The Town of Northbridge was incorporated in 1772. It is a full service community providing a full array of municipal services plus an extensive infrastructure including water and sewer utilities. Electricity is provided by the Massachusetts Electric and gas by Commonwealth Gas Company.

The community has a rich manufacturing heritage. The Blackstone and Mumford Rivers run through the Town and in the early 1800's numerous industrial developments were erected along the river banks, most notably the Whitin Machine Shop in Whitinsville. Today most of the mill buildings are no longer used to full capacity, however, they do offer valuable incubator space to small businesses.

Further, most of the Town's architecture developed during the 1800's has been preserved and serves as a fascinating view into the past. Northbridge is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission and is actively working with its neighboring communities to promote the region's special character and sense of history.

The foremost goals of the Town at present are: to strengthen the local economy through developing and reusing industrial areas as well as retaining existing businesses, and; to keep Northbridge as a desirable place to live through preserving and revitalizing the village centers, maintaining and expanding town services, and protecting natural resources.