The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Ashland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ashland is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is positioned in the eastern part of the state, approximately 22 miles west of Boston. The town is bordered by Framingham to the east, Sherborn to the northeast, Holliston to the south, Hopkinton to the southwest, and Southborough to the west. The Sudbury River runs through the western part of Ashland.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Ashland, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2612° N latitude and 71.4634° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ashland is part of the MetroWest region of Massachusetts, a collection of towns and cities located west of Boston. The town covers a total area of approximately 12.9 square miles, of which about 12.4 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Ashland has a population of approximately 18,000 residents. The town has a diverse population with a mix of different ethnicities. The median age of the residents is around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Ashland was first settled in 1750 and was originally a part of neighboring towns Framingham, Holliston, and Hopkinton. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1846 and was named after statesman Henry Clay’s estate in Kentucky. Ashland was once a prominent player in the shoe manufacturing industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ashland is home to the Ashland State Park, a 470-acre recreational area that features the Ashland Reservoir. The park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, as well as hiking and picnicking. The town is also part of the Charles River watershed, contributing to the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

    🏫 Education

    Ashland’s public school system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The town is also home to several private schools. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities, including Framingham State University and MassBay Community College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ashland is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with a commuter rail station on its Framingham/Worcester Line, providing direct access to Boston. Major roads passing through the town include Route 135 and Interstate 495. The town is also within reasonable driving distance of Logan International Airport in Boston.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Ashland is known as the site of Henry Warren’s invention of the electric clock, which he developed in his Ashland home. The town holds an annual event called Ashland Day, a community celebration featuring food, music, and various activities. Ashland is also the original starting point of the Boston Marathon, which began in the town in 1897 and continued to start there until the route was lengthened in 1924.

  • Acton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Acton is a suburban town located in Middlesex County in the northeastern state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is approximately 21 miles west-northwest of Boston along Route 2 west of Concord and about 10 miles southwest of Lowell. Acton’s total area is 20.3 square miles, of which 20.0 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles, or 1.53%, is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Acton, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.4851° N latitude and 71.4328° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Acton is part of the Greater Boston area in the New England region. The town is bordered by Westford and Littleton to the north, Concord and Carlisle to the east, Stow, Maynard, and Sudbury to the south and Boxborough to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Acton had a population of approximately 24,000 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being families with children. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a growing Asian community and smaller percentages of African American, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Acton was first settled by Native Americans who used the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers for transportation and the fields for farming seasonal crops. The town was incorporated in 1735. Acton’s history is deeply tied to the Revolutionary War, as it was the site of the Acton Minutemen’s march to the Old North Bridge in Concord for the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Acton is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including various parks, conservation lands, and trails. The town is home to the Great Hill Conservation and Recreation Land, which offers hiking trails and a view of the Nashoba Valley. The Acton Arboretum features cultivated and wild plants, while NARA Park provides a beach and outdoor concert facilities.

    🏫 Education

    Acton has a strong education system, with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District often ranked among the top in the state. The district includes an early childhood program, six elementary schools, a junior high school, and a high school. Acton is also home to several private schools and is in close proximity to higher education institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Acton is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with a commuter rail station on its Fitchburg Line, which connects the town to Boston. The town is also served by several major roads, including Routes 2, 27, and 111. Acton’s location provides easy access to Interstates 495 and 95.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Acton hosts several annual events, including the popular Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market and the Discovery Museums’ “Evening at the Discovery Museums” event. The town is also home to the Iron Work Farm in Acton, which preserves local historical sites and organizes historical reenactments. Acton was named the 16th Best Place To Live among small towns in the country by Money Magazine in 2015.

  • Boxborough, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Boxborough is a small town located in the Middlesex County of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 25 miles west-northwest of Boston. The town covers a total area of approximately 10.4 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water and the rest is land. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, with the highest point being located at Burroughs Road, reaching an elevation of approximately 400 feet.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Boxborough are 42°29′21″N latitude and 71°31′0″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Boxborough is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in the northeastern United States. It is within the eastern part of Middlesex County, which is the most populous county in New England. The town is surrounded by Acton to the east, Stow and Harvard to the north, Littleton to the west, and Acton again to the south.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Boxborough was 4,996. The town has a diverse demographic makeup, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The majority of the population is White, followed by Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in the town is around 42 years.

