We all have those days: you’re wearing your grimiest t-shirt, your hair looks like a rodent’s nest, and you’re just trying to get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible. But because you live in a small town, you bump into your high school biology teacher, your creepy co-worker, AND your long-lost cousin…all before you’ve even reached the dairy aisle. Living in a tiny community can be rough, but after seeing just how small some Massachusetts towns are, you might count yourself rather lucky.

Check out these tiny towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 1,000 people. These statistics are accurate as of the most recent national census.

1. Heath. Population: 706.
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Heath was first settled in 1765 as a part of Charlemont. The town is named after William Heath, Major General of Massachusetts and Brigadier General in the national army during the American Revolution. Pictured: Dell Dam.

There’s also a neat little hiking trail that will lead you to a mysterious stone structure.
2. Savoy. Population: 692.
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Savoy, or "New Seconk" as it was originally called by its inhabitants, was first settled in 1777 by a group led by Colonel Lemuel Hathaway. Today the town is mostly a quiet rural community, known for its scenery and natural beauty.
3. Plainfield. Population: 648.
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After almost two centuries of depopulation, modern Plainfield is experiencing increased population growth, as of 2010. Plainfield is known as the birthplace of James Naismith, inventor of basketball.

There’s also an awesome rock ranch that the whole family will enjoy!
4. Washington. Population: 538.
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Washington has no fire department or public library, and residents make use of the Hinsdale and Becket facilities. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie lives in Washington.
5. Middlefield. Population: 521.
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Middlefield was first settled in 1780 and was officially incorporated in 1783. Noted geologist Ebenezer Emmons is a resident of Middlefield.
6. Alford. Population: 494.
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Alford was first settled in 1756 as part of a land purchase from the Shauanum Stockbridge Mahican tribe. The town has been mostly agricultural throughout its existence, although several small mills and a marble quarry existed in the nineteenth century.
7. Tolland. Population: 485.
Wikimedia Commons/Thomas Kelley
Tolland formerly had a popular "Black Fly Day" parade to celebrate a native tribe that once inhabited the region. The parade was once held in June, but has been replaced with a picnic on the town green. Pictured: Tolland City Hall Rock.

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8. Rowe. Population: 393.
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Rowe is one of a handful of small towns in Massachusetts which has no state highways. A short section of railroad tracks leading westward to the Hoosac Tunnel passes through the southwest corner of town, but the town is otherwise not served by rail, bus or air service.
9. Hawley. Population: 337.
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Hawley has no gas stations, convenience stores, or liquor stores. Hawley does not have a police department, but does have a fire department. The town is home to Hawley Bog, one of the few bogs in Massachusetts to be preserved in its natural state.
10. Tyringham. Population: 327.
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This village's name is an Old English language word, and means 'Tir's home. Tyringham once contained only two houses, but was considered a village because it had an ecclesiastic parish.

Nature lovers will enjoy the short and sweet hiking trail that will lead you to a beautiful overlook.
11. Aquinnah. Population: 311.
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Aquinnah is actually a popular holiday location, but that only makes it even more surprising how small its permanent population really is. Aquinnah has become celebrated as a center of Wampanoag culture and a center of pride and tradition among members of the federally recognized Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head.

Aquinnah is also home to the cliffs of Aquinnah, some of the most underrated natural wonders in Massachusetts.
12. New Ashford. Population: 228.
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Beginning in 1916, New Ashford had the distinction of casting the first vote in United States presidential elections. Following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, the New Ashford poll was where Ms. Phoebe Jordan became the first woman to vote in a national election on November 2, 1920. The old wooden ballot box that she used is still employed during modern elections.
13. Mount Washington. Population: 167.
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Mount Washington was first settled in 1692 and was officially incorporated in 1779. It is the westernmost and southwesternmost town in Massachusetts.
14. Monroe. Population: 121.
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Monroe is located on the Hoosac Range, the northern end of The Berkshires. It is bordered on the north by the towns of Stamford and Readsboro, Vermont, on the east by Rowe, and on the south and west by Florida.
15. Gosnold. Population: 75.
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
The town currently has four students (as of the 2009 to 2010 school year) attending school in Cuttyhunk, with others attending schools on the mainland. Pictured: Gosnold's teeny town hall.

What do you think is the best part of living in a small Massachusetts town? Let us know in the comments below! And for some swoon-worthy small towns in Massachusetts, be sure to visit these seven charmers!

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Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Heath, MA, USA
Savoy, MA, USA
Plainfield, MA, USA
Washington, MA, USA
Middlefield, MA, USA
Alford, MA, USA
Tolland, MA, USA
Rowe, MA, USA
Hawley, MA, USA
Tyringham, MA, USA
Aquinnah, MA, USA
New Ashford, MA, USA
Mount Washington, Mt Washington, MA, USA
Monroe, MA, USA
Gosnold, MA, USA