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Dartmouth is a town located in Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts. As of the 2020 census, Dartmouth had a population of 34,849 residents, making it the sixth largest municipality in Massachusetts. Dartmouth contains the villages of Padanaram, Smith Mills, Bliss Corner, Russells Mills, Cushman, and Hixville.

The town of Dartmouth was first settled in 1650 and was officially incorporated in 1664. The town's history is deeply rooted in maritime trade and whaling, with its coastal location along Buzzards Bay. Many historic homes still stand from the 18th and 19th centuries when Dartmouth thrived as a major whaling and shipping hub.

Today, Dartmouth is a quintessential New England town that retains its small town charm and maritime heritage while also adapting to modern times. It's home to a vibrant local economy, historic landmarks, coastal beaches, nature reserves, quality schools, and a strong sense of community.

Geography & Climate

Dartmouth covers a total land area of about 72 square miles. It is bordered by Fall River to the northwest, Westport to the northeast, New Bedford to the east, Buzzards Bay to the south, and Freetown to the west.

Located in southeastern Massachusetts, Dartmouth has a humid continental climate typical of New England. Summers are warm with average highs around 80°F. Winters are cold with average lows in the 20s°F. The town gets about 47 inches of precipitation yearly.

Demographic Info

According to the latest census data, Dartmouth has a population of 34,849 residents. Other key demographic facts include:

• Median Age: 43.6 years old
• Male/Female Split: 48.5% male, 51.5% female
• High School Graduation Rate: 93.2%
• Median Household Income: $80,865
• Home Ownership Rate: 76.7%
• Key races/ethnicities:
  • White: 92.4%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 2.5%
  • Two or More Races: 2.4%
  • Black: 1.5%
  • Asian: 1.4%

History

The area now known as Dartmouth was originally inhabited for over 10,000 years by native Wampanoag tribes. European settlement of the area began in 1652 when English Puritans from Plymouth established a village along the shores of the Acushnet River.

In 1664, the settlement was officially incorporated as the town of Dartmouth. It was named for the English city of Dartmouth, Devon, where many of the Pilgrims originated. During the colonial era, Dartmouth became a significant whaling and maritime trade hub due to its coastal location and abundant natural resources.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Dartmouth flourished as a major center of whaling and shipping. However, the decline of these industries in the early 20th century led to an economic downturn. In the mid-1900s, the construction of modern highways and suburbanization began Dartmouth’s transition into a residential community within the metropolitan region of southeastern Massachusetts.

Despite the changes over the centuries, Dartmouth still retains much of its maritime heritage and historic small town charm.

Government

Dartmouth operates under a Board of Selectmen and Representative Town Meeting form of government. The elected five-member Board of Selectmen serves as the executive branch while the 275-member Representative Town Meeting serves as the legislative branch. The town operates its own services including police, fire, public works, health, and schools.

Visit the Town of Dartmouth website at 400 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747 or call (508) 999-0740 for more information on town government.

Attractions & Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Dartmouth include:

Buttonwood Park Zoo

The Buttonwood Park Zoo opened in 1894 and houses over 200 animals representing diverse species. It features wildlife exhibits, special events, education programs and more.

Address: 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 991-6178

Fort Phoenix State Reservation

This 28-acre state park sits on Buzzards Bay and contains the historic Fort Phoenix along with beach access, walking trails, and scenic views.

GPS coordinates: 41°38'09.6"N 70°56'04.9"W

Address: 66 Fort St, Fairhaven, MA 02719
Phone: (508) 999-8092

Round the Bend Farm

This working farm featuring trails, animals, gardens, and farm-to-table dining. It's a popular spot for family fun and learning about agriculture.

GPS coordinates: 41°38'29.0"N 71°03'12.4"W

Address: 92 Allen St, South Dartmouth, MA 02748
Phone: (508) 636-2237

Arts & Culture

New Bedford Whaling Museum

This museum located in nearby New Bedford contains extensive collections and exhibits on New England's whaling history and maritime heritage.

New Bedford Whaling Museum website

Address: 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 997-0046

New Bedford Art Museum

Featuring fine art collections and special exhibitions, this museum located in downtown New Bedford is a popular regional arts institution.

New Bedford Art Museum website

Address: 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 961-3072

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

This historic theater located in nearby New Bedford offers a year-round lineup of live performances including music, comedy, dance, family shows, and more.

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center website

Address: 684 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 994-2900

Historical Sites

In addition to the rich maritime history of Dartmouth, some other notable historical sites in the town and surrounding area include:

Russells Mills Schoolhouse

Built in 1790, this one-room schoolhouse is one of the oldest surviving school buildings in Massachusetts. It now serves as a local history museum.

Address: 336 Russells Mills Rd, South Dartmouth, MA 02748

Seamen's Bethel

Built in 1832, this New Bedford chapel holds a memorial to sailors lost at sea. Its design inspired Herman Melville’s descriptions in Moby Dick.

Address: 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum

This 1834 Greek Revival mansion located in New Bedford provides a glimpse into the lives of whaling merchants during the 19th century.

Address: 396 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Libraries

The Dartmouth Public Library system consists of the Main Library located in South Dartmouth and two branch libraries in North Dartmouth and Westport Point. The libraries offer services and programs including book lending, internet access, children’s storytimes, book clubs, computer classes, and more.

