Lynn, Massachusetts is a city located in Essex County along the Atlantic coast, just north of Boston. Originally founded in 1629, Lynn has grown into the 9th largest city in Massachusetts with a population of 94,654 as of the 2020 census.
Population
The population of Lynn has fluctuated over the decades, peaking at 102,320 residents in the 1950 census. Since then, the population declined steadily until 1980 when it bottomed out at 81,245 residents. Over the next few decades, Lynn’s population grew again, surpassing 90,000 by 2000 and reaching its current level of 94,654 as of 2020.
Lynn has a diverse population, with large communities of Hispanic/Latino (29.7%), African American (15.3%), and Asian (8.7%) residents. Nearly half of households speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 35.6 years old.
History
Lynn was first settled by Europeans in 1629 and originally included parts of nearby towns like Lynnfield, Saugus, and Swampscott. Early settlers used the area for agriculture and livestock grazing. By the 19th century, Lynn developed a robust shoe manufacturing industry that earned it the nickname “Shoe City.” Many factories and businesses opened up during this time, attracting immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, and other European countries.
As the shoe industry declined in the 20th century, Lynn transitioned towards being a residential commuter suburb for Boston workers. General Electric opened a large plant in the city in 1905 that manufactures aircraft engines and other industrial products. Lynn remained an industrial and working-class city throughout the 1900s.
Geography and Climate
Lynn is located in eastern Massachusetts along Massachusetts Bay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. It covers an area of 10.8 square miles, mostly land with a small portion of harbor and wetlands. Lynn is considered part of Greater Boston and is only 9 miles north of downtown Boston.
Lynn has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average high temperature in July is around 81°F and the average high in January is 36°F. Lynn gets approximately 44 inches of rain and around 47 inches of snowfall per year.
Government and Infrastructure
Lynn has a mayor-council form of government, led by Mayor Jared Nicholson since 2018. The city council is composed of 11 members from different wards. Lynn provides municipal services like police, fire, public works, parks, libraries, and more to residents.
For public education, Lynn has two public high schools, three middle schools, and 15 elementary schools. The city is part of the Lynn Public Schools district. Some students also attend charter, private and parochial schools.
Lynn is located along several major highways including Route 1A, Route 107, and Route 129. It is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail and bus services, providing public transit connections to Boston. The city maintains Lynn Heritage State Park, Lynn Woods Reservation, and other recreational facilities.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically an industrial city, Lynn has transitioned to a more service-oriented economy today. The largest employment sectors are healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail trade. Some of the major private employers in Lynn include:
- General Electric – over 1,000 employees
- Care Dimensions Hospice – 983 employees
- Verizon Communications – 800 employees
- Walmart – 560 employees
- Boston Children’s Hospital – 366 employees
Other major employers are the city’s school system, municipal government, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and the Massachusetts General Hospital. According to the city’s website, the total workforce in Lynn is around 45,000 workers.
In recent years, Lynn has tried to attract new businesses and development, including restaurants, healthcare facilities, and market rate housing. The city’s economy continues to adapt and diversify beyond its industrial roots.
Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Lynn, Massachusetts include:
- Lynn Shore Drive and Beaches – A scenic coastal road with views of the ocean, rocky beaches, and historic homes.
- Lynn Heritage State Park – Located along the harbor, this state park preserves an 18th century home and offers exhibits on Lynn history.
- Downtown Lynn – The city’s central business district along Union Street and Exchange Street with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
- Pine Grove Cemetery – A 275-acre cemetery with graves dating back to the 17th century, including many famous Lynn residents.
- Lynn Museum – Exhibits on Lynn’s history and culture, located in an 1858 historic home.
Outdoor recreational spots like Lynn Woods Reservation, Lynnfield Bay Circuit, and Floating Bridge Pond also provide places for hiking, biking, and nature walks within the city.
Sports
Lynn has a rich sports history and is home to several teams:
- The Lynn Classical Bulldogs and Lynn English Bulldogs high school sports teams compete in the Greater Boston League and have won multiple state championships.
- The North Shore United youth soccer club is based in Lynn and was founded in 2003.
- The New England Nightmare women’s tackle football team has played in Lynn since 2006 and won championships in the Women’s Football Alliance.
Popular athletes from Lynn include baseball player Jackie Bradley Jr. and boxer Antonio Tarver. The city has a rich baseball tradition and many youth leagues at parks like Fraser Field.
The official City of Lynn Facebook page shares news, events, job openings, and more about the city. With over 15,000 followers, it is a great way to connect with Lynn announcements and information online.