View source for Framingham, Massachusetts

{{Short description|City in Massachusetts, United States}}
{{Redirect|Framingham|the villages in Norfolk county, England, UK|Framingham Pigot|and|Framingham Earl}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name            = Framingham
| settlement_type          = [[City]]
| image_skyline            = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Framingham Memorial - Framingham, MA -DSC00228.JPG
| photo1b = Framingham Centre Common - Framingham, Massachusetts - DSC00474.JPG
| photo2a = McCarthy Center - Framingham State University - DSC00375.JPG
| photo2b = Moore Road, Callahan State Park, Framingham MA.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| color = Transparent
| border = 0
| foot_montage = Left-right from top: Memorial Hall in [[Concord Square Historic District]], Framingham Common, [[Framingham State University]], [[Callahan State Park]]
}}
| imagesize                = 
| image_caption            = 
| image_seal               = Seal of Framingham, Massachusetts.png
| motto                    = 
| image_map                = Middlesex County Massachusetts incorporated and unincorporated areas Framingham highlighted.svg
| mapsize                  = 250px
| map_caption              = Location in Middlesex County in Massachusetts
| image_map1               = 
| mapsize1                 = 
| map_caption1             = 
| pushpin_map                     = Massachusetts#USA
| pushpin_label                   = Framingham
| pushpin_label_position          = top
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in Massachusetts##Location in the United States
| coordinates              = {{coord|42|16|45|N|71|25|00|W|region:US-MA_type:city(72,000)|display=it}}
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1        = State
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Massachusetts]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Middlesex County, Massachusetts|Middlesex]]
| established_title        = Settled
| established_date         = 1650
| established_title2       = Incorporated <small>(town)</small>
| established_date2        = June 26, 1700
| established_title3       = Incorporated <small>(city)</small>
| established_date3        = January 1, 2018
| government_type          = [[City]]
| leader_title             = [[Mayoralty in the United States|Mayor]]
| leader_name              = Charles Sisitski
| leader_title1            = [[City council]]
| leader_name1             = {{flat list|Phillipe Ottobani, Chair<br>Tracey Byron, Vice-News<br>George King<br>Janet Leombruna<br>Christine Long<br>Brendan Word<br>Adam Steiner<br>Michael Canons<br>Novak Alexander<br>Leora Malachi<br>Leslye White Harvey}}
| unit_pref                = Imperial
| area _magnitude          = 
| area_total_km2           = 68.65
| area_total_sq_mi         = 26.50
| area_land_km2            = 64.86
| area_land_sq_mi          = 25.04
| area_water_km2           = 3.78
| area_water_sq_mi         = 1.46
| elevation_m              = 50
| elevation_ft             = 165
| population_total         = 72362
| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_density_km2   = 1115.61
| population_density_sq_mi = 2889.39
| postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code              = 01701 and 01702
| area_code                = [[Area code 508|508]]/[[Area code 774|774]]
| website                  = {{URL|www.framinghamma.gov}}
| footnotes                = 
| image_butt               = 
| timezone                 = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset               = −5
| timezone_DST             = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset_DST           = −4
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = 25-24960
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = 0618224
| subdivision_type3        = [[List of regions in the United States|Region]]
| subdivision_name3        = [[New England]]
| nickname                 = 
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{Cite web |title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files (Massachusetts) |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_25.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref>
|pop_est_as_of = 
|pop_est_footnotes = 
|population_est = 
|population_footnotes = 
}}

'''Framingham''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Framingham.ogg|ˈ|f|r|eɪ|m|ɪ|ŋ|h|æ|m}}) is a [[city]] in the [[Commonwealth (U.S. state)|Commonwealth]] of [[Massachusetts]],  United States. Incorporated in 1700, it is located in [[Middlesex County, Massachusetts|Middlesex County]] and the [[MetroWest]] subregion of the [[Greater Boston]] metropolitan area. The city proper covers {{convert|25|mi2|0|abbr=out}} with a population of 72,362 in [[2020 United States census|2020]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2524960| title=Census - Geography Profile: Framingham town, Middlesex County, Massachusetts|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref> making it the 14th most populous [[municipality]] in Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://donahue.umass.edu/business-groups/economic-public-policy-research/massachusetts-population-estimates-program/census-2020-data-for-massachusetts |title=Census 2020 Data for Massachusetts|publisher=University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute |access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref> Residents voted in favor of adopting a charter to transition from a [[representative town meeting]] system to a [[mayor–council government]] in April 2017, and the municipality transitioned to city status on January 1, 2018. Before it transitioned, it had been the largest town by population in Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/framingham-massachusetts-vote-town-city/ | title=Framingham, Formerly Massachusetts' Largest Town, Votes to Become City | website=[[CBS News]] | date=4 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Confirms">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2017/04/recount_confirms_framingham_votes_to_become_a_city |title=Recount confirms Framingham votes to become a city |newspaper=Boston Herald |date=April 25, 2017 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140855/http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2017/04/recount_confirms_framingham_votes_to_become_a_city |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The city has one of the largest [[Brazilian American]] populations in the United States, with a considerable Brazilian presence since the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brazzil.com/2003/html/articles/oct03/p112oct03.htm |title=Brazil - Brasil - BRAZZIL - News from Brazil - Brazilian Is Not Hispanic - Brazilian Culture - October 2003 |publisher=Brazzil |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-date=2016-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920205713/http://www.brazzil.com/2003/html/articles/oct03/p112oct03.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="U.S. Census website">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |title=U.S. Census website |access-date=2007-04-20 }}</ref><ref name="Joel Millman">{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06047/656375.stm|title=Immigrant groups put new spin on cleaning niche| author=Joel Millman | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | via=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | date=February 16, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Migration and Refugee Services">{{cite web |url=http://www.usccb.org/mrs/brazilians.shtml |title=Migration and Refugee Services |website=Usccb.org |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-date=2011-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607122638/http://www.usccb.org/mrs/brazilians.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|Historic places in Framingham, Massachusetts}}
Prior to [[European colonization of the Americas|European colonization]], the region around Framingham was inhabited by the [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous]] [[Nipmuc people|Nipmuc]].<ref name="City of Framingham Website">https://framinghamhistory.org/harmony-grove/></ref> They lived in settlements established alongside the Washakamaug ("eel fishing place") or what is today called Farm Pond. The Nipmuc people used game management techniques through the hunting of deer and beaver, fishing in ponds and streams, as well as established growing areas for the [[Three Sisters (agriculture)|Three Sisters]] (squash, corn, beans) in the nearby hills. The ancient Native trail later known as the [[Old Connecticut Path]] also ran through this area. During the initial period of colonization of the region by Puritan settlers, the Nipmuc suffered a rapid decline in population due to the introduction of foreign infectious diseases to which they had no immunity and violence related to settler colonialism. Many of the Nipmuc people were forced into praying towns including nearby Natick.<ref>Evans-Daly, Laurie; Gordon, David C. ''Images of America Framingham'', Mount Pleasant, SC: Arcadia Publishing.</ref><ref>Parr, James; Swope, Kevin A. (2009). ''Framingham Legends & Lore'', Charleston, SC: The History Press.</ref><ref>Herring, Stephen (2000). ''Framingham: An American Town'', Framingham, MA: Framingham Tercentennial Commission.</ref><ref>''Report of the Traditional Government of the Nipmuc Nation''. http://nippi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2017-Report-of-the-Traditional-Government-of-the-Nipmuc0D0A-Nation.pdf</ref>

The first European settler in the area was John Stone who established a farm on the west bank of the [[Sudbury River]] in 1647. In 1660, [[Thomas Danforth]], an official of the Bay Colony received a grant of land at "Danforth's Farms" and began to accumulate over {{convert|15000|acre|km2|-2}}.

