Holland #49: Central MA’s Best Communities

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Holland

Located on the Connecticut border, #49th ranked Holland has retained much of its small New England village charm. The town features several recreation areas, including walking trails and a public beach on Lake Siog.

The 200 year old town hall burned down in 1995, and was rebuilt and rededicated in 1998.

The town is part of the Tantasqua Regional School District. Elementary students attend the Holland Elementary School; students in grades 7-12 attend the Tantasqua Regional Junior/Senior High School in Sturbridge.

Holland ranks 11th in affordability, but all of the town's other rankings were in the bottom third. The town scores lowest for restaurants (66th). Its arts and culture ranking is 58th, its safety ranking is 53rd, and the town ranks 51st in educational achievement.

Photo courtesy of John Phelan

Holland by the numbers

Established: 1835
Population: 2481
Median household income: $67,596
Median housing price: $139,900

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 49
Affordability ranking: 11
Education ranking: 51
Economic condition ranking: 47
Safety ranking: 53
Arts & Culture ranking: 58
Restaurant ranking: 66

History in a nutshell:

Incorporated in 1783, the town of Holland did formally become a town until 1836. In 1955, the size of Holland drastically diminished when the town received 19 inches of rainfall in the month of August. The Army Corps of Engineers helped the town to control the flood dams and clear the destroyed homes. Holland then returned to a quaint agricultural town.

Famous residents:

Carl Beane, Fenway Park announcer

Notable residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton