Framingham, MA

Framingham, Massachusetts

Introduction to Framingham, Massachusetts

Framingham, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 19 miles W of Boston, Massachusetts. Framingham is regarded as the center of the Metrowest region. The town is home to the world headquarters of Staples, Bose Audio and TJX. Genzyme, Computer Associates, ITT Tech and Capital One have major facilities in the municipality. Breyers and Leggat McCall also have notable facilities in the area. Medical, education, bio-technical, office centers and retail are the major employers.

Framingham is known for its large number of white-collar technology and business professionals. The town is situated along the Sudbury River and mixes urban and rural features. It's included in the "Golden Mile" which is known for shopping malls. Framingham is the highest populated town in New England and sometimes is refereed to as "the largest town in America." It includes a variety of ethnic communities.

Framingham History

The town is situated on the historic Old Connecticut Path. In 1647 John Stone established a settlement along the Sudbury River. The area was originally named Danforth's Farm. The town had two militia companies involved in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Before the Civil War, Framingham hosted an annual meeting for the Abolitionist movement. Framingham had a significant increase in population after World War II ended.

Framingham Attractions

• Amazing Things Art Center.
• The Danforth Museum of Art features American art collections.
• Framingham Community Theater.
• Garden in the Woods is a botanical garden and features a notable collection of wildflowers and includes scenic trails.
• Framingham Historical Society and Museum.
• Village of Saxonville is located in Framingham and features historic structures such as Athenaeum Hall, Old Dansforth Street Bridge, the Saxonville Fire Station, Saxonville Mills & Josephine Kochnowicz Clock Tower and the Edwards Church & Edwards Cemetery.
• Framingham Town Common includes notable historic structures such as The Old Village Hall, Edgell Library and the Unitarian (First Parish) and Plymouth churches. It also incudes numerous monuments.
• Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
• Salomon Pond Mall.

Framingham Activities

Bowditch Field is the primary athletic facility for Framingham. Lake Cochituate and Lake Washakum feature beach areas. Golf enthusiasts enjoy the course at Framingham Country Club. The Edwards F. Loring Skating area is a popular location. Callahan State Park provides trails for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. Farm Pond Park includes walking trails and a pond used for swimming and fishing.

The nearby Rocky Narrows features walking trails through rugged terrain. The close by Ashland Reservoir is utilized for canoeing and kayaking. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary is filled with wildlife and includes hiking trails. The scenic Nobscot Mountain area is a vast acreage and provides opportunities for hiking and camping. The Fun and Games Family Entertainment Center is a popular destination.

Framingham Transportation

The town is served by the nearby Logan Airport. Amtrak and the MBTA provide rail service to Boston. Local Inter Framingham Transit provides bus transportation.

Framingham Higher Education

The town is home to Framingham State College. Brandeis University as well as Wellesley, Regis, Mount Ida and Babson colleges are in the area.

High Points

Framingham strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 5%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 13%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 17%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 18%

Comparative Profile of Framingham, MA

Comparing Framingham to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Female Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
People Living Alone
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Framingham Almanac

Framingham Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Framingham Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Framingham, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Framingham Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Framingham Hospitals

METROWEST MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
115 LINCOLN STREET
(508) 383-1000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Framingham

Framingham High Schools (2004)

FRAMINGHAM H S
115 A STREET
508-620-4964
Serves 2,057 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.3

JOSEPH P KEEFE TECH HS
750 WINTER STREET
508-416-2100
A Vocational School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 732 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 8.5

Framingham Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Empire Beauty Schools

Framingham State College

The Career Institute of American International College

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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