Between 1675 and 1676, [[King Philip's War]] created great tensions between English settlers and the Nipmuc people in the area. During this time, Nipmuc leader [[Tantamous]], who lived on [[Nobscot Hill]] and who resisted [[Christianization]] by the English, was arrested with his family members and other Nipmuc men by the colonial government in 1676 for what the colony deemed treason and they were incarcerated on [[Deer Island (Massachusetts)|Deer Island]]. He would escape, be recaptured, and later hanged on Boston Common.<ref name="ourbelovedkin.com">Lisa Brooks, ''Our Beloved Kin'' (Yale University Press, 2018) "Peter Jethro and the Capture of Monoco," https://ourbelovedkin.com/awikhigan/peter-jethro</ref> In January 1676, a group of Nipmuc men went to the Eames family homestead to demand that they return a stolen corn harvest. Although the historical record is unclear as to the exact details, this would result in an outbreak of violence between the Nipmuc men and the Eames family, where Mary Eames and five children were killed.<ref name="Cesareo Contreras, Framingham History Center exhibit aims to re-contextualize 'Eames Massacre', Metrowest Daily News">https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2022/02/01/framingham-history-center-exhibit-studies-eames-massacre-king-philips-war/9055719002/></ref>

As more settlers moved to the town, it would be named [[Framlingham, Suffolk|Framlingham]] after Thomas Danforth's hometown in England. Over time, Thomas Danforth strenuously resisted petitions for incorporation of the town, which was officially incorporated in 1700, following his death the previous year. Why the "L" was dropped from the new town's name is not known. The first church was organized in 1701, the first teacher was hired in 1706, and the first permanent schoolhouse was built in 1716.

On February 22, 1775, the British general [[Thomas Gage]] sent two officers and an enlisted man out of Boston to survey the route to [[Worcester, Massachusetts]]. In Framingham, those spies stopped at Buckminster's Tavern. They watched the town militia muster outside the building, impressed with the men's numbers but not their discipline. Though "the whole company" came into the tavern after their drill, the officers remained undetected and continued on their mission the next day.<ref>''General Gage's Instructions'', Boston: John Gill, 1779.</ref> Gage did not order a march along that route, instead ordering troops to [[Concord, Massachusetts]], on April 18–19. Framingham sent two militia companies totaling about 130 men into the [[Battles of Lexington and Concord]] that followed; one of those men was wounded.<ref>Samuel Adams Drake, ''History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts'' (Boston: Estes & Lauriat, 1880), vol. 1, p. 443</ref>

In the years before the [[American Civil War]], Framingham was an annual gathering-spot for members of the [[Abolitionism in the United States|abolitionist]] movement. Each [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] from 1854 to 1865, the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society held a rally in a picnic area called Harmony Grove on Farm Pond near what is now downtown Framingham. At the 1854 rally, [[William Lloyd Garrison]] burned copies of the [[Fugitive Slave Law]] of 1850, judicial decisions enforcing it, and the [[United States Constitution]]. Other prominent abolitionists present that day included [[William Cooper Nell]], [[Sojourner Truth]], [[Wendell Phillips]], [[Lucy Stone]], and [[Henry David Thoreau]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.masshist.org/objects/2005july.cfm |title=Massachusetts Historical Society: Object Archive |website=Masshist.org |date=1909-09-10 |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229221730/http://www.masshist.org/objects/2005july.cfm |archive-date=2010-12-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In July 1906, the [[Amsden Building collapse]], which occurred on Concord Street, claimed 12 lives (a 13th person died two years later, after being severely injured in the collapse).<ref>{{cite news |title=Only One is Now Missing |newspaper=The Boston Daily Globe |date=July 26, 1906 |page=1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-only-one-is-now-missing/179559354/ |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Chester Nicholson Dead |newspaper=The Boston Daily Globe |date=November 14, 1908 |page=2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-chester-nicholson-dead/179560752/ |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Following World War II, Framingham, like many other suburban areas, experienced a large increase in population and housing during the [[mid-20th-century baby boom]]. Much of the housing constructed during that time consisted of [[split-level house]]s and [[ranch-style house]]s.

Framingham is known for the [[Framingham Heart Study]], as well as for the Dennison Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1844 as a jewelry and watch box manufacturing company by [[Aaron Lufkin Dennison]], who became the pioneer of the [[American System of Watch Manufacturing]] at the nearby [[Waltham Watch Company]]. His brother Eliphalet Whorf Dennison developed the company into a sizable industrial complex which merged in 1990 into [[Avery Dennison]], with headquarters in [[Pasadena, California]], and active corporate offices in the town.

In 2000, Framingham celebrated its [[tercentennial]]. Framingham soon rose to become the largest town in Massachusetts, commonly referred to by the people of Framingham as "The largest town in the country." Framingham had attempted to become a city on three prior occasions 1993, 1997, and 2013, all of which were rejected by the people of Framingham.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/framingham/new-englands-largest-town-wants-become-city-0|title=New England's Largest Town Wants to Become a City|date=March 28, 2016|website=Framingham, MA Patch|access-date=November 27, 2019}}</ref> However, on January 1, 2018, Framingham became a city and [[Yvonne M. Spicer]] was inaugurated as its first mayor, thus becoming the first popularly elected African-American female mayor in Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/01/01/framingham/99mJhUauJMZU5xGkd0GsIN/story.html|title=Yvonne Spicer sworn in as Framingham's first mayor - The Boston Globe|work=BostonGlobe.com|access-date=2018-01-22|archive-date=2018-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072846/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/01/01/framingham/99mJhUauJMZU5xGkd0GsIN/story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has an area of 26.4&nbsp;square miles (68.5&nbsp;km{{sup|2}}), of which 25.1&nbsp;square miles (65.1&nbsp;km{{sup|2}})  is land and 1.3&nbsp;square miles (3.4&nbsp;km{{sup|2}})  (4.99%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

===Neighborhoods===
==== Golden Triangle ====
{{Main|Golden Triangle (Massachusetts)}}
The Golden Triangle was originally a three square mile district on the eastern side of Framingham, bordered by Worcester Rd. (Route 9), Cochituate Rd. (Route 30), and Speen Street in [[Natick, Massachusetts|Natick]]. In 1993, the area began to expand beyond the borders of the triangle with construction of a [[BJ's Wholesale Club]] and a [[Stop & Shop|Super Stop & Shop]] just north of Route 30.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/others/index.html |title=The Evolution of Other Stores and Plazas |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195249/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/others/index.html |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It now includes the original area plus parts of Old Connecticut Path., Concord St. (Route 126), and Speen St. north of Route 30. Because of the size and complexity of this area, Framingham and Natick cooperatively operate it as a single distinct district with similar [[zoning]]. The area is one of the largest shopping districts in [[New England]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}

The area was formed with the construction of [[Shoppers World (Framingham)|Shoppers World]] in 1951. Shoppers' World was a large open air shopping mall, the second in the US and the first east of the [[Mississippi River]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=288 |title=Shoppers' World Launches Mall Era |date=5 October 2005 |publisher=Mass Moments |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> The mall drew many other retail construction projects to the area, including [[Marshalls]] (1961, rebuilt as [[Bed Bath & Beyond]] 1997),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/marshalls/index.html |title=From the Marshalls Mall to Bed Bath & Beyond |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |date=2004-05-08 |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315211508/http://framinghamnatickretail.com/marshalls/index.html |archive-date=2016-03-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Caldor]] (1966, Rebuilt as [[Wal-Mart]] in 2002),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/caldor/index.html |title=From Caldor/CVS to Wal-Mart |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |date=2004-05-08 |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725080106/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/caldor/index.html |archive-date=2016-07-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Bradlees]] (1960s, rebuilt as [[Kohl's]] in 2002),<ref>{{cite web |author=Justin Tardiff |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/bradlees/index.html |title=From Bradlees to Kohl's |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930001130/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/bradlees/index.html |archive-date=2016-09-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Route 30 Mall (1970),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/rte30mall/index.html |title=The Evolution of the Route 30 Mall |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118094859/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/rte30mall/index.html |archive-date=2016-11-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> an [[AMC Theatres|AMC Framingham 15]], the Framingham Mall (1978, rebuilt 2000),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/framingham/index.html |title=From the Framingham Mall to Target |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315210612/http://framinghamnatickretail.com/framingham/index.html |archive-date=2016-03-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Lowe's]] (formerly the [[Verizon]] Building, 2006).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/verizon/index.html |title=From the NYNEX/Verizon Building to Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse |website=Framinghamnatickretail.com |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194321/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/verizon/index.html |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Complementary developments in Natick include the [[Natick Mall]] (1966, rebuilt in 1991, expanded 2007 & renamed Natick Collection),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/natickmall/index.html |title=From the Natick Mall (1966) to the Natick Mall (1994), Natick (2006), Natick Mall (2007), and Natick Collection (2007) |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070859/http://framinghamnatickretail.com/natickmall/index.html |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sherwood Plaza (1960),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/sherwood/index.html |title=The Evolution of Sherwood Plaza |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222748/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/sherwood/index.html |archive-date=2016-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Cloverleaf Marketplace (1978),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/cloverleaf/index.html |title=The Evolution of the Cloverleaf Mall |publisher=Framingham/Natick Retail |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725074551/http://www.framinghamnatickretail.com/cloverleaf/index.html |archive-date=2016-07-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the [[Home Depot]]. In 1994, Shoppers' World was demolished and replaced with a strip mall named Shoppers World.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://framingham.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/bid-adieu-shoppers-world/ |title=Bid Adieu Shoppers World &#124; Framingham Views |website=Framingham.wordpress.com |date=2007-01-13 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> There are also seven hotels and two car dealerships located within the Triangle.

