Townsend #36: Central MA’s Best Communities
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
On the New Hampshire border, #36 ranked Townsend was first settled in 1676. The town has a rich history of milling and coopering, which was the largest business in town for three generations, ending in 1960.
Today, the town's military band performs a free concert for the community every Thursday in the summer on the Town Common, and Lawn Parties are held as fundraisers for local non-profit organizations.
Coming in right at the middle of Central MA's Best Communities, Townsend ranks 17th for safety and 30th for affordability. Its ranking is brought down by a 48th place ranking for arts and culture, 43rd place ranking for economic condition and 42nd in education.
Established: 1732
Population: 8,926
Median household income: $76,533
Median housing price: $194,750
2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 36
Affordability ranking: 30
Education ranking: 43
Economic condition ranking: 42
Safety ranking: 17
Arts & Culture ranking: 48
Restaurant ranking: 34
History in a nutshell:
With the largest land area of any other town in Middlesex County, Townsend was settled in 1676 and incorporated nearly 60 years later. Its economy was largely agricultural until the early Industrial Revolution in which grist and leather-board mills sprung up, beginning the industrialization.
Famous residents:
Samuel Thorpe, Artist
Famous residents source: Wikipedia
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton
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