The Big List of Cities

Category: S

  • Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Shrewsbury is a town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, and is bordered by the towns of Northborough to the north, Westborough to the west, Grafton to the south, and the city of Worcester to the east. Shrewsbury is characterized by its rolling hills, numerous bodies of water including Lake Quinsigamond, and a mix of suburban and rural landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2959° N latitude and 71.7128° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Shrewsbury is part of the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of approximately 21.6 square miles (56 km2), of which 20.7 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Shrewsbury was approximately 37,973. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age of residents is around 42 years. The town is also known for its high rate of home ownership, with the majority of residents owning their homes.

    🏛️ History

    Shrewsbury was first settled in 1722 and officially incorporated as a town in 1727. It was named after Shrewsbury, England. The town played a role in the American Revolutionary War and was a center for the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. Shrewsbury’s growth was spurred by the development of the Worcester and Boston Turnpike, which later became Route 9, and its location along Lake Quinsigamond where summer resorts were established.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shrewsbury is known for its natural beauty, with several parks, trails, and bodies of water. The town is home to Lake Quinsigamond, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Dean Park, a major recreational area, features tennis courts, baseball fields, and a large pond. The town also has a number of smaller parks and conservation lands.

    🏫 Education

    Shrewsbury Public Schools oversees the town’s education system, which includes several elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school – Shrewsbury High School. The town is also home to Saint John’s High School, a private, boys’ Catholic school. Shrewsbury has a strong commitment to education, with a high graduation rate and many students going on to attend college.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shrewsbury is served by several major highways, including Route 9, Route 20, and Interstate 290. The town is also located near the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), providing easy access to Boston and other major cities. Public transportation is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, with several bus routes passing through the town. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 10 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Shrewsbury hosts several annual events, including the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival, which features a parade, craft fair, and other activities. The town is also known for its historic sites, such as the Artemas Ward House, the birthplace and lifelong home of Artemas Ward, the first Commander-in-Chief of the American Revolutionary War. The house is now a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Still River, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Still River is a small village located in the town of Harvard, in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It is nestled along the eastern bank of the Nashua River, from which it derives its name. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile farmland, providing a picturesque New England setting.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Still River are approximately 42.5006° N latitude and 71.6114° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Still River is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated in the central part of Massachusetts, within Worcester County. The village itself is relatively small and is encompassed within the larger area of the town of Harvard.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a small village within the town of Harvard, Still River does not have a separate population count. However, the town of Harvard, which includes Still River, has a population of approximately 6,520 people as of the 2010 census. The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Asian, African American, and other races. The median age is around 46 years.

    🏛️ History

    Still River’s history is intertwined with that of the town of Harvard. Harvard was first settled by Europeans in 1658 and incorporated as a town in 1732. The village of Still River grew as a farming community along the banks of the Nashua River. It has maintained much of its historical charm, with several 18th and 19th-century buildings still standing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Still River offers an abundance of natural beauty. The Nashua River, which flows along the western edge of the village, provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation. The surrounding landscape is a mix of forests, fields, and wetlands, home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife. The area is also known for its beautiful fall foliage.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Still River is provided by the Harvard Public Schools district, which serves the entire town of Harvard. This includes Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School, which serves middle and high school students. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities within driving distance, including Fitchburg State University and the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

    🚧 Transportation

    Still River is primarily accessed by road, with Massachusetts Route 110 running through the village. The nearest major highway is Interstate 495, approximately 10 miles to the east. The village is also about 20 miles from Fitchburg, which offers a commuter rail service to Boston. The nearest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, about 50 miles to the east.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Still River is home to the Saint Benedict Center, a traditional Catholic community known for its annual conference and other events. The village is also near Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, which hosts various cultural and historical exhibits. Additionally, the area’s natural beauty makes it a popular spot for outdoor activities, particularly during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.

  • Shirley, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Shirley is a small town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeast part of the state, approximately 50 miles northwest of Boston. The town is bordered by the towns of Ayer, Groton, Lancaster, Leominster, and Harvard. The Nashua River runs through the town, providing a picturesque landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Shirley, Massachusetts are approximately 42.54 degrees north latitude and 71.65 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Shirley is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It covers an area of approximately 15.9 square miles (41.2 square kilometers), of which 15.4 square miles (39.8 square kilometers) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 United States Census, Shirley had a population of 7,211 people. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being African American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Shirley is around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Shirley was first settled by English settlers in 1720 and was officially incorporated in 1753. The town was named in honor of William Shirley, Governor of Massachusetts (1741–1757). The town’s early economy was based on farming and small-scale manufacturing, but it experienced significant growth with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shirley is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Shirley State Forest and the Squannacook River Wildlife Area. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The town’s natural environment is characterized by its rolling hills, forests, and river landscapes.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Shirley is managed by the Ayer Shirley Regional School District. The town has several educational institutions, including Lura A. White Elementary School, Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School, and Ayer Shirley Regional High School.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shirley is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail, providing residents with direct access to Boston. The town is also conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 495 and Route 2, making it easily accessible by car.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Shirley has a rich history and is home to several historic buildings, including the Shirley Shaker Village, a former Shaker religious community, and the Shirley Meeting House, which dates back to 1773. The town also hosts several annual events, such as the Shirley Hoe Down, a community festival featuring music, food, and games.