In addition to retail properties, there are large office developments in the area including several companies headquartered in the triangle; the world headquarters of [[TJX]] is at the junction of Route 30 and Speen St,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact {{!}} TJX.com |url=https://www.tjx.com/contact |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=www.tjx.com |language=en}}</ref> as is the main office of [[International Data Group|IDG]] and [[International Data Corporation|IDC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://resources.idg.com/contact/contact-idg-north-america-offices|title = North America Offices &#124; IDG}}</ref> The [[American Cancer Society]] has an office in Framingham.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/massachusetts.html|title = Massachusetts &#124; American Cancer Society}}</ref> A [[Carling]] Brewery began operations in 1956, ending in 1975. Their buildings later housed [[Prime Computer]] and [[Boston Scientific]] before demolition in 2018 for a new [[MathWorks]] facility.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20180903/mathworks-expansion-erases-carling-brewery-building-in-natick#:~:text=Carling%20Brewery%20had%20a%2019,the%20past%20moved%20into%20oblivion.|title=Mathworks expansion erases Carling Brewery building in Natick|publisher=The MetroWest Daily News|access-date=2021-02-20|archive-date=2020-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206021300/https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20180903/mathworks-expansion-erases-carling-brewery-building-in-natick#:~:text=Carling%20Brewery%20had%20a%2019,the%20past%20moved%20into%20oblivion.|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Sealtest]] had a manufacturing facility in Framingham<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20110401/NEWS/304019934|title=Breyers' Framingham facility closes its doors|access-date=2021-02-20|archive-date=2014-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018011605/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20110401/News/304019934|url-status=dead}}</ref> which was used by [[Breyers]] from 1964 to 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150116/NEWS/150117014|title=Former Framingham ice cream factory demolished for new fitness center|publisher=The MetroWest Daily News|access-date=2021-02-20}}</ref>

====Downtown and South Framingham====
[[File:FraminghamMATownHall 2007-03-25.jpg|thumb|right|The Memorial Building, Framingham's town hall]]
[[File:Framingham Public Library Entrance.jpg|thumb|right|Framingham Public Library, Lexington St.]]

The downtown area is between Memorial Square, formed by the intersection of Concord St. and Union Ave., to the north, and its mirror intersection at the junction of Irving St. and Hollis St. on the south end. The area is bisected by Waverly St. (Route 135) and the [[MBTA]] [[Commuter Rail]] tracks. The anchoring structure of Downtown is the city hall, The Memorial Building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.com/downtown/dtrevdef.htm |title=Framingham Online - Downtown Defined, Framingham Economic Development Strategic Plan |website=Framingham.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> From 2015 to 2016, the whole area underwent a multimillion-dollar reconstruction of the intersection of Union Ave. and Concord St. that replaced the [[traffic circle]] with a signal-controlled intersection. Additional lights were installed at the Irving St./Hollis St. intersection, while older signals in the area were upgraded. All sidewalks in the area were to be replaced, lighting upgraded, and new amenities such as seating and bicycle racks were also installed. The project was scheduled to begin in 2012 but has been delayed to 2014–2015.<ref name=Reconstruction>{{cite web|title=Route 126 Downtown Roadway Improvement Project|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=1275|publisher=Town of Framingham|access-date=July 13, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711072542/http://www.framinghamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=1275|archive-date=July 11, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=MWD-Downtown>{{cite web |last1=Ameden |first1=Danielle |title=Roundabout or traffic lights for downtown Framingham |url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20120928/News/309289331 |publisher=Metrowest Daily News |access-date=July 13, 2014 |date=September 28, 2012}}</ref> Further delays pushed the project into 2015 due to needed electrical utility upgrades and replacement.<ref name="Patch-Downtown">{{cite web|last1=Petroni|first1=Susan|title=Where to Expect Delays Due to Construction in Downtown Framingham|url=http://patch.com/massachusetts/framingham/where-expect-delays-due-construction-downtown-framingham-0|access-date=30 April 2016|date=23 April 2015}}</ref>

South Framingham became the commercial center of the town with the advent of the railroad in the 1880s. It eventually came to house [[Avery Dennison|Dennison Manufacturing]] and the former [[General Motors]] [[Framingham Assembly]] plant, but the area underwent a financial downturn after the closure of these facilities during the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stepps.info/downtown.html |title=Framingham Downtown Revitalization |access-date=2007-03-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927034323/http://www.stepps.info/downtown.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> An influx of [[Hispanic]] and Brazilian immigrants helped to revitalize the district starting in the early 2000s. Along with Brazilian and Spanish oriented retail shops, there are restaurants, legal and financial services, the city offices and library, police headquarters, a performing arts center, and the local branch of the [[Social Security Administration]]. Several [[Culture of Asia|Asian]] and [[Indian American|Indian]] stores and restaurants add to the rich ethnic flavor of the area, and many small businesses, restaurants and automotive-oriented shops line Waverly St. from Natick in east to Winter St. in the west.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://framingham.com/shop/downtown.htm |title=Shopping Guide - Downtown Framingham |website=Framingham.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>

In 2006, the Fitts Market & Hemenway buildings façades underwent a restoration project; these newly renovated structures received a 2006 Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award in the Restoration and Rehabilitation Category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcpra/prawin.htm |title=MHC: Preservation Awards |website=Sec.state.ma.us |date=2008-01-01 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> In addition, several retail and housing projects involving the Arcade Building and the former Dennison Building Complex are in the planning stages or under construction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bealsandthomas.com/Project/1691framingham.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203011834/http://www.bealsandthomas.com/Project/1691framingham.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-02-03 |title=Beals and Thomas Project Profile: The Arcade at Downtown Framingham, Framingham, MA |date=2007-02-03 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.com/news/history/new_site_on_historical_society_house_tour.htm |title=The Residences at Dennison Triangle on Framingham.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022082847/http://www.framingham.com/news/history/new_site_on_historical_society_house_tour.htm |archive-date=October 22, 2006 }}</ref>

====West Framingham====
The business section on the West Side of Framingham runs primarily along Route 9, starting at Temple St., and is dominated by two large office/industrial parks: the Framingham Industrial Park on the north side of Route 9 and another park on the south side, both on the Framingham/Ashland/Southborough border. [[Bose (company)|Bose]], [[Staples Inc.|Staples]] and Applause have their world headquarters in these parks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.org/planning_dept/LIFT_schedule_9_update.pdf |title=Local Bus Schedule with maps of these Company HQs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627141241/http://www.framinghamma.org/planning_dept/LIFT_schedule_9_update.pdf |archive-date=June 27, 2007 }}</ref> as does convenience store chain [[Cumberland Farms]]; in addition, [[Netezza]], [[Genzyme]], [[Capital One]], [[CA Technologies]], [[ITT Tech]] and the local paper, [[The MetroWest Daily News]], all have major facilities there. Two of Framingham's seven major auto dealerships are also in West Framingham.

The large tracts of multi-story apartment and [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]] complexes line both sides of Route 9 from Temple St. to the industrial parks. These buildings represent the majority of Framingham's multi-family dwellings, and along with the business complexes, helped create a large network of support services on the West Side: a supermarket,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stopandshop.com/cgi-bin/stores.pl |title=Archived copy |access-date=2007-03-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329053527/http://www.stopandshop.com/cgi-bin/stores.pl |archive-date=March 29, 2007 }}</ref> dozens of restaurants and pubs, hotels and a large [[day-care]] facility all are in the two-mile (3&nbsp;km) section of Route 9 from Temple St. to [[Ashland, Massachusetts|Ashland]].

