📍 Location & Geography
Princeton is a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the heart of the state, surrounded by natural beauty. The town covers a total area of 35.8 square miles, of which 35.3 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. The terrain is characterized by hills and ridges, with the most notable being Mount Wachusett, the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Princeton are 42°27′26″N 71°52′22″W. This places it in the northeastern United States, in the New England region.
🗺️ Region & Area
Princeton is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts. It is located in the central part of the state, approximately 20 miles north of the city of Worcester and about 50 miles west of Boston. The town is part of the Wachusett Regional School District.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Princeton had a population of 3,413 people. The town’s population is predominantly White, making up 97.3% of the total population. The remaining 2.7% is composed of Asian, African American, Native American, and other races. The median age in Princeton is 44 years.
🏛️ History
Princeton was first settled in 1720 and was officially incorporated in 1759. The town was named after the Reverend Thomas Prince, a local minister. During the 19th century, Princeton was a prominent center for barrel production, supplying barrels to the nearby city of Boston. The town has maintained much of its historical charm, with several buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Princeton is home to a significant portion of the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, which includes Mount Wachusett, the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. The town is known for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, hills, and bodies of water. The area is rich in wildlife, with many species of birds, mammals, and fish inhabiting the region.
🏫 Education
Education in Princeton is overseen by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has one public elementary school, the Thomas Prince School. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the neighboring town of Holden. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby Worcester, which is home to several colleges and universities.
🚧 Transportation
Princeton is served by a number of state routes, including Route 31 and Route 140. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but bus service is available from the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which provides connections to other parts of Worcester County. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 20 miles south of Princeton.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Princeton hosts a number of community events, including a Memorial Day Parade, a summer concert series, and a holiday lights festival. The town is also home to the Princeton Arts Society, which organizes art exhibits and workshops throughout the year. Additionally, Princeton is known for its apple orchards, with the annual apple picking season attracting visitors from around the region.