  • Sunderland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Sunderland is a town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated along the Connecticut River in the Pioneer Valley region of Western Massachusetts. Sunderland is bordered by Montague to the north, Leverett to the east, Amherst to the south, and Deerfield and Whately to the west. The town has a total area of 14.7 square miles, of which 13.9 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Sunderland, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.47 degrees north latitude and 72.58 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Sunderland is part of the Pioneer Valley region, a sub-region of Western Massachusetts. The town is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is primarily rural with some residential development.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Sunderland had a population of approximately 3,684 residents. The majority of the population is Caucasian, with a significant percentage of Asian and Hispanic residents. The median age in Sunderland is around 24 years, which is considerably lower than the Massachusetts state average, due to the presence of many college students in the area.

    🏛️ History

    Sunderland was first settled in 1713 and was officially incorporated in 1718. The town was named after Charles Spencer, the Earl of Sunderland. Sunderland was primarily an agricultural community, with fertile soil and abundant crops. The Buttonball Tree, an American sycamore famous for its age and size, is a symbol of the town’s rich agricultural history.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Sunderland is home to Mount Toby State Forest, a popular destination for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The town is also known for its scenic beauty, with the Connecticut River and abundant farmland providing picturesque landscapes. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has several conservation areas.

    🏫 Education

    Sunderland is part of the Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts. The town has one elementary school, Sunderland Elementary School. Middle and high school students attend Frontier Regional School in neighboring Deerfield. Sunderland is also in close proximity to several higher education institutions, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Smith College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Route 116 and Route 47 are the main highways passing through Sunderland. The town is served by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), which provides bus service to surrounding towns. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Amherst, about 6 miles to the south. The closest airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 45 miles to the south.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Sunderland is known for its annual fall festival, which features a parade, crafts, food, and music. The town is also home to the Buttonball Tree, an American sycamore that is estimated to be over 350 years old and is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. In 2012, Sunderland celebrated its 300th anniversary with a series of events and commemorations.

  • South Deerfield, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    South Deerfield is a village located in Deerfield, Franklin County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the Pioneer Valley region, an area known for its fertile farmland and scenic beauty. The village is nestled along the Deerfield River, which flows into the Connecticut River to the east. The geography of South Deerfield is characterized by a mix of residential areas, farmland, and forested hills.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of South Deerfield, Massachusetts are approximately 42.4859° N latitude and 72.6054° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    South Deerfield is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the western part of Massachusetts, within the county of Franklin. The village is a part of the town of Deerfield and covers a total area of approximately 2.5 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of South Deerfield was estimated to be around 1,880. The village has a diverse age range, with a median age of about 45 years. The population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of other ethnicities.

    🏛️ History

    South Deerfield was first settled in the late 17th century as a part of the town of Deerfield. It was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being a significant part of its economy. The village played a role in the early history of the United States, with several notable events taking place during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, South Deerfield began to industrialize, with mills and factories being built along the Deerfield River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    South Deerfield is known for its natural beauty, with the Deerfield River and surrounding forested hills providing a scenic backdrop. The village is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, which offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, with a wide variety of plant and animal species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in South Deerfield is managed by the Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts. The village is home to Deerfield Elementary School, which serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Older students attend Frontier Regional School, located in nearby Deerfield. For higher education, South Deerfield is within commuting distance to several colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

    🚧 Transportation

    South Deerfield is served by several major highways, including Interstate 91 and U.S. Route 5, providing easy access to nearby cities such as Springfield and Greenfield. The village is also served by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, which provides public bus service. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    South Deerfield is home to Yankee Candle Village, the flagship store of the Yankee Candle Company, which attracts tourists with its unique candle-themed attractions. The village also hosts several annual events, including the Old Deerfield Craft Fair and the South Deerfield Fire District’s Watermelon Festival. Another point of interest is the Channing B. Cox Memorial, dedicated to the 49th Governor of Massachusetts, who was born in South Deerfield.