    🏛️ History

    Boxborough was first settled by European settlers around 1680 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1783. The town was primarily agricultural during its early years. In the 19th century, it saw the growth of various industries, including shoe manufacturing and box making, which is believed to have given the town its name.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Boxborough is known for its rural charm and natural beauty. The town is home to several conservation areas and parks, including the Beaver Brook Association and Flerra Meadows. It is also part of the Assabet River watershed, which provides opportunities for canoeing and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Boxborough is highly rated. The town is part of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, which includes the Blanchard Memorial School for kindergarten through sixth grade, RJ Grey Junior High School for seventh and eighth grades, and Acton-Boxborough Regional High School for ninth through twelfth grades. The high school is consistently ranked among the top in the state.

    🚧 Transportation

    Boxborough is served by several major highways, including Interstate 495 and Massachusetts Route 111. The town does not have its own public transit system, but residents can access the nearby MBTA commuter rail service in Littleton and Acton for transportation to Boston and other areas.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Boxborough hosts the annual Fifer’s Day, a town-wide celebration that commemorates the town’s history and community spirit. The event includes a parade, road race, craft fair, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its annual Harvest Fair, which features local produce, crafts, and entertainment.

  • Village Of Nagog Woods, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    The Village of Nagog Woods is a charming small town located in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in Middlesex County, which is the second most populous county in New England. The Village of Nagog Woods is nestled in the eastern part of the state, close to the New Hampshire border.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of the Village of Nagog Woods are approximately 42.5403° N latitude and 71.4494° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    The Village of Nagog Woods is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts and New England. The town covers a relatively small area, typical for a village of its size.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    The Village of Nagog Woods is a small community with a population that varies, but generally falls below 1,000 residents. The demographics of the village reflect a diverse mix of ages, occupations, and backgrounds, which is typical for small towns in the region.

    🏛️ History

    The Village of Nagog Woods has a rich history that dates back to the early settlement of Massachusetts. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, and later became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The village has retained much of its historical charm, with many buildings and landmarks that reflect its past.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    The Village of Nagog Woods is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, which include forests, lakes, and parks. The Nagog Pond, a large body of water located in the village, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and bird-watching. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide range of bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in the Village of Nagog Woods is administered by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, which is known for its high-quality education programs. The village is served by several nearby schools, including Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, which has been recognized as one of the top high schools in the state.

    🚧 Transportation

    The Village of Nagog Woods is served by several major highways, making it easily accessible from Boston and other major cities in the region. Public transportation in the village is provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which operates bus routes in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    The Village of Nagog Woods hosts several community events throughout the year, including an annual Fourth of July parade and a winter holiday celebration. The village is also known for its unique name, which is derived from the Native American word “Nagog”, meaning “fishing place”.

  • Framingham, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Framingham is a city located in Middlesex County, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated roughly halfway between the cities of Worcester and Boston. The city spans an area of 26.4 square miles, of which 25.1 square miles is land and 1.3 square miles is water. Framingham is characterized by a mix of suburban and urban features, with several bodies of water dotting the landscape including the Sudbury River, Cochituate Lake, and the Foss Reservoir.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Framingham, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.2793° N latitude and 71.4162° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Framingham is located in the eastern part of Massachusetts, within the New England region of the United States. It is part of the Greater Boston area, and is the hub of the MetroWest region, a cluster of cities and towns located west of Boston.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Framingham has a population of approximately 75,000 people, making it the most populous municipality in Middlesex County after Lowell and Cambridge. The city is diverse, with a mix of racial and ethnic groups. The median age of residents is around 38 years.

    🏛️ History

    Framingham was first settled by Europeans in 1650 and officially incorporated in 1700. It played a role in the American Revolutionary War, with several skirmishes taking place within its borders. Framingham transitioned from a town to a city in 2017, following a city charter vote. The city has a rich industrial history, with companies such as Dennison Manufacturing and General Motors having had operations in the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Framingham is home to several parks and outdoor spaces, including the Garden in the Woods, a 45-acre woodland garden owned by the New England Wild Flower Society. The city also features the Cochituate State Park, which offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Framingham is committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting recycling.

    🏫 Education

    Framingham boasts a strong education system, with the Framingham Public School District serving the city’s K-12 students across multiple campuses. Higher education opportunities are provided by Framingham State University and MassBay Community College. The Christa McAuliffe Charter School, named after the teacher and astronaut who died in the Challenger disaster, is also located in the city.

    🚧 Transportation

    Framingham is well-served by various modes of transportation. The Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) runs through the city, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The city is also served by the MBTA’s Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line, which connects Framingham to Boston’s South Station. Additionally, there are several bus routes operated by the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority that serve the city.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Framingham hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Framingham Farmers Market and the Concerts on the Green series. The city is also home to the Danforth Art Museum, which showcases American art from the 18th century to the present day. A fun fact about Framingham is that it was the site of Shoppers’ World, one of the first shopping malls in the United States.