Our Region
When people from outside our state think and speak of Massachusetts, the city of Boston is often referenced, and indeed, much of the population and economic activity in the state is centered in Boston and its close suburbs. However, there are many areas within the state outside of the Boston suburbs where life is less hectic, the air is cleaner, there is less traffic, and housing is less expensive. Such is the case in our area of North Central Massachusetts.
Fitchburg was founded in 1764 and has a population of 41, 345 and a land area of 28.1 square miles. It is the 3rd largest city in Worcester County with access to the region by routes 2, 12, I-190 as well as MBTA Commuter Rail which makes two stops in Fitchburg and runs regularly from West Fitchburg to Boston. The trip to Boston is just over one hour via train. Fitchburg residents can travel south to Worcester via Rt. 1-190 in about 25 minutes. A short drive north brings you to Southern New Hampshire or Vermont. In addition to many theatres, shopping venues, and restaurants, there are many employment opportunities in Fitchburg and throughout Worcester County. Worcester is also host to the Worcester Red Sox “Woo Sox”.
The city of Fitchburg is culturally diverse with a large Spanish speaking population. Christ Church, by virtue of its central location in downtown, is only blocks from important institutions, such as the soon-to-be refurbished public Library, historic City Hall, the Fitchburg Art Museum and Police Department Headquarters. Restaurants and commercial shops are a short walk away, and Fitchburg University is close by as well.
The region also has a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities that are within reasonable driving distance. Within Fitchburg itself, Great Wolf Lodge waterpark offers an indoor year-round destination. There are also many parks for recreational activities, the largest being Coggshall Park, a 250 acre parcel that is primarily wooded with numerous hiking and walking trails, with Mirror Lake at its center, and includes a Stonehouse, gazebo, playground and a ball field area.
For the past several years, Fitchburg has had a downturn in its economic growth and the area looks a little ‘worn out’. With the help of several community-minded organizations, Fitchburg is experiencing some revitalization in the downtown area as well as other parts of the city. There are several new restaurants located downtown and nearby, while many new businesses have moved into what were once vacant structures. Many old mill buildings have been and continue to be converted into residential and commercial units. City Hall has been completely rebuild, preserving the history look of its facade. The Fitchburg Public Library is currently getting a complete rehab of its own, and the Crocker Elementary School is being replaced by a brand new school building.
Being in the center of New England, Fitchburg is within an hour or two of all the New England states and their beaches, mountains, and cultural centers. Anyone who lives in Fitchburg will also be aware of the fact that we have all four seasons. While the last couple of winters have been mild, we do get snow every year to some degree, measured in feet by winter’s end. For those who like winter sports, Mt. Wachusett, about a 20-minute drive away, has several trails for skiing and snowboarding, while Saima Park in Fitchburg has cross-country skiing trails.
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