📍 Location & Geography
Northfield is a town situated in Franklin County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is located on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, and is surrounded by several hills, including Brush Mountain, Mount Toby, and Mount Grace. The town covers a total area of 35.4 square miles, of which 34.2 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Northfield, Massachusetts are approximately 42° 42′ 15″ N latitude, 72° 27′ 30″ W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Northfield is part of the Pioneer Valley region in Western Massachusetts. It is bordered by the towns of Bernardston to the north, Warwick to the east, Erving to the southeast, Gill to the south, and Vernon, Vermont to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Northfield has a population of approximately 3,032 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or from other racial or ethnic groups. The median age in Northfield is around 45 years.
🏛️ History
Northfield was first settled in 1673 by English colonists and officially incorporated as a town in 1723. The town played a significant role in the French and Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, Northfield became a center for education with the establishment of several schools.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Northfield is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring a variety of landscapes from the Connecticut River to rolling hills and forests. The town is home to several parks and conservation areas, including the Northfield State Forest and the Brush Mountain conservation area. The Connecticut River, which flows through the town, is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Northfield is managed by the Pioneer Valley Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Northfield Elementary School, and secondary students attend Pioneer Valley Regional School located in the nearby town of Northfield. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby towns and cities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
🚧 Transportation
Northfield is served by State Route 63 and State Route 10, which provide connections to nearby towns and cities. Public transportation is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, with bus service to Greenfield and other locations in Franklin County. The closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 60 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Northfield hosts several annual events, including the Northfield Summer Concert Series and the Harvest Festival. The town is also home to the Northfield Drive-In, one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in New England. The town was the birthplace of evangelist Dwight L. Moody, and the site of the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies, established by Moody in 1879.