📍 Location & Geography
Abington is a town located in the state of Massachusetts, specifically in Plymouth County. The town covers a total area of 10.0 square miles (25.9 km²), out of which 9.9 square miles (25.6 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) is water. The town is bordered by Holbrook to the northwest, Weymouth to the northeast, Rockland to the east, Whitman to the south, and Brockton to the west.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Abington, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1048° N latitude and 70.9453° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Abington is part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts, which is a geographic and cultural region stretching south and east from Boston toward Cape Cod along the shores of Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Abington has a population of approximately 16,500. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age of residents in Abington is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Abington was first settled by European settlers in 1668 and was officially incorporated in 1712. The town was originally part of Bridgewater and its name was suggested by settler Governor Joseph Dudley as a tribute to Anne Venables Bertie, Countess of Abingdon, wife of the second Earl of Abingdon, who helped him secure his governorship. Over the years, the town has been home to several industries, including shoe manufacturing and tack factories.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Abington is known for its scenic beauty and has several parks and nature reserves. The largest park in the town is Island Grove Park, which features a swimming pool, a pond, and walking trails. The Ames Nowell State Park is another popular spot, offering hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has several initiatives in place to protect its environment.
🏫 Education
Education in Abington is managed by the Abington Public School District, which operates several schools in the town, including Abington High School, Frolio Middle School, and Beaver Brook Elementary School. Additionally, the town is in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Bridgewater State University and Massasoit Community College.
🚧 Transportation
Abington is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, providing commuter rail service from Abington station to Boston’s South Station. The town is also easily accessible by road, with Route 18 and Route 123 running through the town. The nearest airport is Boston Logan International Airport, located approximately 20 miles north of Abington.
📜 Trivia & Events
Abington is known for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the largest in Massachusetts. The town also hosts the annual Abington Summer Concerts Series at the Nisby Bandstand. In terms of trivia, Abington was the birthplace of E. N. Briggs, a former Governor of Massachusetts, and Bobby Sheehan, a founding member of the band Blues Traveler.