MASHPEE – A Massachusetts community has landed in a new ranking of the “best small towns” in the northeastern United States.
Mashpee he is fourth in the list voted on by USA Today readers.
Mashpee has “natural charm”
“In the New England town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, you'll find the scenic Mashpee River Reservation with its many walking trails, as well as four of the largest freshwater lakes on Cape Cod,” the paper says. “Mashpee seamlessly blends natural charm with cultural significance and embraces its Wampanoag roots, encouraging visitors to learn more at the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum.”
Ahead of Mashpee was Lambertville, New Jersey in third place. runner-up Wellsboro, Pennsylvania and first place Ohiopyle in Pennsylvania. Montpelier, Vermont was seventh on the list.
To qualify for USA Today's rankings, a city had to have a population of less than 25,000. A committee selected the nominees for the ranking based on scenery, historical charm, cultural attractions and food.
What you need to know about Mashpee
Mashpee has a population of about 15,000 according to the latest Census figures, but that number is growing as visitors flock to Cape Cod during the summer months. Town attractions include the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum, the Cape Cod Children's Museum, and the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, which is the second largest accessible open space on Cape Cod behind the National Seashore.
According to Zillow, the average Mashpee home is valued at more than $679,000 — a 5.1 percent increase over the past year. Mashpee High School ranks 107th among all Massachusetts high schools in the latest US News & World Report rankings.
