Billerica, Massachusetts

The Town of Billerica is located 19 miles northwest of Boston and borders Lowell to the south. Incorporated in 1655, the town remained predominately agricultural until the mid-nineteenth century when a major mill complex was sited on the Concord River in North Billerica. Although a number of smaller industries grew up over the next 100 years, it wasn't until the 1950's that the present day industrial base was established. Today, Billerica is a major regional employer and home to several high technology firms, many of which are offshoots of companies along Route 128 to the south.

Currently Billerica has close to 40,000 residents, having grown rapidly from 10,000 residents in 1950. The majority of homes are located within residential subdivisions, although significant older neighborhoods exist in the town center, North Billerica, Pinehurst and Nutting Lake.

The town is within minutes of Route 3 and Interstate 495, both major limited access highways. The town has bus and train service provided by the Lowell Regional Transit Authority and the MBTA at North Billerica. The remnants of the historic Middlesex Canal, an outmoded mode of transport, traverse the town north to south.

Two rivers pass through town. The Concord River is a major regional water feature while the Shawsheen River meanders through the southerly part of town. Billerica is also the site of the Middlesex House of Correction, a significant town employer.

Even though much of Billerica has been developed, there are still significant parcels of vacant land which lend a certain rural character to many areas of town.

Location

Northeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Carlisle and Chelmsford on the west, Lowell and Tewksbury on the north, Wilmington and Burlington on the east, and Bedford on the south.

Billerica is 19 miles north of Boston, 23 miles northwest of Lynn, 45 miles northeast of Worcester, and 205 miles from New York City.

Total Area:

26.39 sq. miles

Land Area:

25.89 sq. miles

Population:

37,609

Density:

1,453 per sq. mile

Climate: (National Climatic Data Center, Bedford Station)

Normal temperature in January.....24.3°F
Normal temperature in July........71.2°F
Normal annual precipitation.......44.8"

Lowell Sun Article:

From Agragrian Roots, Billerica goes High Tech
By John Wolfson, Sun Staff
Reprinted from Lowell Sun Sunday 5/14/2000

Billerica's Natural Treasures:

A summary of Conservation and Recreation Areas
Reissued for Earth Day 1998
Excerpts from Letter to Fellow Residents