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Fitchburg, MA

Frequently asked questions

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg is a city in northern Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The third-largest city in the county (after Worcester and Leominster), its population was 109,567 (metro area) at the 2020 census. Fitchburg State University is located here.

Fitchburg was first settled in by Europeans in 1730 as part of Lunenburg and was officially set apart from that town and incorporated in 1764. The area was previously occupied by the Nipmuc tribe. It is named for John Fitch, one of the committees that procured the act of incorporation. In July 1748 Fitch and his family, living in this isolated spot, were abducted to Canada by Native Americans, but returned the next year.

Fitchburg is situated on both the Nashua River and a railroad line. The original Fitchburg Railroad ran through the Hoosac Tunnel, linking Boston and Albany, New York. The tunnel was built using the Burleigh Rock Drill, designed and built in Fitchburg. Fitchburg was a 19th-century industrial center. Originally operated by water power, large mills produced machines, tools, clothing, paper, and firearms. The city is noted for its architecture, particularly in the Victorian style, built at the height of its mill town prosperity. A few examples of these 19th-century buildings are the Fay Club, the old North Worcester County Courthouse, and the Bullock House.

Fitchburg is located at 42°34′43″N 71°48′12″W (42.578689, −71.803383). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.1 square miles (73 km2), of which 27.8 square miles (72 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), or 1.07%, is water. The city is drained by the Nashua River. The highest point in Fitchburg is the summit of Brown Hill near the northwestern corner of the city, at 1,210 feet (370 m) above sea level. Fitchburg is bordered by Ashby to the north, Lunenburg to the east, Leominster to the south, Westminster to the west, and a small portion of Ashburnham to the northwest.

Fitchburg places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. HealthAlliance Fitchburg Family Practice cares for families throughout the life cycle, including pediatric, adult, and geriatric care. Energized F&T was founded by three personal trainers who are well-versed in industry standards and are building a one-of-a-kind community. Jesus, Andrew, and Lori are three personal trainers with a dream and a goal - to reach as many people as possible through fitness and health. Orchard Hills Athletic Club provides comprehensive fitness programs, including group classes and personal training. Fitness Concepts Health Club offers a wide range of fitness and wellness services, from weight training to cardio classes. Rollstone Hill Rock Walk provides scenic hiking trails ideal for both exercise and relaxation. Art enthusiasts can visit the Fitchburg Art Museum for a blend of culture and mental wellness. The Inferno Hot Yoga & Pilates specializes in yoga classes that cater to all skill levels, focusing on mindfulness and physical well-being

Top sites in Fitchburg, MA are Coggshall Park, Mass Audubon's Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary, Hollis Hills Farm, and Fitchburg Art Museum.

Population: 41,579 (2023). ZIP code: 01420. Area codes: 351/978. Elevation: 482 ft (143 m). Area: 28.1 square miles (73 km2).

FAQs

What is Fitchburg, MA known for?

Fitchburg is noted for its old mills that line the Nashua River, its hilly topography and regional parks, and its tightly knit neighborhood enclaves that, in many cases, still retain their ethnic identity. Among the city's cultural assets are the Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg State University, and the world-famous annual Longsjo Classic bicycle race. The former reliance on the paper industry in the community has given way to a healthier economic diversification which now includes pharmaceuticals, tool and die makers, machine manufacturers, plastic molders, and textile producers.

What is the crime rate in Fitchburg, MA?

The crime rate in Fitchburg is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 13 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Fitchburg is 1 in 80. Based on FBI crime data, Fitchburg is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Massachusetts, Fitchburg has a crime rate that is higher than 79% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Fitchburg MA a good place to live?

Living in Fitchburg offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Fitchburg, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Fitchburg and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Fitchburg

Neighborhood Scout

Niche

Coggshall Park 

Mass Audubon's Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary 

Hollis Hills Farm 

Fitchburg Art Museum

HealthAlliance Fitchburg Family Practice

Energized F&T

Orchard Hills Athletic Club

Fitness Concepts Health Club 

Rollstone Hill Rock Walk

The Inferno Hot Yoga & Pilates 

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