Blackstone #51: Central MA’s Best Communities

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Blackstone

The town of Blackston ranks 51st in Central Mass.

Blackstone, on the Rhode Island border, is home to the Blackstone and Mill Rivers, where a number of factories operated. Located on the eastern edge of Worcester County, Blackstone is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

Students attend school in the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District. Millville was originally a part of Blackstone.

Blackstone

Blackstone by the numbers

Established: 1845
Population: 9026
Median household income: $71,875
Median housing price: $219,500

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 51
Affordability ranking: 47
Education ranking: 39
Economic condition ranking: 49
Safety ranking: 23
Arts & Culture ranking: 54

History in a nutshell:

Blackstone was originally inhabited by the Nipmuc--a Native American of "the freshwater pond place," who lived throughout Central Mass and surrounding areas in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The land changed hands when it was settled in 1662 and then incorporated in 1845 as initially a part of Mendon. Following its history, the land changed shape and ownership various times until it became a separate municipality in 1915.

Famous residents:

Con Daily, MLB cathcer

Eddie Eayrs, MLB outfielder

Notable residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton