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Oxford, MA

Frequently asked questions

Oxford, MA

Oxford is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 13,347 as of the 2020 United States Census. 

Oxford was first settled in 1687 and was officially incorporated in 1713. It was the birthplace of Clara Barton, the first president and founder of the American Red Cross. Oxford was originally settled by Huguenots in two waves, the original settlement having been abandoned after four residents (John Johnson and his three children, Peter, Andrew, and Mary) were killed in a violent confrontation with local Native Americans. This event, the Johnson Massacre, is commemorated near the south end of town on Main Street. The remains of the Huguenot Fort (built in 1686) still exist near Huguenot Road. The first town clerk of Oxford was John Town, who also served as a selectman and as a church deacon.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 27.5 square miles (71 km2), of which 26.6 square miles (69 km2) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2), or 3.20%, is water. The town sits in a valley, and much of its area lies in the flood plain of the French River, which runs through the town. A substantial parcel north and west of Oxford Center is held, for flood control purposes, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The land, known as Greenbriar, also serves as a nature preserve.

It also serves to cut off east-west travel on former roads through the site. Route 20 runs east-west through North Oxford, running north-south Route 12, locally called Main Street; less than a mile from Route 56, connecting North Oxford with points north; and Interstate 395, linking Oxford to Worcester and eastern Connecticut with three local exits: Depot Road in North Oxford; Sutton Avenue, the main east-west street in Oxford Center; and Cudworth Road, near the Webster town line.

The town used to include much of what is now Webster, on its southern border, but Oxford and neighboring Dudley both gave portions of their land to allow the creation of that town. Other towns bordering Oxford are Charlton to the west, Leicester and Auburn to the north, Millbury and Sutton to the east, and Douglas to the southeast.

Oxford places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Nashoba Valley Medical Center and Harrington Hospital offer a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Prime Fitness & Nutrition provides a comprehensive gym experience with a variety of fitness classes and personal training options. Fitness enthusiasts can join classes at Orangetheory Fitness for high-intensity interval training. Yoga lovers can find peace and flexibility at Better Life With Yoga. Families can enjoy the Oxford Community Center which hosts various wellness activities and events. Lastly, outdoor enthusiasts can explore Hodges Village Dam for hiking and nature walks.

Top sites in Oxford, MA are Crystal Caves-Family Entertainment, Clara Barton Birthplace Museum, and Samuel Slater Experience.

Population: 5,572 (2023). ZIP codes: 01537 (North Oxford); 01540 (Oxford); 01542 (Rochdale). Area code: 508, 774. Elevation: 509 ft (155 m). Area: 27.5 sq mi (71.3 km²).

FAQs

What is Oxford MA known for?

The Town of Oxford is located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, approximately 11 miles south of Worcester, MA. Oxford is the birthplace of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Oxford is also the birthplace of Elliot Joslin, the first doctor in the United States to specialize in diabetes and the founder of today's Joslin Diabetes Center.

What is the crime rate in Oxford MA?

Oxford has an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Oxford is 1 in 101. Oxford's crime rate is lower than approximately 33% of Massachusetts communities. However, compared to other communities of similar population size, Oxford has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than the average. This means that for comparably sized cities all across America, Oxford is safer than most according to NeighborhoodScout's exclusive analysis of FBI crime data.

Is Oxford, MA a good place to live?

Oxford is a with a population of 13,369. Oxford is in Worcester County. Living in Oxford offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Oxford and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Oxford

Neighborhood Scout

Niche

Crystal Caves-Family Entertainment

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

Samuel Slater Experience

Nashoba Valley Medical Center

Harrington Hospital

Prime Fitness & Nutrition

Orangetheory Fitness

Better Life With Yoga

Oxford Community Center

Hodges Village Dam

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.