📍 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.