📍 Location & Geography
Northbridge is a town nestled in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It is located approximately 13 miles south of Worcester and 36 miles southwest of Boston. The town is bordered by Grafton to the east, Upton to the southeast, Sutton to the south, Douglas to the southwest, Uxbridge to the west, and Mendon to the northwest.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Northbridge, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1515° N latitude and 71.6506° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Northbridge is part of the Worcester County region in the state of Massachusetts. The town covers a total area of 18.1 square miles, of which 17.3 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles, or 4.14%, is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Northbridge is estimated to be around 16,700. The town has a diverse demographic with a mix of different age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The median age is approximately 40 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Northbridge was first settled by Europeans in 1704 and was officially incorporated in 1772. The town’s name is derived from a bridge built in 1730, which was considered the “north bridge” from the center of Uxbridge. Northbridge played a significant role in the early industrial revolution with its numerous mills powered by the Blackstone River.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Northbridge is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. The town is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that is rich in history and natural beauty.
🏫 Education
Northbridge Public Schools serves the town’s students, with Northbridge Elementary School, W. Edward Balmer Elementary School, Northbridge Middle School, and Northbridge High School being the main educational institutions. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the nearby city of Worcester.
🚧 Transportation
Northbridge is served by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 122, which provides direct access to Worcester and other nearby towns. Public transportation is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus services in the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 20 miles north of Northbridge.
📜 Trivia & Events
Northbridge is known for its annual Summer Concert Series, which takes place at the town common and features a variety of musical performances. The town also hosts a popular Memorial Day Parade. Trivia enthusiasts might be interested to know that Northbridge was the filming location for the 2012 movie “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.