📍 Location & Geography
Northbridge is a town located in Worcester County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town encompasses several villages, including Whitinsville, Linwood, Rockdale, Riverdale, and Northbridge Center. The town is situated in the Blackstone River Valley and is characterized by hilly terrain, with the Blackstone River cutting through the eastern part of the town.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Northbridge are approximately 42.1515° N latitude and 71.6506° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Northbridge is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of about 18.1 square miles, of which, 17.3 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. The town is bordered by Grafton to the east, Uxbridge to the south, Sutton and Douglas to the west, and Upton to the north.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2019, Northbridge has a population of approximately 16,593 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a significant number of people of Irish and Italian descent. The median age of residents in Northbridge is around 41 years.
🏛️ History
Northbridge was first settled by Europeans in 1704 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1772. The town was named after the historic bridge that crossed the Blackstone River. Northbridge played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution with its numerous mills powered by the Blackstone River. The Whitin Machine Works, founded in Whitinsville in the 19th century, was one of the leading textile machinery companies in the world.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Northbridge is home to several parks and nature reserves. The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park offers walking and biking trails, canoeing, and fishing. The West Hill Dam Reserve is another popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The town is also part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region rich in history and natural beauty.
🏫 Education
Northbridge Public Schools oversees the education of students in the town. The district includes Northbridge Elementary School, W. Edward Balmer Elementary School, Northbridge Middle School, and Northbridge High School. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in Worcester County.
🚧 Transportation
Major roads serving Northbridge include Massachusetts Route 122 and Route 146. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 18 miles from the town. The Grafton MBTA station, about 7 miles away, provides commuter rail service to Boston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Northbridge hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Summer Concert Series at the town common and the Northbridge Fall Festival. The town is also known for the Whitinsville Historic District, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes several historic buildings, including the Whitin Machine Works and the Whitinsville Social Library.