Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. For some, that's a neighborhood bar in tony downtown Boston. Others prefer to know all of their neighbors, and these five small towns in Massachusetts are the perfect place to plant down roots and grow as a community.
The town of Dedham lies on Boston's southwestern border, and provides convenient access to the city and an array of activities for families, young adults, and seniors. Commuters have multiple options to bring them downtown. The town boasts two stops on the Franklin line of the commuter rail, and several other lines are a quick drive away in neighboring communities. In addition to the commuter rail, bus service brings riders from Dedham Square to Forest Hills and the Orange Line.
Drivers have access to Routes 1 and 128, and Legacy Place, a shopper's delight, sits where those two roads meet. With dozens of stores and restaurants, a movie theater, bowling access, and more, there is something for everyone. Just up the street is the recently renovated Dedham Square, which itself boasts of shops, an independent movie house, and a growing restaurant scene.
The neighborhood elementary schools have some of the best standardized tests scores in the state, and organizations like the Dedham Community House, the Knights of Columbus, and the Rotary Club offer opportunities for residents to meet, socialize, and give back. Artists are flocking to the new Arts and Community Center, and history buffs love the first public school in America, the oldest man made waterway in the country, and dozens of other historical curiosities.
Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, the picturesque town of Provincetown has been welcoming visitors since the Pilgrims first landed on its shores in 1620. Sand dunes lead to the gorgeous beaches which ring the town, and to the Race Point Lighthouse.
Largely a haven for tourists today, it has a year round population of less than 3,000, but in the summer months that numbers swells into the tens of thousands. Busy Commercial Street is packed with pedestrians when the sun comes out, and the many bars and restaurants are full from the moment they open until last call.
When not eating or sitting on the beach in this resort town, which is known for its significant gay population, visitors often frequent the Pilgrim Monument. Designed after the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy, it is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States.
On Boston's north shore resides the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. The Cape Ann community has a population of 5,000 residents and was a fishing community for over 200 years. It gained notoriety in the 19th century as a summer retreat for wealthy citizens of Boston who wished to escape the heat during the summer. months. Today is best known for its beautiful beaches, a renowned yachting harbor, and commercial lobstering .
Numbers of "cottages" designed by of notable architects, including John Hubbard Sturgis, began appearing in town in the early 20th century. One such Point Smith cottage, Kragsyde, was hailed as the zenith of the Shingle style substyle of the Queen Anne style of architecture. A popular destination in town for locals and visitors alike is Singing Beach, so named for the way the sand squeaks underfoot when it is walked upon.
The median family income is $143,750, the population is 98% white, and the average home is slightly more than $1 million. Approximately 30% of homes have children living in them, and the 13.7:1 student to teacher ratio produces an average SAT score of 1717.
The community of Lanesborough is tucked away between two valleys in the Berkshire mountains. Nature lovers will delight in Mount Greylock and the Pittsfield State Forest. Skiers enjoy Jiminy Peak in the winter months, and when the snow melts away bikers traverse the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, a rail trail path on a former railroad bed.
Children receive excellent educations in the town, with an average SAT score of 1708. Surrounding towns have a selection of private, parochial, charter, and vocation schools. While a number of small businesses can be found within the borders, there is little industry, and many of the 3,000 bedroom residents travel out of town to work.
Residents flock to the Farmers Market held at the Berkshire Mall on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to October. Several local farmers have booths, and all accept Senior Coupons and WIC benefits in addition to cash.
Sea captains and sailors once called Marion home, but working people and professionals are more likely to be found in this South Coast community today. With 1,400 families, school and youth life is important of the town of 5,000. Students attend the Sippican School through grade six, and secondary students move on to schools in the Old Rochester Regional School District. Students at the Old Rochester Regional Junior and High Schools study alongside 700 classmates from Mattapoisett and Rochester. Originally built in 1961, the home of the bulldogs underwent a major renovation in 2001.
Located between the Whaling City of New Bedford and the Cape Cod Canal, the geography of the town is defined by several bodies of water. The town ends at the shore of Buzzards Bay on the south east, and it is nearly divided in half by Sippican Harbor. To the west of the harbor lies Converse Point, and Sippican Neck sits on the east. Sippican, which is also the name of a river passing through the town, was the name of the Algonquin tribe of American Indians who originally lived in the area.
Those of German ancestry, or anyone who enjoys good beer and bratwust, will enjoy themselves at the annual Marion Oktoberfest. Sponsored by the Pythagorean Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, revelers can have their fill of kanckwurst, sauerkraut, and pastries, all while listening to German music by Alpenblumen Musikanten and the Bavarian Brothers.
These are just a few of the many great small towns in Massachusetts that you may want to call home. Call one of our Massachusetts agents today to help you find the home of your dreams.
