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Shrewsbury, MA

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Shrewsbury, MA

Shrewsbury is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 38,325 according to the 2020 United States Census, in nearly 15,000 households.

Incorporated in 1727, Shrewsbury prospered in the 19th century due to its proximity to Worcester, and from visitors to Lake Quinsigamond. The town is governed under the New England representative town meeting system, headed by the Town Manager and a five-member elected Select Board.

The Town of Shrewsbury, named after Shrewsbury, England, is a community with an uneven and hilly terrain cut by several minor streams providing several small water power sites. Grants of land were made in what would eventually be the town beginning in 1664, with the 3,200-acre (13 km2) grant called Haynes Farm as the largest. In 1664 Native American leader, Peter Jethro, and other Nipmuc Indians deeded land around Lake Quinsigamond to settlers in the area. Settlers came primarily from Sudbury and Marlborough, and the first permanent settler was Gersham Wheelock in 1720. As a town, Shrewsbury was first settled in 1722 and officially incorporated in 1727.

Townspeople created an agricultural economy with apple orchards, and by 1750, there were two stores and four taverns as well as several small industries in operation. The rapid fall of prices for agricultural goods, the shortage of hard currency, and the general economic depression following the Revolutionary War produced disastrous conditions for colonists. Shays' Rebellion in 1786 sought to close the courts to prevent debt collections and the foreclosure of mortgages. Shrewsbury became a staging area for the rebellion and the encampment of the more than 400 insurgents, before the march on the Worcester Court House.

A leather industry began in 1786 in Shrewsbury, and town farmers developed large cattle herds to support the manufacture of boots and shoes. This was followed by the establishment of gunsmithing operations in 1797, which produced rifles, shotguns pistols, and eventually cutlery. Luther Goddard began in 1809 by making brass clocks and then established a small watch factory employing a few skilled Swiss and English watchmakers. Lumbering created sawmills, and they in turn drew chair and cabinet makers, plow, and wagon builders.

Shrewsbury is a suburb of Worcester. The town has a total area of 21.6 square miles (56 km2), of which 20.7 square miles (54 km2) is land and 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km2) (4.25%) is water.[5] Busta Rhymes Island is located in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Shrewsbury Health Department fields local public health-related inquiries and facilitates activities related to health and the environment. Reliant Medical Group and Shrewsbury Medical Group have a state-of-the-art facility to provide quality health services to the community. Start with a rejuvenating experience at The Gentle Place, known for its holistic wellness services. Another top-rated retreat is The Wellness Way, offering a range of treatments. For yoga enthusiasts, Bhavna's Wellness Group provides excellent yoga and meditation classes. Join health events like the Sprint Triathlon at Boroughs Family YMCA to boost your fitness levels. Finally, explore the community programs at Shrewsbury Parks & Recreation, which include a variety of fitness and health activities for all ages.

Top sites in Shrewsbury, MA are Ski Ward Ski Area, EcoTarium, Worcester Art Museum, and Dean Park.

Population: 38,440 (2023). ZIP code: 01545. Area codes: 508, 774. Elevation: 668 ft (204 m). Area: 21.6 square miles (56 km2).

FAQs

Is Shrewsbury, MA a nice place to live?

Shrewsbury is a with a population of 38,734. Shrewsbury is in Worcester County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Shrewsbury offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Shrewsbury, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Shrewsbury are highly rated.

What is the average income in Shrewsbury, MA?

There are a total of 13,808 households in Shrewsbury, each made up of around 3 members. Family establishments represent 73.94% of these Shrewsbury households, while non-family units account for the remaining 26.06%. Additionally, 39.45% of households have children and 60.55% of households are without children. The average annual household income in Shrewsbury is $145,572, while the median household income sits at $117,909 per year.

Why is Shrewsbury, MA called White City?

In 1904, Horace Bigelow, a developer, began planning to build an attraction spot for all ages on Lake Quinsigamond. On June 18, 1905, White City Amusement Park opened, according to Shrewsbury Historian Michael Perna. The park was called the White City because all the buildings and attractions were white. The park was built on the edge of the lake and one of the rides even brought participants out over the water. There were attractions for all ages — a miniature railway, circular swings, a chute the chute, a funhouse, and many other rides, according to Perna.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Shrewsbury

Point 2 Homes

Telegram

Niche

Ski Ward Ski Area

EcoTarium

Worcester Art Museum

Dean Park

Reliant Medical Group

Shrewsbury Medical Group

The Gentle Place

The Wellness Way

Bhavna's Wellness Group

Boroughs Family YMCA

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