The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Shrewsbury is a town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, bordered by Boylston to the north, Westborough to the south, Northborough to the west, and the city of Worcester to the east. The town covers a total area of approximately 21.6 square miles, of which 20.7 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Shrewsbury are approximately 42.3 degrees north latitude and 71.7 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Shrewsbury is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is located in the central part of Massachusetts, about 45 miles west of Boston. The town is part of the Worcester metropolitan area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Shrewsbury had a population of approximately 37,973 residents. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age is around 40 years. The town is largely residential, with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.

    🏛️ History

    Shrewsbury was first settled by English settlers in 1722 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1727. The town was named after Shrewsbury, England, and was primarily an agricultural community during its early years. The town grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the industrial revolution and the growth of the nearby city of Worcester.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shrewsbury is known for its beautiful natural environment, including Lake Quinsigamond, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The town also has several parks and green spaces, including Dean Park and Prospect Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation.

    🏫 Education

    Shrewsbury is served by the Shrewsbury Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The town is also home to Saint John’s High School, a private all-boys Catholic school. For higher education, Shrewsbury is in close proximity to several colleges and universities in Worcester, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shrewsbury is served by several major highways, including Route 9, Route 20, and Interstate 290, making it easily accessible by car. The town is also served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service to nearby cities. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, which is about 10 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Shrewsbury hosts the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival, a community event that includes a parade, craft fair, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for being the birthplace of Artemas Ward, a general in the American Revolutionary War and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

  • Rutland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rutland is a town located in Worcester County in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 13 miles northwest of the city of Worcester and about 52 miles west of Boston. The town encompasses a total area of 36.4 square miles, of which 35.3 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Rutland, Massachusetts are approximately 42°22′22″N latitude and 71°57′58″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rutland is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts, which is in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town is the geographical center of Massachusetts. It is surrounded by the towns of Paxton, Oakham, Hubbardston, Princeton, Sterling, and Holden.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Rutland was approximately 8,400. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other ethnic backgrounds. The median age in Rutland is around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Rutland was first settled in 1666 as Naquag. Later, it was officially incorporated as Rutland in 1713. The town is noted for being the site of the imprisonment of Nipmuc Indian Chief Metacomet (also known as King Philip) during King Philip’s War. In the 19th century, Rutland was primarily an agricultural community, but it also had a thriving industry in the production of shoes, clothing, and woodenware.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rutland is known for its beautiful rural landscape, which includes rolling hills, open fields, and abundant woodlands. The town is home to Rutland State Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The park also includes Whitehall Pond and a portion of the Ware River. The town is also part of the larger Central Massachusetts biodiversity region, which supports a diverse range of plant and animal species.

    🏫 Education

    Rutland is part of the Wachusett Regional School District, which also serves the surrounding towns of Holden, Paxton, Princeton, and Sterling. The town has several public schools, including Naquag Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and Central Tree Middle School. High school students attend Wachusett Regional High School located in Holden.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rutland is served by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 122A, Massachusetts Route 56, and Massachusetts Route 122. The town is approximately 20 minutes from Worcester Regional Airport and about an hour from Boston Logan International Airport. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Rutland hosts a number of community events, including the Rutland Fire Brigade’s Annual Fourth of July Chicken BBQ, a Memorial Day Parade, and the Rutland Agricultural Commission’s Fall Festival. The town is also known for its annual Fourth of July celebration, which is one of the oldest in the country. Rutland is also famous for being the birthplace of the national holiday, Memorial Day, which was first observed in 1868.

  • Rochdale, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rochdale is a village located in the town of Leicester in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state and is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and rural areas. The village is surrounded by a number of small hills and is crossed by several streams that contribute to the overall landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Rochdale, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2134° N latitude and 71.9183° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rochdale is part of the larger Worcester County, which is located in the central part of Massachusetts. The village itself covers a relatively small area within the town of Leicester. It is surrounded by other small villages and towns that together form a part of the Worcester metropolitan area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    Rochdale, being a village, does not have its own separate population count. However, it is part of the town of Leicester, which has a population of approximately 11,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The demographics of Leicester, and by extension Rochdale, are predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    The history of Rochdale is closely tied to that of the town of Leicester. Leicester was first settled in 1713 and was officially incorporated in 1714. The village of Rochdale developed as a part of Leicester and has shared in its history, including its early days as a farming community and later development into a more residential and commercial area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rochdale is characterized by a mix of residential areas, commercial zones, and open spaces. The village is surrounded by a number of small hills, and several streams run through the area. These natural features contribute to the village’s rural charm. The area also has a number of parks and green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

