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Greenfield, MA

Frequently asked questions

Greenfield, MA

Greenfield is the only city in and the seat of Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. Greenfield was first settled in 1686. The population was 17,768 at the 2020 census. Greenfield is home to Greenfield Community College, the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Franklin County Fair. The city has a Main Street Historic District containing fine examples of Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture. Greenfield anchors the Greenfield Town, MA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Springfield-Greenfield Town, MA Combined Statistical Area.

Pocumtuck Indians first settled and originally inhabited the Greenfield area. Native American artifacts found in the area have been dated between 7,000 and 9,000 BCE. The Pocumtucks planted field crops and fished local rivers. Some sources claim that they were wiped out by the Mohawks in 1664 and that the land was left unoccupied. Other sources show that the Pocumtucks joined the Wampanoag chief Metacom in August 1675 in the fight against English encroachment, indicating a continued presence in the area. The Pocumtuck also played an important role in the Battle of Great Falls / Wissantinnewag – Peskeompskut on May 19, 1676, and tribal oral tradition indicates that following the battle, elements of the Pocumtuck fled to and were incorporated into the Abenaki people to the north and the Mahican people to the west.

The area was colonized as part of Deerfield by the English in 1686. In 1753, Greenfield, named for the Green River, was incorporated as a separate town from Deerfield.

In 1795, the South Hadley Canal opened, enabling boats to bypass the South Hadley Falls and reach Greenfield via the Connecticut River. Located at the confluence of the Deerfield and Green rivers, and not far from where they merge into the Connecticut River, Greenfield developed into a trade center. Falls provided water power for industry, and Greenfield grew into a prosperous mill town. John Russell established the Green River Works in 1834, hiring skilled German workers at what was the country's first cutlery factory. The Connecticut River Railroad was the first of several railways to enter the town, replacing the former canal trade. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Greenfield was one of the most important American centers of the tap and die business and was the home of the Greenfield Tap & Die Company (GTD). It was designated the county seat when Franklin County was created from Hampshire County in 1811.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22 square miles (56.7 km2), of which 21 square miles (55.5 km2) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.2 km2), or 2.08%, is water. Greenfield is located at the center of the county and is bordered by Colrain, Leyden, and Bernardston to the north; Gill to the east; Montague to the southeast; Deerfield to the south; and Shelburne to the west. Greenfield is located 39 miles (63 km) north of Springfield and 90 miles (145 km) west-northwest of Boston. 

Greenfield lies at the confluence of the Deerfield, Green, and Connecticut rivers. The Green River runs from the north, through town to the Deerfield, which lies along the city's southern border. From there, the Deerfield meets the Connecticut, which flows southward along the Montague border before bending eastward briefly before continuing southward. Several brooks flow into the three rivers, as well as a fourth river, the Fall River, which makes up the city's border with Gill. The city is located beside the Pocumtuck Range, the northernmost bridge of the Metacomet Ridge, and is surrounded by hills, with the town center lying on an elevated point above the rivers.

Greenfield places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Baystate Franklin Medical Center offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Common Ground Fitness provides a fully equipped gym and various fitness classes to keep you in shape. For fitness enthusiasts, the Franklin County's YMCA provides a range of classes and equipment for all ages. Green River Yoga offers a serene environment for practicing yoga and mindfulness. The Energy Park hosts outdoor fitness classes and community events in a beautiful setting. Greenfield Community College has wellness programs and a fitness center available to students and the public. The People's Pint combines healthy, locally sourced food with a focus on sustainability and community wellness.

Top sites in Greenfield, MA are Museum of Our Industrial Heritage, Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, and Greenfield Garden Cinemas.

Population: 17,628 (2023). ZIP code: 01301. Area code: 413. Elevation: 302 ft (92 m). Area: 22 square miles (56.7 km2).

FAQs

What is it like to live in Greenfield, Massachusetts?

Greenfield is a town in Massachusetts with a population of 17,375. Greenfield is in Franklin County. Living in Greenfield offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals and retirees live in Greenfield and residents tend to be liberal.

What are the demographics of Greenfield MA?

About. The 5 largest ethnic groups in Greenfield Town, MA are White (Non-Hispanic) (86.9%), White (Hispanic) (3.68%), Other (Hispanic) (3.27%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.16%), and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (1.92%). None of the households in Greenfield Town, MA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.
 

Is Greenfield, MA safe?

The crime rate in Greenfield is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 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 Greenfield is 1 in 47. Based on FBI crime data, Greenfield is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Massachusetts, Greenfield has a crime rate that is higher than 95% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Greenfield

Niche

Data USA

Neighborhood Scout

Museum of Our Industrial Heritage 

Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center 

Greenfield Garden Cinemas

Baystate Franklin Medical Center

Common Ground Fitness

Franklin County's YMCA

Green River Yoga

Energy Park

Greenfield Community College 

The People's Pint
 

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