📍 Location & Geography
Raynham is a charming town located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 32 miles south of Boston and 22 miles northeast of Providence, Rhode Island. The town is bordered by Easton to the northeast, Taunton to the south, Lakeville to the east, and Bridgewater to the north.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Raynham, Massachusetts are approximately 41.9487° N latitude and 71.0731° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Raynham covers a total area of about 20.9 square miles, of which 20.4 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. The town is part of the Greater Boston area, and it is divided into three distinct sections: Raynham Center, North Raynham, and South Raynham.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Raynham was approximately 14,000 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 40.5 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, followed by Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Raynham was first settled by Europeans in 1639 as a part of Taunton, and was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1731. The town was named after the English village of Raynham in the county of Norfolk, England. Raynham played an active role in the American Revolutionary War and is home to the historic Joseph Willis House, which was built in the 18th century.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Raynham is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring several parks, lakes, and forests. The town is home to the Borden Colony, a large open space area that offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. Johnson’s Pond is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also part of the Taunton River Watershed, which provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
🏫 Education
Education in Raynham is managed by the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District. The town has several public schools, including the LaLiberte Elementary School, the Merrill Elementary School, and the Raynham Middle School. High school students typically attend Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School located in neighboring Bridgewater.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Raynham is facilitated by several major highways, including Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 44. The town is also served by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), which provides bus service to surrounding areas. The nearest airport is Taunton Municipal Airport, located about 5 miles south of Raynham.
📜 Trivia & Events
Raynham is home to the Raynham Flea Market, one of the largest and most popular flea markets in New England. The town also hosts an annual Memorial Day Parade, which is a significant event in the community. Raynham is also known for its local legend of the “Raynham Light,” a ghostly apparition reported along a stretch of Route 44.