====Villages and Route 9====
[[File:Fram common.jpg|thumb|left|The Common in Framingham Center]]

The [[Framingham Centre Common Historic District]] is the city's physical and historic center. Formed at the junctions of [[Massachusetts Route 9|Worcester Rd. (Route 9)]], Pleasant St. (Route 30), High St., Main St. and Edgell Rd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hometownlocator.com/City/Framingham-Center-Massachusetts.cfm |title=Framingham Center, Massachusetts MA Community Profile: City Data, Resources, Demographics |access-date=2007-03-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181255/http://www.hometownlocator.com/City/Framingham-Center-Massachusetts.cfm |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> the dominating presence is [[Framingham State University]]. The school has several thousand students, about one third of whom live on campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.edu/about_fsc.htm |title=About FSU |website=Framingham.edu |date=23 July 2015 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> In the late 1960s, [[MassHighway]] replaced the intersection with an overpass, depressing Route 9 below the local roads, and destroying the south half of the old Center retail district. The remaining half houses several small stores, restaurants, [[realtors]] and legal offices. The old Boston and Worcester Street Railway depot, on the east side of the center, was converted into a strip mall in the early 1980s and houses the Center Postal Station (01703) and several small stores.<ref>{{cite web|author=Fram Ingham |url=http://historicframingham.blogspot.com/2009/09/boston-worcester-trolley.html |title=Historic Framingham: Boston & Worcester trolley |website=Historicframingham.blogspot.com |date=2009-09-02 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> The center is rounded out by One and Two Edgell Rd. (two small retail/office buildings), the historic [[village hall]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://villagehallonthecommon.org/ |title=Rent the Village Hall |website=villagehallonthecommon.org |date=2014-06-20 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> the Jonathan Maynard Building (a former school, now a part of the Framingham State University campus which houses the Danforth Art Museum <ref name="danforthart1">{{cite web|url=https://danforth.framingham.edu/meet-us/history-of-the-danforth/ |title=History of the Danforth Art Museum and School |website=framingham.edu |access-date=2023-06-29}}</ref> ), the Framingham History Center (formerly the Framingham Historical Society and Museum),<ref name="framinghamhistory1">{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamhistory.org/ |title=Framingham History Center – History comes alive here! |website=Framinghamhistory.org |date=2017-03-15 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> several banks, a Chinese restaurant, the [[American Medical Response]] paramedic station and McCarthy Office Building.

The village of Nobscot, at the intersection of Water St., Edmands Rd. and Edgell Rd. near [[Nobscot Hill]], and the Pinefield/Saxonville villages, located where Concord St., Water St., and Central St. intersect,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.com/shop/nobscot.htm |title=Shopping Guide - Nobscot |website=Framingham.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.com/shop/saxonville.htm |title=Shopping Guide - Saxonville |website=Framingham.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> are home to several small office buildings, strip malls and gas stations. in 2016, the town moved its satellite branch of the public library named for [[Christa McAuliffe]] from Saxonville to a new facility across from the Hemenway School in Nobscot. [[Saxonville, Massachusetts|Saxonville]] is the home of the former Roxbury Carpet Company mill complex buildings (originally powered by the adjoining [[Sudbury River]]), now an industrial park, and is one of the city's historical districts.

==Demographics==
{{See also|List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income}}
{{Historical populations
|type= USA
|1850|4252
|1860|4227
|1870|4968
|1880|6235
|1890|9239
|1900|11302
|1910|12948
|1920|17033
|1930|22210
|1940|23214
|1950|28086
|1960|44526
|1970|64048
|1980|65113
|1990|64989
|2000|66910
|2010|68318
|2020|72362
|2024|73361
|source={{center|U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>}}
|footnote={{Historical populations/Massachusetts municipalities references}}<ref>{{cite web | title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020−2022| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] | access-date=November 25, 2023 | url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html}}</ref>
}}
As of the census of 2010,<ref name="Census 2010 DP">{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US2501724925| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (DP-1): Framingham town, Middlesex County, Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=November 28, 2018| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213235624/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US2501724925| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> there were 68,318 people, 26,173 households, and 16,535 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,732.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 27,529 housing units, of which 1,356, or 4.9%, were vacant. The racial makeup of the city was 71.9% [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|White]], 5.8% [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|Black]], 0.3% [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|Native American]], 6.3% [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|Pacific Islander]], 10.9% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|some other race]], and 4.6% from two or more races. [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|Hispanic]] or [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|Latino]] of any race were 13.4% of the population (4.7% [[Puerto Ricans in the United States|Puerto Rican]], 1.8% [[Guatemalan American|Guatemalan]], 1.5% [[Salvadoran American|Salvadoran]], 1.1% [[Dominican American|Dominican]], 0.9% [[Mexican American|Mexican]], 0.6% [[Colombian American|Colombian]], 0.3% [[Peruvian American|Peruvian]]). (Source: 2010 Census Quickfacts)

Of the 26,173 households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were headed by married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47, and the average family size was 3.03.<ref name="Census 2010 DP"/>

As of 2010, 20.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.8% were from 18 to 24, 30.0% were from 25 to 44, 25.8% were from 45 to 64, and 13.6% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males.<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/0600000US2501724925| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Framingham town, Middlesex County, Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=November 28, 2018| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213154146/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/0600000US2501724925| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2017, the estimated median income for a household in the city was $84,050, and the median income for a family was $101,078. Male full-time workers had a median income of $61,659, versus $54,714 for females. The per capita income for the city was $38,917. About 7.5% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/17_1YR/DP03/0600000US2501724925| title=Selected Economic Characteristics: 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates (DP03): Framingham town, Middlesex County, Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=November 28, 2018| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213161445/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/17_1YR/DP03/0600000US2501724925| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Brazil]]ian immigrants have a major presence in Framingham.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brazzil.com/2003/html/articles/oct03/p112oct03.htm |title=Brazil - Brasil - BRAZZIL - News from Brazil - Brazilian Is Not Hispanic - Brazilian Culture - October 2003 |publisher=Brazzil |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-date=2016-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920205713/http://www.brazzil.com/2003/html/articles/oct03/p112oct03.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="U.S. Census website"/><ref name="Joel Millman"/><ref name="Migration and Refugee Services"/> Since the 1980s, a large segment of the Brazilian population has come from the single city of [[Governador Valadares]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uml.edu/com/CITA/wpsiquera.pdf |title=Immigration in the U |website=Uml.edu |access-date=2017-03-25 |archive-date=June 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627141240/http://www.uml.edu/com/CITA/wpsiquera.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Economy==
Framingham's economy is predominantly derived from retail and office complexes. There are scatterings of small manufacturing facilities and commercial services such as plumbing, mechanical and electrical expected to be found in communities of its size. Framingham has three major business districts within the city, The "Golden Triangle", Downtown/South Framingham, and West Framingham. Additionally, there are several smaller business hubs in the villages of Framingham Center, Saxonville, Nobscot, and along the Route 9 corridor.

==Arts and culture==
* Amazing Things Arts Center<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazingthings.org/ |title=Amazing Things Amazing Things Arts Center Framingham |website=Amazingthings.org |date=2014-05-18 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* Buckminster Square- site of the Revolutionary War statue depicting a Blacksmith preparing for the march up Battle Road in 1775.
* Framingham Community Theater<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civicleague.net/fct.htm |title=Framingham Community Theater |access-date=2007-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223171854/http://www.civicleague.net/fct.htm |archive-date=February 23, 2007 }}</ref>
* [[Framingham History Center]] (formerly the Framingham Historical Society and Museum)<ref name="framinghamhistory1"/>
* [[Danforth Museum]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danforthmuseum.org/ |title=Danforth Art |website=Danforthmuseum.org |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* Metrowest Youth Symphony Orchestra<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metyso.org/ |title=Adventures in Tech, Wealth & Fulfillment |publisher=METYSO |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* '''Pike Haven Homestead''' was built in 1693 by Jeremiah Pike. He and his descendants were town and militia officers, yeomen, and makers of spinning wheels in the colonial period. This house had been occupied by the same family for eight generations.<ref>Sign erected at the site (corner of Belknap Rd and Grove St) by Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission</ref>

===Points of interest===
Framingham features dozens of athletic fields and civic facilities spread throughout the city in schools and public parks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/parks/ |title=Framingham Parks & Recreation |access-date=2005-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051120131854/http://www.framinghamma.gov/parks/ |archive-date=November 20, 2005 }}</ref> Many of the recreational facilities were constructed by the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] during the [[New Deal]].

==Parks and recreation==
* '''[[Bowditch Field]]''' is Framingham's main athletic facility. It is on Union Avenue midway between Downtown and Framingham Center and was the main athletic facility for the town. It houses a large multi-purpose [[American football|football]] stadium that included permanent [[bleachers]] on both sides of the field. There is still a baseball field, tennis courts, a track and field practice area, and the headquarters of the city Parks Department. Bowditch, along with Butterworth and Winch Parks, were all built during the [[Great Depression]] of the 1930s as [[Works Progress Administration|WPA]] projects. It underwent a complete renovation/reconstruction in 2010. It is also the current site of Framingham High's graduation ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/multimedia/x876590436/Framinghams-Bowditch-Field-renovation-ready-to-kick-off|title=Framingham's Bowditch Field renovation ready to kick off |work=[[The MetroWest Daily News]] |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=2010-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=1211 |title=Bowditch Athletic and Cultural Complex &#124; City of Framingham, MA Official Website |website=Framinghamma.gov |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* '''Butterworth Park''' is at the corner of Grant St and Arthur St. The park occupies a square block near downtown. The park has a baseball stadium that includes permanent bleachers on one side of the field, a basketball court and a tennis court. There is street parking on three sides. The bleachers have since been taken down.
* '''Winch Park''' is the sister park to Butterworth and is in Saxonville next to the Framingham High School. It includes a baseball stadium that includes permanent bleachers on one side of the field, a basketball court, tennis courts and two large practice fields used for football, soccer and [[lacrosse]]. There are two additional multi-use fields on the other side of the high school's gymnasium building.
* '''[[Callahan State Park]]''' is a large state park run by the DCR located in North Framingham in the city's northwest corner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/call.htm |title=Callahan State Park |access-date=2007-03-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331234050/http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/call.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2007 }}</ref>
* '''[[Cochituate State Park]]''' on Lake Cochituate has a small section in Framingham where Saxonville Beach is on the north western shore of the lake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/coch.htm |title=Cochituate State Park |access-date=2007-03-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331235535/http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/coch.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2007 }}</ref>
* '''Danforth Park''' on Danforth Street, not far from the [[Wayland, Massachusetts|Wayland]] town line. The small park has [[playground]] with a half basketball court and a small baseball/[[kickball]] field.
* '''Framingham Common''' is in Framingham Center in front of the old Town Hall along Edgell Road and Vernon Street. It features an outdoor stage for concerts and other fair weather events. It is a favorite of the students of Framingham State University, and the site of their annual graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.edu/ |title=Framingham State University |website=Framingham.edu |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* '''Cushing Park''' on the South Side is a passive recreational area. The Framingham Peace and [[9/11]] Memorials are within the park across the street from Farm Pond, along with the Cushing Chapel. During World War II, the United States War Department constructed the Cushing General Hospital (named for [[Harvey Cushing|Dr. Harvey Cushing]]) on this site; the chapel was part of the hospital complex. After the [[Korean War]] the hospital was sold to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for use as a geriatric hospital. After the hospital was closed in 1991, the land was converted into a 57-acre public park.<ref>{{Citation | last = Bergeron | first = Chris | title = Historian chronicles story of Framingham's Cushing Hospital | publisher = [[The MetroWest Daily News]] | year = 2015 | url = http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150413/NEWS/150418840}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Paganella | first = Nicholas | title = Remembering Cushing Hospital, 70 years later | publisher = [[The MetroWest Daily News]] | year = 2014 | url =http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20140125/opinion/140127304}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Ameden | first = Danielle | title = Framingham: Fond memories for Cushing Hospital | publisher = [[The MetroWest Daily News]] | year = 2015 | url = http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150724/NEWS/150727938}}</ref>
* '''Long Athletic Complex''' On the south side of Framingham, near downtown the complex is the host of three little league baseball diamonds (Carter, Tusconi, Merloni), two Babe Ruth baseball fields (one being Long field), a softball field, outdoor basketball court, and two concession stands. The complex is surrounded by Keefe Tech High School, Loring Arena, and Barbari Elementary School. All of the fields have lights, and they host almost all of Framingham's Little League games. Long field is the host of JV high school games as well as most Framingham Babe Ruth games. The concession stands are both non-profit and all the money goes to the Framingham baseball league.

===Conservation land===
* Framingham has about {{convert|400|acre|km2}} of land that has been placed into public conservation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/web/pages/Public_Lands.html |title=Public Lands of the Framingham, MA Conservation Commission |access-date=2007-04-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517235530/http://www.framinghamma.gov/web/pages/Public_Lands.html |archive-date=May 17, 2007 }}</ref>
** The Wittenborg Woods was donated to the town in 1999 by Harriet Wittenborg. The properties were originally purchased from Henry Ford in the 1940s. Henry Ford owned all of the land around the [[Wayside Inn]] in nearby Sudbury, and Harriet (and her husband) were required to interview with Mr. Ford to determine if they would be good stewards of the land.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/web/pages/Wittenborg_Woods.htm |title=Wittenborg Woods, Framingham, MA Conservation Land |access-date=2007-04-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194850/http://www.framinghamma.gov/web/pages/Wittenborg_Woods.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>
** The Morency Woods is a parcel of land that is physically located in Natick, Massachusetts on the Framingham border, but which is owned by the City of Framingham. This forested land was used as a [[sewer bed]] up until the mid-1940s and was placed into conservation in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/web/pages/Morncey%20Woods.html |title=Macomber, Framingham, MA Conservation Land |access-date=2007-04-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195002/http://www.framinghamma.gov/web/pages/Morncey%20Woods.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>
* The [[Sudbury Valley Trustees]] has approximately {{convert|200|acre|km2|1}} of land in North Framingham and along the Sudbury River in a private conservation trust.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sudburyvalleytrustees.org/sitemaps.php?id=framingham |title=Sudbury Valley Trustees |access-date=2007-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501131723/http://www.sudburyvalleytrustees.org/sitemaps.php?id=framingham |archive-date=May 1, 2007 }}</ref>

===Recreation===
[[File:Garden in the Woods - IMG 2451.JPG|thumb|right|220px|[[Garden in the Woods]]]]
* [[Garden in the Woods]], operated by the [[New England Wild Flower Society]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newfs.org/ |title=New England Wild Flower Society — New England Wild Flower Society |website=Newfs.org |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> is a botanical garden that features the largest landscaped collection of native wildflowers in [[New England]]. It is in Nobscot, off of Hemenway Road.
* [[Framingham Country Club]], along Salem End Road on the South Side, is a private club that features an 18-hole course with {{convert|6580|yd|m|0}} of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.
* Nobscot Scout Reservation is a private facility owned by the Knox Trail Council<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ktc-bsa.org/ |title=Knox Trail Council &#124; BSA |website=Ktc-bsa.org |date=2016-12-15 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] and is open to the public during most of the year.
* The city has several public beaches including Saxonville beach on Lake Cochituate, Washakum Beach on Lake Washakum, and the beach at [[Learned Pond]].
* The former Cushing hospital grounds serve as walking, biking, rollerblading, and picnic areas.
* Farm Pond in South Framingham once used to host Fourth of July Fireworks, now is a picnic area.
* Edward F. Loring Skating Arena,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/parks/loringarena.htm |title=Framingham Parks & Recreation |access-date=2007-07-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194928/http://www.framinghamma.gov/parks/loringarena.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> near Farm Pond at the corner of Fountain and Dudley Roads, is a municipal skating arena for area groups on a rental basis and public skating and stick time is available September through April.
*The [[Cochituate Rail Trail]] is a 3.7 mile, multi-use trail for walkers, joggers and bikers that runs from the Village of [[Saxonville]] in [[Framingham]] to [[Natick Center]]. While the Framingham section opened in 2015, the entire length of the trail opened to the public in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.traillink.com/trail/cochituate-rail-trail/|title=Cochituate Rail Trail &#124; Massachusetts Trails &#124; TrailLink}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/crtrail/ {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>

==Government==
Framingham's Home Rule Charter was approved by voters on April 4, 2017, and took effect on January 1, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.telegram.com/news/20170425/framingham-recount-affirms-vote-to-become-city|title=Framingham recount affirms vote to become city|last=Haddadin|first=Jim|date=April 25, 2017|work=Worcester Telegram|access-date=2018-02-02|language=en}}</ref> On that date, [[Yvonne M. Spicer]] was inaugurated as Framingham's first mayor.

