Sutton #8: Central MA’s Best Communities

Friday, June 29, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Sutton

Located 15 miles south of Worcester, 8th ranked Sutton is made up of five distinct villages: Manchaug, South Sutton, Sutton Center, West Sutton and Wilkinsonville. Manchaug has a mill shopping area as well as a lovely waterfall; South Sutton is mostly residential, and the senior center is located there. Sutton Center has the town green, the town hall, police department, and a large church, while West Sutton is very rural, with horse farms and rolling hills. Wilkinsonville has a small shop area and a fire station.

Sutton ranks highest in economic condition (#6), followed by arts and culture (#8). The town's lowest rank is for restaurants (#47), but all other rankings are above the median.

Sutton by the numbers

Established: 1714
Population: 8,963
Median household income: $105,164
Median housing price: $243,535

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 8
Affordability ranking: 16
Education ranking: 23
Economic condition ranking: 6
Safety ranking: 24
Arts & Culture ranking: 8
Restaurant ranking: 47

History in a nutshell:

The first three families to settle the land in 1704 were faced by the "big snow." Survivors of the harsh winter were rescued by Native Americans, which allowed the settlement to continue. Sutton, incorporated in 1714, developed both agriculturally and industrially, benefiting from both farmland and orchards as well as three large mills.

Famous residents:

Rufus Putnam - Revolutionary War hero

Additional reporting by Grace Fenton