Royalston #72: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Monday, June 25, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Royalston

One of the smallest towns on our list, Royalston finds itself at the very bottom, #72 in Central Mass.

Large in terms of land area, but small in terms of population, predominantly rural Royalston is located in western Worcester County, on the New Hampshire border. The village of South Royalston is home to much of the town's population as well as the town's classic New England town common. Lake Tully is the source of most recreational activity with hiking trails, a campground and a disc golf course.

Desite its low ranking, Royalston is in the top one-third for Economic Condition. It ranks 67th out of 72 for cultural activities, 68th for availability of restaurants and 69th for educational achievement.

Doane's Falls is a series of five waterfalls on Lawrence Brook, shortly before the brook reaches Lake Tully. Photo courtesy of Liz West

Royalston by the numbers

Established: 1765
Population: 1258
Median household income: $60,385
Median housing price: $190,000

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 72
Affordability ranking: 42
Education ranking: 69
Economic condition ranking: 27
Safety ranking: 59
Arts & Culture ranking: 67

History in a nutshell:

Consisting of mostly forests and wetlands, Royalston has continued its dedication to preservation and wildlife management throughout history. Since 1951, the town, through The Trustees of Reservations, acquired a 217-acre preserve which includes the Tully Lake Flood protection dam and Royalston Falls—a 50-foot waterfall and granite gorge.

Famous residents:

Asahel Peck, Former Governor of Vermont

Lysander Cutler, Union Army General during the Civil War

George Carter Richardson, Former Mayor of Cambridge

Famous residents source: WolframAlpha
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton