Upton #16: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Upton

#16 ranked Upton was first settled in 1728 and was officially incorporated in 1735. American Revolutionary War soldier named Samuel Taft was born in this historically-rich town, which celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2010.

By 1837, Upton produced 21.7% of the boots made in Worcester County. Knowlton Hat Factory, which became the world's largest women's hat factory, was built in 1872 and was added to the National Historic Register in 1982.

Today, the town is home to Upton State Forest where people hike, walk dogs, and ride horses, other parks, and a variety of stores and restaurants.  

Upton earns its highest rank for economic condition (#5), followed by a #13 ranking for safety.  The town ranks 49th for affordability and arts and culture.

 

Upton by the numbers

Established: 1735
Population: 7542
Median household income: $107,950
Median housing price: $350,000

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 16
Affordability ranking: 49
Education ranking: 14
Economic condition ranking: 5
Safety ranking: 13
Arts & Culture ranking: 49
Restaurant ranking: 44

History in a nutshell:

Upton is home to women's hats and Aerosmith's beginning. Settled in 1728, Upton was originally an agrarian society but, with industrialization in the late 19th century, became home of the world's largest women's hat factory, Knowlton Hat Factory, in 1872. A century later, Aerosmith played their first gig at what was the Nipmuc Regional High School, today the Miscoe Hill Middle School.
 

Famous residents:  

Guylan Qudsieh, CBS reality show (Kid Nation) participant

Famous residents source: Wikipedia 
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton

 

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