The Big List of Cities

Category: S

  • 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.

  • Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Shelburne Falls is a historic village located in the town of Shelburne in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in Franklin County and is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village straddles the Deerfield River, which divides the town of Shelburne from the town of Buckland.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Shelburne Falls are approximately 42.6043° N latitude and 72.7392° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Shelburne Falls is located in the western part of Massachusetts, in the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of 26.4 square miles, of which 25.9 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. The village is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Shelburne Falls is a village, it does not have a separate population count from the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. However, as of the 2010 census, the town of Shelburne had a population of 1,893 and Buckland had a population of 1,902. The demographics of the area are predominantly white, with a small percentage of the population being of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other ethnic backgrounds.

    🏛️ History

    Shelburne Falls was established in 1768 and was originally known as Deerfield River. The village was named after William Petty, the second Earl of Shelburne, a British statesman. The village grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad and the thriving local industries, including tool manufacturing and textile mills.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shelburne Falls is known for its picturesque natural beauty. The village is home to the famous Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge now covered with a garden of flowers that attracts tourists from around the world. The Glacial Potholes, a geological feature formed during the last Ice Age, is another popular natural attraction in the area.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Shelburne Falls is provided by the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. The village has one elementary school, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Mohawk Trail Regional High School located in Buckland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shelburne Falls is accessible by Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Route 112. The closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 60 miles away. The village does not have a railroad station, but Amtrak service is available in nearby Greenfield.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Shelburne Falls is known for its annual events such as the Bridge of Flowers Classic Road Race and the Iron Bridge Dinner, where residents and visitors dine together on the Iron Bridge. The village has also been a filming location for several movies, including “The Judge” and “Labor Day”.

  • Stockbridge, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Stockbridge is a town located in Berkshire County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the Housatonic River Valley, surrounded by the Berkshire Hills. The town covers an area of 23.7 square miles, of which 0.6 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Stockbridge are 42.2876° N latitude and 73.3204° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Stockbridge is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is bordered by West Stockbridge to the northwest, Richmond to the north, Lenox to the east, Lee to the southeast, Great Barrington to the south, and Alford to the west. The town has a total area of 23.7 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 census, the town of Stockbridge has a population of approximately 1,947 people. The population density is 82.1 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Stockbridge was first settled by English missionaries in 1734, who established it as a mission for the Mahican Indian tribe known as the Stockbridge Indians. The township was officially incorporated in 1739. The town has a rich history and was home to the Berkshire Cottage industry, where wealthy Americans built extravagant summer homes. Stockbridge was also the home of noted American artist Norman Rockwell for the last 25 years of his life.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Stockbridge is known for its scenic beauty and is surrounded by the Berkshire Hills. The Housatonic River flows through the town, providing a beautiful backdrop and opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The town is home to the Berkshire Botanical Garden, a 15-acre garden that showcases a diverse collection of plants. It also has several parks and nature reserves, including the Laura’s Tower Trail and Ice Glen, both offering hiking trails and stunning views.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Stockbridge is managed by the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Monument Valley Regional Middle School and Monument Mountain Regional High School, both located in the nearby town of Great Barrington.

    🚧 Transportation

    Stockbridge is served by U.S. Route 7, which is the main north-south highway through the town. The Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) is also nearby, providing easy access to major cities such as Boston and Albany. The town is also served by the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, which provides public transportation services throughout Berkshire County.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Stockbridge is known for its annual Main Street at Christmas event, where the town recreates the scene from Norman Rockwell’s famous painting “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas.” The town was also the setting for Arlo Guthrie’s song “Alice’s Restaurant.” The Berkshire Theatre Group, located in Stockbridge, is one of the oldest professional regional theatres in the United States.