Norfolk County, Massachusetts

Norfolk County, Massachusetts is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, and is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county is home to many notable institutions, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Tufts University. Norfolk County is also where many famous individuals were born or lived, such as John F. Kennedy, John Adams, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The county is bordered by Suffolk County, Massachusetts to the north, Bristol County, Massachusetts to the south, Worcester County, Massachusetts to the west, and Plymouth County, Massachusetts to the southeast.

Geography

Norfolk County is located in the eastern part of Massachusetts, and is bordered by the Charles River to the north and the Neponset River to the east. The county's terrain is varied, with many hills, valleys, and wetlands, including the Blue Hills Reservation and the Neponset River Reservation. The highest point in the county is Great Blue Hill, which is also home to the Blue Hill Observatory. Norfolk County is also home to many parks and nature reserves, including the Cutler Park Reservation and the Milton Hill Reservation. The county's geography has been shaped by the Last Glacial Maximum, which carved out many of the county's valleys and hills.

History

The area that is now Norfolk County has been inhabited for thousands of years, with many Native American tribes, including the Massachusett and the Wampanoag, living in the area. The county was first settled by European-Americans in the early 17th century, with the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The county was officially formed in 1793, and was named after the Duke of Norfolk. During the American Revolution, Norfolk County was a key location, with many important battles and events taking place in the area, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. The county is also home to many historic sites, including the Adams National Historical Park and the Old Ship Meetinghouse.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Norfolk County was approximately 725,981 people, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and incomes. The county is home to many Hispanic and Latino Americans, as well as African Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The median household income in the county is around $83,000, with many residents commuting to Boston or other nearby cities for work. The county is also home to many notable people, including Barack Obama, John Kerry, and Elizabeth Warren. Many residents of the county are affiliated with nearby universities, including Boston University, Brandeis University, and Bentley University.

Government

The government of Norfolk County is headed by a County Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget, infrastructure, and services. The county is also part of the Massachusetts State Legislature, with many representatives and senators serving the area. The county has a strong tradition of Democratic Party (United States) politics, with many notable Democrats, including Ted Kennedy and Michael Dukakis, hailing from the area. The county is also home to many Non-governmental organizations, including the Norfolk County Bar Association and the Norfolk County Historical Society.

Communities

Norfolk County is composed of 28 cities and towns, including Quincy, Massachusetts, Brockton, Massachusetts, and Dedham, Massachusetts. The county is also home to many neighborhoods and villages, including Hyde Park, Massachusetts and Roslindale, Massachusetts. Many of the county's communities have their own unique character and history, with Milton, Massachusetts being known for its historic homes and Wellesley, Massachusetts being home to Wellesley College and Babson College. The county is also home to many Census-designated places, including Canton, Massachusetts and Sharon, Massachusetts.

Economy

The economy of Norfolk County is diverse, with many industries, including Health care, Technology, and Manufacturing, playing a significant role. The county is home to many major companies, including Biogen, Boston Scientific, and Dell EMC. The county is also a hub for Startups, with many Incubators and Accelerators, including the MassChallenge and the Techstars program. The county's economy is also driven by its many Universitys and Research institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the Whitehead Institute. Many residents of the county commute to nearby Boston or other cities for work, with the county being a key part of the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county is also home to many Non-profit organizations, including the Norfolk County Community Foundation and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.