Westborough #9: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Friday, June 29, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Westborough ranks #9 on the Central Mass Best Communities list. While more urban than some other Central Mass towns, the Westborough Community Land Trust oversees 15 different sets of walking trails, called the “Charm Bracelet”. When completed, the 28 mile loop around town will connect every open space, recreation area, school and neighborhood. Westborough’s access to the commuter rail and Routes 9 and 495 make it an ideal commuter location.

Route 9 travels through town, providing access to business, industry, shopping and restaurants.
 

Established: 1717
Population: 18,272
Median household income: $96,069
Median housing price: $378,500

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 9
Affordability ranking: 69
Education ranking: 6
Economic condition ranking: 22
Safety ranking: 30
Arts & Culture ranking: 19
Restaurant ranking: 7

History in a nutshell:

On November 18, 1717, Westborough was incorporated as the hundredth town in Massachusetts, having split off from Marlborough. Northborough split off from Westborough in 1775.

In 1810, the road from Boston to Worcester was straightened, and eventually became state Route 9, which remains a widely traveled road between the two cities.

Famous residents:   

Eli Whitney Blake, inventor of stone crusher, businessman
Jaime Brockett, folk singer
Jim Campbell, hockey player
Andrew Clements, children's author
Henry W. Corbett, businessman and senator
Mark D. Devlin, author
Esther Forbes, author
Tod Griffin, actor
Ashley Hayden, luge athlete
Richard B. Johnson, author
Horace Maynard, politician
Thomas Rice, politician and founding citizen
John Ruggles, politician
Jordan Smotherman, ice hockey player
Nikki Stone, skier
Jeffrey Thomas, science fiction and horror author
Eli Whitney, inventor and industrialist
Jack M. Wilson, President of the University of Massachusetts

Famous residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton

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