Massachusetts is a state in the northeastern United States that is bordered by Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. It is the most populous state in New England and the third-most densely populated state in the country. Massachusetts is home to a variety of different towns, each with its own unique identity and history.
What is a Town in Massachusetts?
A town in Massachusetts is a municipality that is typically larger than a village or hamlet, but smaller than a city. Towns are often recognized as the key building block of local government in Massachusetts and are typically governed by a board of selectmen.
How Many Towns are There in Massachusetts?
As of 2020, there are 351 towns in Massachusetts. This includes towns that are incorporated as cities and towns, as well as towns that are unincorporated and part of a county. The largest town by population is Framingham, which is located in Middlesex County and is home to over 68,000 residents.
What are the Most Populous Towns in Massachusetts?
The five most populous towns in Massachusetts are:
- Framingham (68,318)
- Worcester (182,544)
- Cambridge (113,948)
- Lynn (92,981)
- New Bedford (95,722)
What are the Smallest Towns in Massachusetts?
The five smallest towns in Massachusetts are:
- Gosnold (7 people)
- Monroe (7 people)
- Hawley (11 people)
- Clarksburg (13 people)
- Princeton (15 people)
What are the Oldest Towns in Massachusetts?
The five oldest towns in Massachusetts are:
- Plymouth (1620)
- Salem (1626)
- Boston (1630)
- Concord (1635)
- Dedham (1636)
What are the Newest Towns in Massachusetts?
The five newest towns in Massachusetts are:
- Chelsea (1850)
- Everett (1870)
- Revere (1871)
- Randolph (1872)
- North Adams (1878)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many towns are there in Massachusetts currently?
There are currently 351 towns in Massachusetts.
What is the most populous town in Massachusetts?
The most populous town in Massachusetts is Framingham, with a population of 68,318.
What is the smallest town in Massachusetts?
The smallest town in Massachusetts is Gosnold, with a population of just 7 people.
What are the oldest towns in Massachusetts?
The five oldest towns in Massachusetts are Plymouth (1620), Salem (1626), Boston (1630), Concord (1635), and Dedham (1636).
What are the newest towns in Massachusetts?
The five newest towns in Massachusetts are Chelsea (1850), Everett (1870), Revere (1871), Randolph (1872), and North Adams (1878).
What type of government do towns in Massachusetts typically have?
Towns in Massachusetts typically have a board of selectmen as the governing body.
What is a city in Massachusetts?
A city in Massachusetts is a municipality that is typically larger than a town. Cities in Massachusetts are typically governed by a mayor and city council.
What is the difference between a city and a town in Massachusetts?
The primary difference between a city and a town in Massachusetts is that cities are typically larger than towns, and cities are typically governed by a mayor and city council, while towns are typically governed by a board of selectmen.