Longmeadow, Massachusetts
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| Longmeadow, Massachusetts | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampden County |
| Settled | 1644 |
| Incorporated | 1783 |
| Government | |
| - Type | Open town meeting |
| - Town Manager |
Robin L. Crosbie |
| Area | |
| - Town | 9.5 sq mi (24.6 km²) |
| - Land | 9.0 sq mi (23.4 km²) |
| - Water | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Elevation | 160 ft (49 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Town | 15,633 |
| - Density | 1,732.5/sq mi (668.9/km²) |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 blubs) |
| - Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 01106 |
| Area code(s) | 413 |
| Website: http://www.longmeadow.org/ | |
Longmeadow is a town in Hampden County, Massachusetts. The population was 15,633 at the 2000 census. Its town government consists of a Select Board with 5 members.
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[edit] History
Longmeadow was first settled in 1644, and officially incorporated on October 17, 1783. The town was originally farmland within the limits of Springfield. It remained relatively pastoral until the end of World War II, when the population tripled over a fifteen-year period. Today it is the most affluent suburb in the Pioneer Valley (or Knowledge Corridor) region between Springfield and Hartford, featuring the highest per capita income of any location in that area. Johnny Appleseed once lived there, as did recent celebrities like actress Bridget Moynahan, Aaron Lewis of the band Staind, and Total Request Live host Damien Fahey. Author Anita Shreve is a current town resident.
[edit] Geography
Longmeadow is located in the western part of the state, just south of the city of Springfield, and is bordered on the west by the Connecticut River, to the east by East Longmeadow and to the south by Enfield, Connecticut. It extends approximately 3 miles north to south and 2.5 miles east to west. It is approximately 20 miles north of Hartford.
Longmeadow has a town common located along US Highway 5, on the west side of town. It is about 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) long. The town has three elementary schools, two secondary schools, and one high school. The commercial center of town is an area called "The Longmeadow Shops," including restaurants and clothing stores.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.6 km² (9.5 mi²). 23.4 km² (9.0 mi²) of it is land and 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²) of it (5.05%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 15,633 people, 5,734 households, and 4,432 families residing in the town. The population density was 669.2/km² (1,732.5/mi²). There were 5,879 housing units at an average density of 251.7/km² (651.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.42% White, 0.69% African American, 0.05% Native American, 2.90% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.
There were 5,734 households out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.1% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.7% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $75,461, and the median income for a family was $87,742. Males had a median income of $88,238 versus $40,890 for females. The per capita income for the town was $38,949. About 1.0% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.3% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.as in below poverty.
[edit] Schools
The Longmeadow public school system is comprised of six schools. Blueberry Hill School, Center School, and Wolf Swamp Road School are K-5 elementary schools. Williams Middle School and Glenbrook Middle School serve grades 6-8. Longmeadow High School serves all students in the town between grades 9 and 12.
Longmeadow is known for their athletic rivalry against neighboring suburb, East Longmeadow, and their Thanksgiving Day "Super Bowl" football game is very popular among residents of both towns. Longmeadow High School's team name is the Lancers. Other rivals include Minnachaug Regional High School, Agawam, Springfield Central, and South Hadley. In 2006 Longmeadow High School's Hockey Team was the Division III state champions. 2004 Girls Lacrosse Were Division I State Champions. Longmeadow High School's Football team has gone to ten straight Western Mass-Central Mass Super Bowls under Head Coach Alex Rotsko. Three out of the last four seasons, the football team has gone undefeated. The previous four teams have posted a 46-3 record. The 2005 Football team beat Leominster in the Division 1 Super Bowl 21-20 and beat Leominster again in 2006 42-0.
Longmeadow is also known for its phenomenal music program. Approximately 50% of the students at Longmeadow High School participate in the music program. The choruses have won gold medals at the MICCA competition. The jazz ensemble has won numerous gold medals as well, but no longer competes. The wind ensemble and symphony orchestra have had the honor of performing in Indianapolis, Boston (Boston Symphony Hall), and New York (Carnegie Hall). However, the music program's crowning achievement has been receiving three national Grammy Awards based on the high level of excellence maintained throughout all groups in the music program.
