|
 Southbridge,
a town of approximately 17,300 people, is
located in the south central portion of the
Commonwealth, nearly equidistant from the cities
of Hartford, Springfield, Providence and
Worcester. Although conveniently situated near
larger more urbanized areas, Southbridge is the
nucleus of a scenic, semi-rural region. The town
provides a wide array of facilities and services
including a kindergarten through twelfth grade
school system, full time police, fire and
emergency services departments and the
maintenance of quality water and sewerage
systems. Southbridge has successfully maintained
a Moody's bond rating of A for over a decade
while ensuring services for its residents. Two
recent essential projects the town has had the
ability to fund are; renovations and additions
to three elementary schools, and the purchase of
a water company serving 95% of the town.
Southbridge
offers a broad range of opportunities and
excellent quality of life, its residents feel,
The town's heritage is the manufacture of
optical products and peripheral industries and
is now one of the world's major centers for
fiberoptics technology. Other industries
flourish as well, including cutlery manufacture
and tool and die making. There is a modern full
service hospital, an active cultural center, a
YMCA with indoor pool and programs for all ages
(including lakefront summer camp), active sports
leagues and three parks
Housing
stock is plentiful. Education is a priority,
with three elementary schools and a junior high
school emphasizing the basics while the high
school and a regional vocational technical high
school prepare students for the work world and
entry into college. Opportunities for civic,
service, religious and cultural participation
are abundant and diverse, and citizens partake
of recreational activities both locally and
regionally. These and other opportunities and
services lead to a quality of life that is
appreciated and enjoyed by the entire community.
|
 |
| Form
of Government: |
Council/Manager |
| Population
(2004): |
17,314 |
| Registered
Voters (2004): |
11,366 |
| School
Enrollment (2006): |
2,720 |
| County: |
Worcester |
| Square
Miles: |
20.38 |
| Public
Road Miles (2004): |
81.04 |
| Income
Per Capita (1999): |
$18,514 |
| Median
Family Income (1999): |
$41,863 |
| EQV
Per Capita (2004): |
$52,065 |
| Average
Tax Bill (2006): |
$2,330 |
| Tax Rate (2006): |
$11.64 |
| Operating
Budget (2006): |
$45,545,162 |
|
 |
|
from
the Mass. DHCD