Bellingham #27: Central MA’s Best Communities
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Belligham, Central MA's #27th Best Community, is a blend of residential and industrial development. The town’s convenient location off of Route 495 keep the residential tax rate low, while enabling the town to provide high quality services.
Bellingham sits on the western edge of Norfolk County, and is often counted as part of the Boston, Providence and Worcester metropolitan areas. Named for Sir Richard Bellingham, the third Governor of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, Bellingham is now a vibrant mix of industry, distribution and retail centers.
Bellingham breaks into the top ten in two rankings: arts and culture (#3) and restaurants (#9). All of Bellingham's other rankings are in the middle of the list, ranging from education (#32) to affordability (#39).
Established: 1719
Population: 16,332
Median household income: $78,290
Median housing price: $222,250
2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 27
Affordability ranking: 39
Education ranking: 32
Economic condition ranking: 34
Safety ranking: 35
Arts & Culture ranking: 3
Restaurant ranking: 9
History in a nutshell:
Founded on Pilgrim principles, Bellingham's government was dominated by the Church. Many left for Rhode Island or Connecticut in hopes of finding religious toleration. In another case of intolerance, Bellingham resident Deborah Sampson defied the unjust law when she disguised herself as a man to enlist in the Revolutionary War, becoming America's first woman soldier.
Famous residents:
Walter Hunt, Author
Jeff Balanger, Author
Famous residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton
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