Visit the Dartmouth Public Libraries website or contact the libraries directly for more info:

Main Library:
Address: 73 Locust St, South Dartmouth, MA 02748
Phone: (508) 990-0868

North Dartmouth Branch:
Address: 1389 Dartmouth St, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 991-6275

Westport Point Branch:
Address: 691 Main Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Phone: (508) 636-1067

Economy & Major Employers

Originally built on maritime industries like whaling and shipping, Dartmouth's economy is now driven by healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, and technology companies. The town's skilled workforce, coastal location, infrastructure, and quality of life help attract diverse employers.

Some of the major private sector employers located in Dartmouth include:

Titleist & FootJoy World Headquarters

Titleist and FootJoy, subsidiaries of Acushnet Company, manufacture golf equipment and apparel. Their headquarters are located in Dartmouth.

Address: 500 Myles Standish Blvd, Acushnet, MA 02743
Phone: (800) 225-8500

AHEAD Headgear, Inc.

This company designs and manufactures headwear, bags, and accessories that are popular in the golf, outdoor, and healthcare industries.

Address: 28 Research Way, Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (800) 489-2237

Nordson MEDICAL

This subsidiary of Nordson Corporation produces specialized medical devices and components used in minimally invasive surgeries.

Address: 300 Nordson Dr, Amherst, OH 44001
Phone: (440) 885-4000

In addition, major institutional employers include:

UMass Dartmouth

With over 9,000 students, this public university is located in Dartmouth and is a major employer in the region.

UMass Dartmouth website

Address: 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 999-8000

St. Luke's Hospital

St. Luke's Hospital, part of the Southcoast Health system, provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.

St. Luke's Hospital website

Address: 101 Page St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 997-1515

Transportation & Infrastructure

Dartmouth is conveniently located at the intersection of major highways including Interstate 195, Route 140, Route 6, and Route 18. These highways connect the town to major cities like Providence, Boston, and Cape Cod.

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides public bus service throughout the region, including routes serving Dartmouth. The nearest international airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Rhode Island.

Within town, Dartmouth has an extensive network of local roads as well as sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes to facilitate safe pedestrian and cyclist travel. Padanaram Village has a quaint, walkable downtown along the harbor.

Utility services including electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and trash collection are provided by the following providers:

• Electricity: Eversource
• Natural Gas: Eversource
• Water: Dartmouth Board of Public Works
• Sewer: Dartmouth Board of Public Works
• Trash Collection: ABC Disposal Service

High-speed fiber internet up to 1Gbps is available townwide from Comcast and Verizon.

Education

Dartmouth public schools are highly ranked and part of the Dartmouth Public Schools district. The district operates 9 schools including:

• 5 elementary schools
• 1 middle school
• 1 high school
• 1 alternative high school
• 1 preschool

Visit the Dartmouth Public Schools website at 8 Bush Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748 or call (508) 997-3391 for more information.

In addition, Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton provides vocational training and education focused on the agricultural and horticultural industries.

There are also several private schools located in Dartmouth and surrounding communities.

Things to Do

Popular activities and attractions for residents and visitors in Dartmouth include:

• Beaches - Locals flock to Dartmouth's Buzzards Bay beaches and parks during summer. Popular spots include Demarest Lloyd State Beach, Lincoln Park, and Bayside Beach.
• Boating & Fishing - With its prime waterfront location, Dartmouth offers abundant boating, sailing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
• Birdwatching - The Allen's Pond Bird Sanctuary located in South Dartmouth is renowned for excellent migratory bird watching.
• Shopping - Unique shops and antiquing can be found in Padanaram Village and the Smith Mills section of town.
• Dining - From harborfront restaurants to diners and delis, Dartmouth has diverse eateries serving fresh seafood and local fare.
• Events - Seasonal events like summer concerts, Fourth of July fireworks, and holiday strolls take place around town.
• Golf - Dartmouth is home to several top-rated public and private golf courses.
• Farms - Family-friendly farm experiences can be had at Round the Bend Farm and Little Creek Farm.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and biking trails winding through Dartmouth's parks and nature reserves.

Living in Dartmouth

Known for its small-town feel and natural beauty, Dartmouth is an appealing community to live in. The median home value is around $465,000, which is lower than many other towns in the Greater Boston area. New residential and commercial developments continue to be constructed as the town's population slowly grows.

Dartmouth residents describe their community as tight-knit with engaged, friendly neighbors. The town fosters civic pride through events like the Celebrate Dartmouth Festival and volunteer organizations. Families flock to Dartmouth for its safe neighborhoods, highly-ranked schools, and abundance of kid-friendly activities.

With its coastal location, vibrant local businesses, and balance of rural and suburban charm, Dartmouth offers residents an outstanding quality of life.

Be sure to follow the Town of Dartmouth Facebook page to keep up with community news and events.

Local Sports Teams

Residents enjoy cheering on the following sports teams that represent Dartmouth:

Dartmouth High School Indians

This public high school fields competitive teams including football, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and more. Visit the Dartmouth High Athletics website for schedules and updates.

Address: 555 Bakerville Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02748

UMass Dartmouth Corsairs

With 17 varsity teams, the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs compete in NCAA Division III sports. Men's and women's soccer, basketball, and lacrosse are especially popular to follow.

UMass Dartmouth Athletics website

Address: 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Moving to Dartmouth

Those considering a move to Dartmouth will appreciate its family-friendly vibe, scenic landscapes, vibrant local businesses, and small town coastal charm. Its reasonable real estate prices and proximity to major job centers make it an appealing location in the Greater Boston region.

Be sure to explore Dartmouth's rich history, variety of attractions and landmarks, business community, top-ranked schools, and all the aspects that make this special New England town a wonderful place to live, work, and play!

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