    🏫 Education

    Rochdale falls under the jurisdiction of the Leicester Public Schools district. This district includes Leicester High School, Leicester Middle School, and two elementary schools. For higher education, residents have access to a number of colleges and universities in the nearby city of Worcester.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rochdale is served by a number of major roads, including Route 56 that runs through the village. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 15 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rochdale is home to the Rochdale Park, which hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. The village is also close to the Leicester Country Club, a popular venue for golfing and special events. Despite its small size, Rochdale is an active part of the larger Leicester community and participates in many of the town’s annual events.

  • Princeton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Princeton is a charming town located in Worcester County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the Wachusett Mountain area, which is the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. The town covers a total area of 35.8 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water. It is characterized by its hilly terrain, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above sea level.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Princeton, Massachusetts are approximately 42°27′N latitude and 71°52′W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Princeton is part of the New England region, specifically in Central Massachusetts. It is surrounded by several towns including Sterling to the north, West Boylston to the east, Holden to the southeast, Rutland to the south, and Hubbardston to the west. The town’s total area is approximately 35.8 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Princeton was approximately 3,413 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in Princeton is around 45 years, with a balanced gender distribution.

    🏛️ History

    Princeton was first settled in 1720 and was officially incorporated in 1759. The town was named after the Reverend Thomas Prince, a notable American clergyman and scholar. In the 19th century, Princeton was known for its lumber and apple orchards. The town has retained much of its historical charm with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Princeton is known for its scenic beauty, with the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation being a significant natural attraction. The reservation offers hiking, picnicking, and skiing opportunities. The town is also home to several species of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. Princeton’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous conservation areas and open spaces.

    🏫 Education

    Princeton is served by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Thomas Prince School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students attend Wachusett Regional High School, located in the neighboring town of Holden. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in Worcester County.

    🚧 Transportation

    Princeton is accessible by road, with Massachusetts Route 62 and Route 140 passing through the town. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles away. Public transportation is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, offering bus services to nearby towns and cities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Princeton hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the annual Princeton Arts Festival and the town-wide yard sale. The town is also known for its traditional Fourth of July celebrations. A fun fact about Princeton is that it’s home to Redemption Rock, a historic site where Mary Rowlandson was ransomed back from Native Americans during King Philip’s War.

  • Oxford, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Oxford is a small town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 11 miles south of Worcester and 50 miles west of Boston. The town covers a total area of 27.5 square miles, of which 26.6 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. The French River flows through the town, providing a picturesque landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Oxford, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1168° N latitude and 71.8648° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Oxford is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the southern part of Worcester County, which is the second-largest county in Massachusetts. The town is surrounded by several communities, including Auburn to the north, Charlton to the west, Webster to the south, and Sutton to the east.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Oxford was approximately 14,000 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 40.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a significant percentage of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Other races represented in the town include African American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Oxford was first settled by Europeans in 1686 and was officially incorporated in 1713. It is known for being the birthplace of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The town was primarily an agricultural community in its early years, but it also had a strong presence in the shoe manufacturing industry during the 19th and 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Oxford is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Greenbriar Recreation Area and Carbuncle Pond. The French River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, and the town’s many open spaces offer trails for hiking and biking. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has implemented various conservation efforts.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Oxford is managed by the Oxford Public Schools district, which operates several schools, including an elementary school, a middle school, and Oxford High School. Higher education opportunities are available nearby, with several colleges and universities located in Worcester and other surrounding cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Oxford is primarily by car, with easy access to Interstate 395 and Route 20. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service to Oxford and surrounding towns. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, which is approximately 15 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Oxford hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Clara Barton Day, which celebrates the town’s famous resident. The town also has a historical society that preserves and promotes the history of Oxford. Fun fact: Oxford is known as the “Home of the Washburn and Moen Wire Works,” a company that was instrumental in the development of barbed wire in the 19th century.