Elections are held in November of odd-numbered years, to elect a full-time mayor serving a four-year term, and an 11-member city council comprising nine district members serving two-year terms, and two at-large members serving four-year terms. The mayor replaced the Board of Selectmen as the chief executive, and the City Council replaced Representative Town Meeting as the legislative body. The mayor and at-large-councilors are limited to a maximum of three consecutive terms in office and district councilors are limited to six consecutive terms in office.<ref name=":0" />

The School Committee has ten members: one elected from each of the nine districts, serving two-year terms, and the mayor, who serves as a tenth member and may only vote to break a tie.<ref name=":0" />

The Board of Library Trustees and the Board of Cemetery Trustees have also elected positions serving for four-year terms, with half the membership elected at alternating municipal elections.<ref name=":0" />

The Charter provides for an automatic review of the Charter five years after its adoption and periodically thereafter.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.gov/2237/Summary-of-Home-Rule-Charter|title=Summary of Home Rule Charter {{!}} City of Framingham, MA Official Website|website=www.framinghamma.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-02-01|archive-date=February 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190233/http://www.framinghamma.gov/2237/Summary-of-Home-Rule-Charter|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Framingham, Massachusetts}}
The Framingham School Department can trace its roots back to 1706, when the town hired its first [[schoolmaster]], Deacon Joshua Hemenway. Although Framingham had its first schoolmaster, it did not get its own public school building until 1716. The first high school, the Framingham Academy, opened its doors in 1792; however, this school was eventually closed due to financing issues and the legality of the town providing funds for a private school. The first town-operated high school opened in 1852, and has been in operation continuously in numerous locations throughout the town.<ref name="Historic time line of Framingham">{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.com/history/histtime.htm |title=History: Timeline |website=Framingham.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>

Framingham has 14 public schools which are part of the Framingham Public School District.<ref name="FPS_District">{{cite web|url=http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/general.aspx?topNavId=1&orgcode=01000000&orgtypecode=5&&dropDownOrgCode=2 |title=Contact Information - Framingham (01000000) |website=Profiles.doe.mass.edu |date=2008-04-07 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> These include [[Framingham High School]], three middle schools (Walsh, Fuller, and Cameron), nine elementary schools (Barbieri, Brophy, Dunning, Hemenway, King, McCarthy, Potter Road, Stapleton, Harmony Grove), and the Blocks Pre-School.<ref name="FPS_District" /> The school district's main offices are located in the Fuller Administration Building on Flagg Drive<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/contact.cfm |title=Contact Us |access-date=2011-02-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724125807/http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/contact.cfm |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}</ref> with additional offices at the King School on Water Street. The city also has a regional [[vocational school|vocational high school]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/general.aspx?topNavId=1&orgcode=08290000&orgtypecode=5&&dropDownOrgCode=2 |title=Contact Information - South Middlesex Regional Vocational Technical (08290000) |website=Profiles.doe.mass.edu |date=2008-04-07 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> and one regional [[charter school]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/general.aspx?topNavId=1&orgcode=04180000&orgtypecode=5&&dropDownOrgCode=2 |title=Contact Information - Christa McAuliffe Charter Public (District) (04180000) |website=Profiles.doe.mass.edu |date=2008-04-07 |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> Framingham is also home to several private schools, including Summit Montessori School, the [[Sudbury Valley School]], one [[parochial school]], one [[Jewish]] day school, and several specialty schools.

Since 1998, when Framingham began upgrading its schools, it has performed major renovations to Cameron, Wilson, McCarthy, Fuller and [[Framingham High School]]. Two public school buildings that were mothballed due to financial issues or population drops have been leased to the Metrowest Jewish Day School (at the former Juniper Hill Elementary) and Mass Bay Community College (at the former Farley Middle school). Several schools that were no longer being used were sold off, including Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington.

Framingham has three colleges, including [[Framingham State University]] and [[Massachusetts Bay Community College]]'s Framingham Campus.

==Media==
===Newspapers and websites===

The City of Framingham is served by:
* ''Framingham Source'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://framinghamsource.com/|title=Framingham Source - Your Best Source for Framingham News!|website=Framingham Source|access-date=November 27, 2019}}</ref> a local news website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://framinghamsource.com/ |title=Framingham Source |website=Framinghamsource.com}}</ref>
* Framingham Online News, a local news and community information website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framingham.com/ |title=Framingham |website=Framingham.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* ''[[The MetroWest Daily News]]'', a daily broadsheet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/ |title=MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA: Local & World News, Sports & Entertainment in Framingham, MA |website=Metrowestdailynews.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* ''The Framingham Tab'', a weekly local current events tabloid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamtab.com/ |title=Local & World News, Sports & Entertainment in Framingham, MA |publisher=The Framingham Tab |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' provides a regional edition called Globe West that covers Framingham and the [[MetroWest, Massachusetts|MetroWest]] area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/regional_editions/globe_west/ |title=Globe West - The Boston Globe |website=Boston.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* Boston.com has a ''Your Town'' website that covers Framingham.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/framingham/ | work=The Boston Globe | title=Your Town Framingham | date=May 17, 2011}}</ref>
* ''A Semana'', a weekly, Brazilian-Portuguese language local current events tabloid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jornalasemana.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819114521/http://www.jornalasemana.com/|url-status=dead|title=A Semana - The Brazilian Newspaper &#124; A Semana...|archive-date=August 19, 2006|access-date=November 27, 2019}}</ref>
* ''The Gatepost'', a weekly student run newspaper published by [[Framingham State University]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gatepost | publisher = Framingham State University | url = https://framingham.collegiatelink.net/organization/gatepost | access-date = 1 May 2015 | archive-date = 17 June 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150617062406/https://framingham.collegiatelink.net/organization/gatepost | url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Television and cable===
Framingham has a [[public, educational, and government access]] (PEG) cable TV channel and local origination television station called Access Framingham (formerly FPAC-TV),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://accessfram.tv |title=WATCH CHARTER DEBATE REPEATS ON ACCESS FRAMINGHAM TELEVISION ON CABLE CHANNELS • RCN 3 • COMCAST 9 • VERIZON 43 – Public Access Television For and By Framingham Residents |website=Accessfram.tv |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> that airs on Channel 9 [[Comcast]], Channel 3 [[RCN Corporation|RCN]] and Channel 43 [[Verizon]]. Residents can create and produce their own television programs that reflect the personality of the community, and have them cablecast on the [[public-access television]] cable TV channels.

[[Framingham High School]] has a student-run television station, FHS-TV, that broadcasts locally; "Flyer News", its morning news program, has won 11 National High School Emmy Awards.

The City of Framingham operates the Government Channel shown on Comcast channel 99, RCN 13/HD613, and Verizon 42. The Government Channel operation provides programming sponsored by or for the City of Framingham. Commission meetings are cablecast live to inform residents and encourage participation in local government. Some of the programming provided, keeps residents abreast of road closings, construction updates, recycling efforts, public safety information, and special events in the community. The Government Channel is committed to making local government more accessible to all residents.

===Radio===
* [[WXKS (AM)|WXKS]] (AM 1200) is an [[AM broadcasting]] station featuring [[talk radio]] and religious programming. Owned by [[iHeartMedia]] and licensed to [[Newton, Massachusetts]] with studios on 99 Revere Beach Parkway in [[Medford, Massachusetts]];<ref name="wkox">{{cite web |url=http://www.bostonradio.org/stations/20441 |title=The Boston Radio Dial: WKOX(AM) |date=February 25, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-16}}</ref>
* [[WSRO]] (AM 650) is an AM broadcasting station featuring Portuguese-language programming that leases studio and tower space from WXKS. Owned by the Langer Broadcasting Group, LLC and licensed to Natick, Massachusetts with studios on 100 Mount Wayte Ave in Framingham;<ref name="wkox"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bostonradio.org/stations/52398 |title=The Boston Radio Dial: WSRO(AM) |date=February 25, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-16}}</ref>
* [[WQOM]] (AM 1060) is an AM broadcasting station featuring business talk radio programming that leases studio and tower space from WXKS. Owned by the Langer Broadcasting Group, LLC and licensed to Ashland, Massachusetts with studios on 100 Mount Wayte Ave in Framingham;<ref name="wkox"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bostonradio.org/stations/21109 |title=The Boston Radio Dial: WBIX(AM) |date=February 25, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-16}}</ref>
* [[WDJM-FM]] (91.3 FM) is Framingham State University's [[FM broadcasting]] station that features an open format with [[progressive rock]], [[hip-hop]], metal and electronic music. It is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is licensed to Framingham, Massachusetts with studios at 100 State St. in Framingham;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=9641521 |title=WDJM 91.3 MySpace page |author=WDJM staff |publisher=MySpace.com |date=September 12, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915075040/http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile |archive-date=September 15, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* Framingham Amateur Radio Association<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fara.org/ |title=Framingham Amateur Radio Assoc |website=Fara.org |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> is the local [[amateur radio]] enthusiasts group.

