shore. Scituate also hosts the annual Heritage Days festival, a summer event that includes a road race, art festival, live music, and a boat parade. The Scituate Lighthouse, built in 1810, is a notable landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

  • South Hamilton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Hamilton is a village located in the town of Hamilton, Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 22 miles north of Boston. The region is characterized by rolling hills and a mix of residential, agricultural, and preserved land.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for South Hamilton are approximately 42.6137° N latitude and 70.8721° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Hamilton is part of the Greater Boston area, within the North Shore region of Massachusetts. It is located in the eastern part of Essex County. The village covers a total area of 14.9 square miles, of which 14.6 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As South Hamilton is a village within the town of Hamilton, it doesn’t have a separate population count. As of the 2020 Census, the town of Hamilton had a population of approximately 8,315 residents. The population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, or African American. The median age in the town is around 43 years.

    🏛️ History

    The area now known as South Hamilton was originally inhabited by the Agawam Indians. English settlers arrived in the early 17th century and the town of Hamilton was incorporated in 1793. South Hamilton developed as a primarily agricultural community, with some industry related to shoe manufacturing in the 19th century. The village has maintained much of its rural character while also evolving into a suburban residential area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Hamilton is home to a number of parks and conservation areas, including the Appleton Farms Grass Rides, a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching. The town also contains part of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers canoeing, wildlife viewing, and nature trails. The area is known for its scenic beauty and commitment to land preservation.

    🏫 Education

    Education in South Hamilton is managed by the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District, which serves both Hamilton and the neighboring town of Wenham. The district operates several schools, including Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, Miles River Middle School, and two elementary schools. South Hamilton is also home to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, an internationally recognized interdenominational seminary.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Hamilton is served by Massachusetts Route 1A and Route 22, which provide access to nearby towns and cities. The village is also serviced by the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport Line at Hamilton/Wenham station, offering public transportation to Boston. Logan International Airport in Boston, about 27 miles away, is the nearest major airport.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Hamilton is home to the Myopia Hunt Club, which hosts regular equestrian events, including polo matches that are open to the public. The club’s golf course has been ranked as one of the top 100 in the U.S. The town of Hamilton also hosts an annual Fourth of July parade and celebration, which is a popular event in the community.