If you’re thinking about moving to Massachusetts, bustling cities like Boston or Worcester might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, Massachusetts’ small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 7 charming small towns in Massachusetts, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
Located in the Berkshire Mountains, Adams has a combination of history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm. Known as the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, Adams proudly celebrates its connection to the women’s suffrage movement with the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. Locals love spending time at Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, which has great views and hiking trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts. The town comes alive each summer during the RambleFest. This community festival includes a 5K run, live music, and local food vendors.
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Truro is a coastal town on the Outer Cape, loved for its natural beauty and serene beaches. The town’s pristine coastline is protected by the Cape Cod National Seashore, where visitors enjoy long walks, birdwatching, and breathtaking sunsets. Truro is also home to the Highland Light, Cape Cod’s oldest lighthouse. This offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and guided tours that dig into the area’s maritime history. Each summer, the town hosts the Truro Agricultural Fair, a celebration of the town’s farming heritage with local produce, crafts, and live entertainment.
If you’ve heard of Lenox then you probably know it as the summer home of Tanglewood. The renowned music venue where the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs under the stars, drawing music lovers from around the world. Lenox’s historic downtown is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, including the popular Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar. Each fall, Lenox hosts the Apple Squeeze, a lively street festival celebrating the apple harvest with live music, local crafts, and plenty of apple treats. Lenox is also one of the top mountain towns in Massachusetts to live in.
Hardwick is another small town in Massachusetts known for its rural charm and strong agricultural roots. The town hosts the Hardwick Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the country, where you can enjoy livestock shows, horse pulls, and homemade pies. Hardwick’s scenic landscape is dotted with historic farms, many of which offer farm-to-table experiences and fresh produce at local markets. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Quabbin Reservoir, a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Dighton sits along the banks of the Taunton River, where locals enjoy fishing, boating, and scenic riverfront views. Dighton Rock State Park, home to the mysterious Dighton Rock, features a boulder covered in ancient carvings that have intrigued historians and visitors for centuries. Each summer, the town hosts Dighton’s Annual Strawberry Festival, a beloved community event featuring fresh local strawberries, live music, and fun activities. Furthermore, the town’s agricultural heritage is evident at Dighton’s weekly farmers market, where residents gather to purchase fresh produce, homemade goods, and support local farmers.
Marion is coastal town on Buzzards Bay. Marion’s charming village center features historic homes, local shops, and waterfront dining. The Brew Fish restaurant is a favorite spot for fresh seafood and stunning views of Sippican Harbor. Each summer, the town comes alive with the Marion Art Center’s Annual Outdoor Art Show, showing the works of local artists against the backdrop of Marion’s beautiful coastline. Sailing is a popular pastime in Marion, and the annual Buzzards Bay Regatta, one of the largest multi-class sailboat races on the East Coast, draws sailors from across the country.
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Essex is known as the “Birthplace of the Fried Clam”. Because of this, no visit is complete without a stop at Woodman’s of Essex, the iconic restaurant that claims to have invented this New England delicacy. Essex’s shipbuilding heritage is preserved at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, where you can learn about the town’s history as a major center for wooden shipbuilding in the 19th century. The town’s scenic Essex River offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and river tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty. With its historic charm, friendly community, and unbeatable seafood, Essex is a must-visit destination on the North Shore.
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Serving homebuyers and sellers in the Boston area, Alexander Colby is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater Boston area, Alexander Colby possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.
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