The Big List of Cities

Category: W

  • Woodville, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Woodville is a small village located in the town of Hopkinton in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, close to the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border. The landscape of Woodville is characterized by a mix of residential areas, commercial establishments, and natural features like forests and bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Woodville, Massachusetts are approximately 42.22 degrees North latitude and 71.54 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Woodville is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the most populous region in New England and one of the most populous regions in the United States. The village is located in the eastern part of Middlesex County, which is the most populous county in Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Woodville is a small village within the town of Hopkinton, it does not have a separate population count. However, the town of Hopkinton, as of the 2020 census, has a population of approximately 18,000 people. The demographic makeup of Hopkinton, and by extension Woodville, is predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, Hispanic, African American, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Woodville is named after the Wood family, who were early settlers in the area. The village started as a small mill town in the 19th century, with several industries including shoe factories and a box factory. Over the years, Woodville has retained its small-town charm while becoming part of the larger Hopkinton community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Woodville is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and bodies of water in and around the village. The nearby Whitehall State Park is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. The village is also close to the Sudbury River, a major river in Middlesex County.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Woodville is served by the Hopkinton Public Schools district, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its high-quality education and has consistently been ranked among the top school districts in Massachusetts.

    🚧 Transportation

    Woodville is accessible by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 135 and Interstate 495. The village is also served by the MBTA Commuter Rail, with the nearest station located in the neighboring town of Ashland. Additionally, several bus lines operate in the area, providing public transportation options for residents.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the town of Hopkinton, including Woodville, hosts the start of the Boston Marathon, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon races. This event brings a large number of visitors to the area and is a significant part of the local culture and economy.

  • Wayland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Wayland is a charming town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, about 20 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 15.9 square miles, of which 0.6 square miles is water. The Sudbury River, a significant geographical feature, flows through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Wayland are approximately 42.3626° N latitude and 71.3615° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Wayland is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in New England. It is surrounded by the towns of Sudbury, Lincoln, Weston, Natick, and Framingham. The town is primarily residential, with a mix of suburban and rural characteristics. It is divided into several villages, including Cochituate, Wayland Center, and North Wayland.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Wayland was approximately 14,000. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of families with children. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with small percentages of Asian, African American, and other races. The median household income is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the town’s affluent nature.

    🏛️ History

    Wayland was first settled in 1639 as part of the Sudbury plantation. It was incorporated as a separate town, East Sudbury, in 1780 and renamed Wayland in 1835 in honor of Dr. Francis Wayland, a Baptist minister and president of Brown University. The town has a rich history and retains several historic buildings, including the Wayland Free Public Library, which was established in 1848 and is one of the oldest in the state.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wayland is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, conservation areas, and bodies of water. The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a significant birdwatching site, extends into the town. The Wayland Town Beach and Lake Cochituate offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The town is committed to environmental sustainability and has several initiatives to protect its natural resources.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Wayland is highly regarded, with the Wayland Public Schools district consistently ranked among the top in Massachusetts. The district includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and Wayland High School. The town is also home to several private schools and is in close proximity to many colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Wayland is served by several major roads, including U.S. Route 20 and Massachusetts Route 27. While there is no direct public transportation in the town, the nearby MBTA commuter rail stations in Natick and Framingham provide access to Boston and other areas. The town is also within driving distance of Logan International Airport.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Wayland is known for its community events, including the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market and the annual Wayland Town Meeting. The town was also the location of the first hostile act of the American Revolutionary War, the stealing of four brass cannons from the town’s arsenal in 1775. Notable residents have included Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and the late Steve Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs.

  • Worcester, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Worcester is a city located in the heart of Massachusetts, in the United States. It is the county seat of Worcester County and is situated approximately 40 miles west of Boston, and 38 miles east of Springfield. The city spans a total area of 38.6 square miles, of which 37.6 square miles is land and the remaining 1 square mile is water. Worcester is known for its rolling hills and seven principal hills: Airport Hill, Bancroft Hill, Belmont Hill, Grafton Hill, Green Hill, Pakachoag Hill, and Vernon Hill.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Worcester, Massachusetts are 42.2626° N latitude, and 71.8023° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Worcester is the second-largest city in New England after Boston, and is part of the larger Worcester County. It is also considered part of the broader Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Worcester had a population of approximately 206,518, making it the third most populous city in Massachusetts. The city is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities. The largest racial group is White, followed by Hispanic, African American, Asian, and others. The city has a relatively young population, with a median age of 34.7 years.

    🏛️ History

    Worcester was first settled by the English in 1673, but the settlement was abandoned during the King Philip’s War. The town was officially incorporated in 1722. During the 19th century, Worcester became a center of American manufacturing and attracted many immigrants from Ireland, Sweden, and other countries. The city played a key role in the American Industrial Revolution with its manufacturing industries, especially wire production.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Worcester is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. The city is home to over 1,200 acres of parkland, including Elm Park, one of the first public parks in the United States. Green Hill Park is the city’s largest park and includes a zoo, golf course, and veterans’ memorial. Worcester is also close to several state parks and forests, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Worcester is a hub for education and research, home to nine institutions of higher learning, including Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The Worcester Public Schools district operates the city’s public schools, serving over 25,000 students across 44 schools.

    🚧 Transportation

    Worcester is served by several major highways, including Interstates 90, 290, and 395. The city also has a comprehensive public transportation system operated by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. Worcester’s Union Station is a major regional rail hub, with commuter rail service to Boston and Amtrak service to points across the country. The city is also served by Worcester Regional Airport, offering commercial air service.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Worcester is known for its vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, music venues, and theaters. The city hosts several annual events, including the Worcester Music Festival and the Worcester Film Festival. A fun fact about Worcester is that it’s the birthplace of the smiley face, created by local artist Harvey Ball in 1963.

  • Whitinsville, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Whitinsville is a village located within the town of Northbridge in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It’s situated in the Blackstone River Valley, which is a significant part of the history and culture of the region. The village is approximately 13 miles south of Worcester, the county seat.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Whitinsville are 42.1112° N latitude, and 71.6673° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Whitinsville is part of the larger Worcester County, which is located in the central part of Massachusetts. The village covers an area of approximately 4.6 square miles. Despite its relatively small size, Whitinsville has a rich industrial history and is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that has been recognized for its unique historical significance to the industrialization of America.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Whitinsville had a population of approximately 6,704 residents. The population is primarily Caucasian, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, and other races. The median age of residents is around 40 years old.

    🏛️ History

    Whitinsville was named after the Whitin family, who were prominent industrialists in the area during the 19th century. The village was a major player in the Industrial Revolution in America, with the Whitin Machine Works, established in 1831, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of textile machinery by the late 19th century. The company played a significant role in shaping the village, from building housing for its workers to funding public buildings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Despite its industrial past, Whitinsville is home to several green spaces. The West Hill Dam Reserve offers walking trails, wildlife viewing, and picnic areas. The Blackstone River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The village also maintains several parks, including Veterans Memorial Park and Whitin Community Center Park.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Whitinsville is provided by the Northbridge School District. The district operates several schools in the area, including Northbridge Elementary School, Northbridge Middle School, and Northbridge High School. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the nearby city of Worcester.

    🚧 Transportation

    Whitinsville is served by several major highways, including Massachusetts Route 122 and Route 146, providing easy access to Worcester and other nearby cities. For public transportation, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority operates bus services in the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles north of the village.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Whitinsville is known for its annual Christmas Castle, a large holiday display at the Whitin Community Center that attracts visitors from around the region. The village also hosts the Whitin Five Mile Road Race on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition that has been ongoing for over three decades. One notable trivia about Whitinsville is that it’s home to the Whitinsville Social Library, one of the oldest libraries in the country, established in 1844.

  • West Millbury, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Millbury is a village located in the town of Millbury, in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. This small village is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that has a significant role in the history of the American Industrial Revolution.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of West Millbury are approximately 42.1765° N latitude and 71.8434° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Millbury is part of the larger Millbury town, which covers a total area of 16.3 square miles, according to the United States Census Bureau. The village itself is nestled in the southwestern part of the town.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As West Millbury is a village within the town of Millbury, it does not have a separate population count. As of the 2020 Census, the town of Millbury had a population of approximately 13,261. The demographic makeup of the town is predominantly white, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    West Millbury, like the rest of Millbury, has a rich history dating back to the American Industrial Revolution. The area was originally part of Sutton, but it became a separate town in 1813 and was named after the mill complexes that were built along the Blackstone River. The village of West Millbury developed as a result of this industrial growth.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Millbury is characterized by its beautiful New England scenery, with rolling hills, forests, and bodies of water like the Blackstone River. The village is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, which offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Millbury is provided by the Millbury Public Schools district, which serves the entire town of Millbury. The district operates several schools, including an elementary school, a junior/senior high school, and a few preschools. There are also private and charter school options in the surrounding areas.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in West Millbury is primarily by road, with easy access to major highways such as the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) and Route 146. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 10 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the town of Millbury, including West Millbury, celebrates the annual “Millbury Days” festival, which features a parade, live music, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The event is a highlight of the community calendar and reflects the close-knit nature of this small New England village.