===Film location===
In 2016, Framingham was one of the settings for the film ''[[Patriots Day (film)|Patriots Day]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/04/19/patriots-day-mark-wahlberg-watertown-framingham/|title='Patriots Day' Crew Filming Watertown Shootout, Boat Scenes In Framingham|website=CBS Boston|date=19 April 2016|access-date=March 25, 2017}}</ref> In spring 2009, Framingham was used for the film [[The Company Men]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2009/04/17/lawmakers-offer-up-ideas-to/46559942007/|title=Costner, Affleck in good 'Company' in Framingham|date=April 17, 2009|access-date=February 25, 2022|author=Bob Tremblay|newspaper=[[The MetroWest Daily News]]}}</ref> Large parts of the film ''[[Don't Look Up]]'' were shot in Framingham.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
Framingham is approximately halfway between Worcester, the commercial center of Central Massachusetts, and Boston, New England's leading port and metropolitan area. Rail and highway facilities connect these major centers and other communities in the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area.<ref>Department of Housing and Community Development</ref>

====Air====
The closest airport with scheduled international passenger traffic is [[Logan International Airport|Boston's Logan International Airport]], {{convert|25|mi}} from Framingham. [[Worcester Regional Airport]], about {{convert|27|mi}} away, began scheduled flights to [[Fort Lauderdale]] and [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] in November 2013.

====Major highways====
Framingham is served by one [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate]] and four [[state highways]]:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Route number
!Type
!Local name
!Direction
|-
| [[File:I-90.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 90]]
| [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate]], limited access [[toll road]]
| The [[Massachusetts Turnpike]] (Mass Pike)
| east/west
|-
| [[File:MA Route 9.svg|20px]] [[Massachusetts Route 9|Route 9]]
| State route, divided highway
| Worcester Rd.<br />The Boston/Worcester Turnpike, [[Ted Williams]] Highway
| east/west
|-
| [[File:MA Route 30.svg|20px]] [[Massachusetts Route 30|Route 30]]
| State route, partial divided highway
| Cochituate Rd., Worcester Rd. and Pleasant St.
| east/west
|-
| [[File:MA Route 126.svg|20px]] [[Massachusetts Route 126|Route 126]]
| State route, primary road
| Old Connecticut Path, School St, Concord St., and Hollis St.
| north/south
|-
| [[File:MA Route 135.svg|20px]] [[Massachusetts Route 135|Route 135]]
| State route, primary road
| Waverly St.
| east/west
|}

====Mass transit====
=====Rail=====
* Direct rail service to Chicago via Amtrak's ''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'', as well as to all other points on the [[Amtrak]] network via a connection in another city.
* MBTA commuter rail service is available to South Station and Back Bay Station, Boston, via the [[MBTA]]'s [[Framingham/Worcester Line]], which connects [[South Station]] in Boston and [[Union Station (Worcester, Massachusetts)|Union Station]] in Worcester. Travel time to Back Bay Station is 42–45 minutes. It was called the Framingham Commuter Rail Line, as Framingham was the end of the line, until rail traffic was expanded to Worcester in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transithistory.org/roster/MBTARouteHistory.pdf|title=Changes to Transit Service in the MBTA district|website=Transithistory.org|access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref> The line also serves [[Newton, Massachusetts|Newton]], [[Wellesley, Massachusetts|Wellesley]], Natick, Ashland, Southborough, [[Westborough, Massachusetts|Westborough]], and [[Grafton, Massachusetts|Grafton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/ |title=> Commuter Rail Maps and Schedules |website=MBTA.com |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref>
* [[CSX]] provides freight rail service in Framingham.

=====Bus=====
* [[MassPort]] operates the [[Logan Express]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.massport.com/massport/gtu/Logan%20Express%20Lines/Framingham.aspx |title=Framingham |publisher=Massport |access-date=2017-03-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003004044/http://www.massport.com/massport/gtu/Logan%20Express%20Lines/Framingham.aspx |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> bus service seven days per week providing a direct connection to [[Logan International Airport|Logan Airport]]. The bus terminal and paid parking facility are on the [[Shoppers World (Framingham)|Shoppers' World Mall]] property, off the Massachusetts Turnpike exit 13, between Route 9 and Route 30.
* Peter Pan Bus Lines provides service to Worcester, New York, and Boston.
* The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), provides THE RIDE, a paratransit service for the elderly and disabled.
* The [[MetroWest Regional Transit Authority|MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA)]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mma.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1600&Itemid=88 |title=Framingham forms regional transit authority |author=Mitch Evich |publisher=Massachusetts Municipal Association |date=February 1, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-12}}</ref> operates a regional bus service which provides service to other local routes connecting the various regions of town and fixed route public bus lines servicing multiple communities in the [[MetroWest, Massachusetts|MetroWest]] region, including the towns of Ashland, [[Holliston, Massachusetts|Holliston]], [[Hopkinton, Massachusetts|Hopkinton]], [[Milford, Massachusetts|Milford]], Marlborough, Sudbury, Sherborn, Natick, and [[Weston, Massachusetts|Weston]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.framinghamma.org/planning_dept/lift_Routes_sched.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2007-04-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928083910/http://www.framinghamma.org/planning_dept/lift_Routes_sched.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1512193264 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904082507/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1512193264 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |title=Southborough-Marlborough "model" to be picked up by MetroWest transit authority |author=Andrew J. Manuse |work=[[The MetroWest Daily News]] |date=July 22, 2007 |access-date=2007-09-12 }}</ref>

=====Commuter services=====
[[Park and ride]] services:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctps.org/bostonmpo/7_links/1_getting_around/1_park_and_ride/park.html |title=Maps – Park-and-Ride Lots|access-date=2011-03-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116104157/http://ctps.org/bostonmpo/7_links/1_getting_around/1_park_and_ride/park.html |archive-date=January 16, 2011 }}</ref>
* [[MassDOT]] operates a free park and ride facility at the parking lot at the intersection of Flutie Pass and East Road on the south side of [[Shoppers World (Framingham)|Shoppers' World Mall]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ctps.org/bostonmpo/7_links/1_getting_around/1_park_and_ride/f/framingham.pdf |title=Framingham Park-and-Ride Lots |access-date=2011-03-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126073245/http://ctps.org/bostonmpo/7_links/1_getting_around/1_park_and_ride/f/framingham.pdf |archive-date=November 26, 2010 }}</ref>
* MassDOT also operates a free park and ride facility at a parking lot adjacent to exit 12 of the Massachusetts Turnpike, across from California Avenue on the west side of Framingham.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

===Police===
The [[Framingham Police Department]] serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=Police |url=https://www.framinghamma.gov/135/Police |publisher=City of Framingham |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
Framingham is served by [[MetroWest Medical Center]] (formerly Framingham Union Hospital, which also includes Leonard Morse Hospital campus in [[Natick, Massachusetts|Natick]])

==Notable people==
{{More citations needed|date=October 2025}}

===Politics===
* [[Crispus Attucks]], killed in the [[Boston Massacre]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2p24.html |title=Africans in America/Part 2/Crispus Attucks |website=Pbs.org |access-date=2017-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/parklands/1124/index.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-11-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050222084230/http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/parklands/1124/index.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2005 }}</ref>
* [[Deborah D. Blumer]], Massachusetts State Representative for Framingham (2001–2006)
* [[Mary Beth Cahill]], campaign manager for [[John Kerry]]'s bid for presidency
* [[Josephine Collins]], Suffragist; member of the [[National Woman's Party]]
* [[Jack Patrick Lewis]], Massachusetts State Representative for 7th Middlesex District (2017–present)
* [[Robert Owens (politician)|Robert Owens]], Massachusetts State Representative and businessman
* [[Maria Robinson]], Massachusetts State Representative for 6th Middlesex District (2019–present)
* [[Adam Schiff]], [[United States Senate|U.S. senator]] for [[California]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=SCHIFF, Adam |url=https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S001150 |access-date=October 7, 2025 |website=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress}}</ref>
* [[Yvonne M. Spicer]], first black Mayor of Framingham and the first African-American woman to be popularly elected mayor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
* [[Josiah Trowbridge]], former mayor of [[Buffalo, New York]]

