Southborough #19: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Southborough

A thriving town in Worcester County, 19th ranked Southborough incorporates the smaller villages of Cordaville, Fayville, and Southville. The town's image is enhanced by reservoirs with rock outcroppings and a few small islands. Southborough was once primarily a farming community but by the end of the 19th century, the town manufactured plasters, straw bonnets, boots, shoes, and many other things. Factories and small business districts are now concentrated along main roads, primarily Massachusetts Route 9.

Southborough celebrates Heritage Day annually on Columbus Day. The day starts with a parade anchored by youth organizations, the Algonquin Regional High School marching band, and police and fire vehicles. At the end of the parade, vendors and local organizations set up booths with refreshments, food, and crafts.  

Southborough ranks 2nd for its economic condition and 15th for arts and culture, but it ranks 60th for safety and 48th for affordability.  

Southborough by the numbers

Established: 1727
Population: 9767
Median household income: $140,184
Median housing price: $438, 950

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 19
Affordability ranking: 48
Education ranking: 24
Economic condition ranking: 2
Safety ranking: 60
Arts & Culture ranking: 15
Restaurant ranking: 25

History in a nutshell:

The town of Southborough, originally a farming community, evolved into a mill town largely based off of the rivers running through the town. It manufactured plasters, boots, shoes and straw bonnets.In 1898, the Fayville Dam was constructed to produce several reservoirs to supply Boston with water and industry in town disappeared. Today, the Sudbury Reservoir makes up a quarter of the town's area.  
 

Famous residents:  

Warner Oland, Actor
Luis Tiant, Former Red Sox pitcher
Michael Weishan, Former PBS host
Mike Port, Former Red Sox third baseman

Famous residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton
 

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