Waltham, MA Colleges and Universities: Career Education and Training Programs

ARTICLE: Waltham In-Depth

Waltham, Massachusetts calls itself the "birthplace of the industrial revolution." Settled in 1634 and incorporated as a city in 1738, this community 10 miles west of Boston is snuggled up against the Charles River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. As for its "birthplace" claim, Waltham gained early fame in the mid-18th century when it opened America's first wristwatch industry. The thriving Waltham Watch Company was powered by waterfalls along the Charles and eventually earned Waltham its nickname: Watch City.

Today, Waltham is still small, and still thriving. The 2000 Census reported 59,226 residents. The reported median income in Waltham is at $54,010, well above the national average of $46,242. More than half of non-government workers in Waltham are employed by the manufacturing sector, while local colleges and universities continue to provide local jobs.

Its proximity to Boston and connections with major interstate highways, waterways, and rail transportation make Waltham a solid choice for computer and precision instrument manufacturers. Defense contractors have also located in Waltham West. Top Waltham employers include:

• Brandeis University
• Bentley College
• Cambex Corporation
• IBM Corporation
• Microsoft Corporation

A major renovation effort is underway along the Charles River section of the central business district and restaurant row, providing fine dining, entertainment, and tourism attractions.

Sources:

• City of Waltham
• Waltham Community
• Waltham West Chamber of Commerce

Back to top↑