===Sports===
* [[Joe Almasian]], Olympic  bobsledder representing Armenia.
* [[Carmelo Hayes]], pro wrestler
* [[Blake Bellefeuille]], [[National Hockey League|NHL]] forward
* [[David Blatt]] (born 1959), Israeli-American basketball player and coach (most recently, for the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]])
* [[R. J. Brewer]], pro wrestler
* [[Ron Burton]], former [[National Football League|NFL]] [[running back]] for the [[Boston Patriots]], 1960 to 1965
* [[Carl Corazzini]], [[National Hockey League|NHL]] Hockey Player, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers
* [[Rich Gedman]], former Major League Baseball [[catcher]] for the Boston Red Sox, 1980 to 1990
* [[Toby Kimball]], [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] player for the [[Boston Celtics]], [[San Diego Rockets]], [[Milwaukee Bucks]], [[Kansas City Kings]], [[Philadelphia 76ers]], and the [[New Orleans Jazz (NBA team)|New Orleans Jazz]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=KimbaTo01 |title=Toby Kimball Past Stats, Playoff Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards |publisher=Databasebasketball.com |access-date=2010-03-03 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404142645/http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=KimbaTo01 |archive-date=April 4, 2012 }}</ref>
* [[C. J. McLaughlin]], racing driver
* [[Lou Merloni]], Major League Baseball player for the Boston Red Sox, 1998 to 2003
* [[Kevin Nee]], professional Strongman, youngest man ever to become professional Strongman
* [[Danny O'Connor (boxer)|Danny O'Connor]], American professional boxer in the Light Welterweight division
* [[Tal Smith]], baseball executive, former General Manager of the Houston Astros
* [[Mark Sweeney]], Major League Baseball player
* [[Pie Traynor]], former Major League Baseball player, now in the [[Major League Baseball Hall of Fame]]

===Arts and sciences===
* [[Dave Amato]], current guitarist for [[REO Speedwagon]]
* [[Ezra Ames]] (1768–1836), portrait painter in the 18th–19th centuries<ref name="Marquis 1607–1896">{{cite book | title = Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607–1896 | publisher = Marquis Who's Who | year = 1967}}</ref>
* [[Anthony Barbieri]], comedy writer
* [[Daniel Belknap]] (1771–1815), composer
* [[Michael J. Clouse]], songwriter, music producer
* [[Nancy Dowd]], [[Academy Award]] winning screenwriter for ''[[Coming Home (1978 film)|Coming Home]]'' (1978)
* [[Alexander Rice Esty]] (1826–1881), architect
* [[Ginger Fish]], member of [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]]
* [[Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller]], pioneering African-American in the field of psychology and Alzheimer's disease
* [[Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller]], prominent African-American sculptor and artist from the 1920s
* [[Greg F. Gifune]], Novelist, Editor, Film Producer, born in Framingham
* [[Leila Goldkuhl]], fashion model
* [[David Hayes (conductor)|David Hayes]], music director of [[The Philadelphia Singers]], Director of Orchestral and Conducting Studies at [[Mannes College The New School for Music]]
* [[Esther A. Hopkins]], chemist, environmental attorney, and Framingham selectwoman
* [[Amy Leventer]], marine biologist, micropaleontologist, Antarctic researcher
* [[Og Mandino]] (1923–1996), author
* [[Joe Maneri]] (1927–2009), noted classical composer and jazz improviser
* [[Christa McAuliffe]], teacher, [[astronaut]] killed in the [[Challenger disaster]]
* [[Jo Dee Messina]], country music singer
* [[Gordon Mumma]], composer
* [[Michael P. O'Leary]], urologist
* [[Edward Lewis Sturtevant]], botanist, scientist, author
* [[Nancy Travis]], actress
* [[Rob Urbinati]], stage director, playwright
* [[Hubert Wilkins|Sir Hubert Wilkins]], Australian soldier, pilot, ornithologist, photographer and polar explorer; died in Framingham in 1958

===Media===
* [[Tom Caron]], [[New England Sports Network]] baseball analyst
* [[Katie Nolan]], ESPN
* [[Jordan Rich]], [[WBZ (AM)]] radio host
* [[Mike Reiss]], ESPN Patriots Analyst

===Military===
* [[Jonathan Brewer]], Revolutionary War colonel 
* [[Richard W. Higgins]], pilot in the USAF
* [[Donald K. Muchow]], Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Navy
* [[John Nixon (Continental Army general)|John Nixon]], General in the [[Continental Army]] during the [[American Revolution]]
* [[Peter Salem]], Revolutionary War soldier

===Religious===
* [[Gerald Fitzgerald (priest)|Gerald Fitzgerald]], [[Roman Catholic]] priest
* [[Paul S. Loverde]], Retired Roman Catholic bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington|Diocese of Arlington]]
* [[Charles Henry Parkhurst]], clergyman and social reformer who broke [[William M. Tweed|Boss Tweed's]] [[Tammany Hall]] [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic party political machine]]
* [[William A. Rice (bishop)|William A. Rice]], Roman Catholic bishop in Belize

==Sister cities==
* [[Lomonosov, Russia]]<ref>{{cite web |title=FLAME |url=http://www.framingham.com/org/flame/index.htm/ |publisher=framingham.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509145931/http://www.framingham.com/org/flame/index.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Governador Valadares]], Brazil<ref>{{cite news|last=Mineo|first=Liz|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1634543905|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630100105/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1634543905|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=Brazilian delegation coming to MetroWest|work=[[The MetroWest Daily News]]|date=October 22, 2007|access-date=2008-09-18}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Places of worship in Framingham, Massachusetts]]
* [[List of mill towns in Massachusetts]]

==References==

{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080404033909/http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_results.asp?ImageType=index&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS%2B1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS%2B1871 ''1871 Atlas of Massachusetts''.] by Wall & Gray. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080404035120/http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_pages.asp?ImageName=PAGE_0010_0011.jpg&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS%2B1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS%2B1871&pageprefix= Map of Massachusetts.] [https://web.archive.org/web/20080404034546/http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_pages.asp?ImageName=PAGE_0044_0045.jpg&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS%2B1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS%2B1871&pageprefix= Map of Middlesex County.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080210222456/http://docs.unh.edu/towns/FraminghamMassachusettsMapList.htm Old USGS maps of Everett.]
* Ballard, William, [https://archive.org/details/asketchhistoryf00ovoegoog <!-- quote=History Framingham. --> ''A Sketch of the History of Framingham''], published 1827, 71 pages.
* Barry, William, [https://archive.org/details/ahistoryframing00barrgoog <!-- quote=History Framingham. --> ''History of Framingham, Massachusetts''], published 1847, 456 pages.
* Drake, Samuel Adams (compiler), [https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_QGolOAyd9RMC <!-- quote=intitle:History intitle:of intitle:Middlesex intitle:County intitle:Massachusetts. --> Volume 1 (A-H)], [https://archive.org/details/historymiddlese00drakgoog/page/n314 <!-- pg=506 quote=intitle:History intitle:of intitle:Middlesex intitle:County intitle:Massachusetts. --> Volume 2 (L-W)], published 1879–1880. 572 and 505 pages. [https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_QGolOAyd9RMC/page/n287 <!-- pg=367 --> Framingham article] by Rev. Josiah Howard Temple in volume 1 pages 435–453.
* Parr, James; Swope, Kevin A., ''Framingham Legends & Lore'', History Press, 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-59629-565-0}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikivoyage|Framingham}}
* [http://www.framinghamma.gov/ City government website]
* [http://www.chooseframingham.com/ Choose Framingham website(Town information)]
* [http://www.framinghamhistory.org/ Framingham History Center]

{{Framingham, Massachusetts}}
{{Middlesex County, Massachusetts}}
{{Greater_Boston}}
{{Merrimack River}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Framingham, Massachusetts| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1650]]
[[Category:Cities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Brazilian-American culture]]
[[Category:Cities in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Brazilian communities]]
[[Category:1650 establishments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony]]