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Acushnet, MA

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Acushnet, MA

Acushnet is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 10,559 at the 2020 census. Acushnet is a part of the South Coast region of Massachusetts which encompasses the cities and towns that surround Buzzards Bay (excluding the Elizabeth Islands, Bourne, and Falmouth), Mount Hope Bay, and the Sakonnet River.

Acushnet was first settled in 1659. It has been included as a part of three separate towns throughout its history. It was formerly the northeastern section of the town of Dartmouth, as well as Old Dartmouth, which included the towns of Westport, New Bedford, and Fairhaven. In 1787, New Bedford separated from Dartmouth and included the lands of Fairhaven and Acushnet. In 1812, Fairhaven was incorporated as a separate town, again including the lands of Acushnet. Finally, the town was officially incorporated in 1860. The name "Acushnet", which is also the name of the river the town lies on, comes from the Wampanoag Cushnea, meaning "peaceful resting place near water", originally designating the fact that the tribe which sold the land to the Puritans inhabited the lands leading up to the river. 

In 1841, Herman Melville joined the crew of the whaler Acushnet. He later wrote about his travels at sea culminating in the novel Moby Dick. In 1910, the Acushnet Process Company (now the Acushnet Company), was founded in the town and continues to be one of Southeastern Massachusetts's most enduring industries. The Acushnet Company owns the Titleist brand name, under which golf balls, golf clubs, and other golf paraphernalia are marketed.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 19.0 square miles (49.1 km2), of which 18.4 square miles (47.7 km2) is land and 0.54 square miles (1.4 km2), or 2.76%, is water. Acushnet is bordered to the east and northeast by Rochester, to the southeast by Mattapoisett, to the south by Fairhaven, to the west by New Bedford, and the northwest by Freetown. The town line between Acushnet, Rochester, and Mattapoisett forms a portion of the border between Bristol and Plymouth counties. Acushnet lies approximately 50 miles (80 km) south of Boston, 20 miles (32 km) west of Cape Cod, 4 miles (6 km) north of Buzzards Bay, and 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.

Acushnet contains the Acushnet Center census-designated place, which is the most densely-populated part of town. The CDP contains 28.7% of the town's overall population and just 7.7% of its land area.

Acushnet lies along the Acushnet River and its tributaries, including the Keene River and Squinn Brook, which feed the New Bedford Reservoir, in turn feeding the Acushnet. The Acushnet River is the town line between it and New Bedford south of Main Street. There are several other ponds in the town, including Hamlin's Mill Pond (along the Acushnet), East Pond and a portion of Tinkham Pond, which lies along the Mattapoisett town line. The town lies within the coastal plain, mostly below 80 feet (24 m) elevation, with higher points around Mendon and Perry Hills in the southeast of town and in the Sassaquin area in the northwest corner of town, where the highest point in town rises slightly above 160 feet (49 m) above sea level. Most of the town's population lies along the New Bedford line, with the biggest area being in the southwest corner of the town, near the town hall.

Acushnet places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Massachusetts offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Pringle Performance, Anytime Fitness, and Planet Fitness offer personalized training programs tailored to individual needs, promoting overall fitness and well-being. Acushnet River Valley Golf Course is perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking physical activity and relaxation in a scenic environment. For a relaxing experience, visit Awakenings Massage and Spa in nearby New Bedford for skin care, waxing, and massage therapy. Fitness enthusiasts can also visit Kikfit Personal Training & GroupFitness for personalized training programs and group classes.

Top Sites in Acushnet, MA are The Silverbrook Farm, Long Plain Museum, Keiths Farm, and Stone Bridge Farm.
 

Area: 19.0 sq mi (49.1 km2). Elevation: 72 ft (22 m). ZIP code: 02743. Area Code: 508 / 774. Population: 10,559 (2020).
 

FAQs

What is Acushnet, MA known for?

Originally an agricultural community embracing the headwaters of the Acushnet River, the residential town of Acushnet has retained its rural atmosphere, while also providing a home for various industries. Through the 1800s, the town was the site of water-powered factories and boat yards; in the 1990s, the town hosted construction, manufacturing, and agri/aquaculture industries. It is the original home of the Titleist golf ball. Residents take great pride in the town's schools, openness, and feeling of family. Each Fall, during the well-known Apple/Peach Festival, Acushnet's growers, artisans, and Historical Society welcome visitors from far and wide.

Is Acushnet MA a good place to live?

Living in Acushnet offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Acushnet, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Acushnet and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Acushnet are above average.

Is Acushnet, MA Safe?

With a crime rate for both violent and property crime combined of 4 per 1,000 residents, the crime rate in Acushnet is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes (lower than 80% of America's communities). One's chance of becoming a victim of crime in Acushnet is one in 246. Compared to communities within Massachusetts, Acushnet‘s crime rate is lower than nearly 74% of the state's cities and towns.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Acushnet

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

The Silverbrook Farm 

Long Plain Museum 

Keiths Farm 

Stone Bridge Farm

Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Massachusetts

Pringle Performance

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness 

Acushnet River Valley Golf Course

Awakenings Massage and Spa

Kikfit Personal Training & GroupFitness

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