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Town Profiles
Fairhaven
Fairhaven has all the trappings of city life but with the
charm of a country town.
From the working waterfront and sandy beaches, to the quaint
restaurants and shops nestled on narrow side streets to the
majestic buildings looming over the town's Center, Fairhaven
has a typical New England feel.
Much of Fairhaven's historic aura stems from the towns'
whaling days, when skilled craftsmen built these massive
ships on Fairhaven's shores. The whaling trade brought
wealthier residents to Fairhaven, and its neighbor, New
Bedford, but it was Fairhaven that reveled in the generosity
of resident Henry Huttleston Rogers. In the 1800s, Rogers
bestowed several buildings on the town, including the Rogers
School, Fairhaven High School, the Millicent Library, Town
Hall and the Unitarian Church. Each is a gorgeous piece of
architecture, and while still utilized today, they are
centerpieces for tourism. Daily walking tours during the
summer months take visitors through the buildings, as well
as other historical sites, including Fort Phoenix, which was
once home to bloody battles. Today, the cannons still point
toward the sparkling Atlantic, poised to sink any ship that
dare come too close to the jutting rocks below. Now a state
beach, Fort Phoenix is a popular place to enjoy the sun and
surf, picnic, or rollerblade or bike on the trail running
alongside the hurricane dike.
The look and feel of Fairhaven is one of community. Several
improvement associations exist to help keep the town
beautiful, which includes such activities as planting
flowers along Route 6. Thanks to town associations, a bike
path was built, as well as a skateboarding park. There are
activities for all ages, from a multitude of playgrounds and
beaches, to sports leagues for the little ones, to reading
events at the Millicent Library. Annual events, such as the
Very Victorian Holiday, also contribute to Fairhaven's homey
atmosphere.
In recent years, Fairhaven has begun to vie for the title of
most convenient place to live, without putting roots down in
the city. Like Dartmouth, Fairhaven manages to maintain a
small-town, rural atmosphere, while slowly growing its
commercial and business pursuits. Growth along Route 6 has
been astounding, and the newest addition may be Pizzeria
Uno.
Much of Fairhaven borders the ocean, although it is not your
typical waterfront community. Residents can enjoy their
seaside views without the hefty price tags of purchasing a
modest waterfront home in other towns; however, summer
rentals are also a brisk business, and prices are comparable
to rentals in other areas.
Population: 16,051 (2002)
Land Area: 7,497
Government: Open Town Meeting
Residential Tax Rate: $8.12 per thousand
Commercial Tax Rate: $16.09 per thousand
Transportation: Yes
WSR thanks The Standard Times for regional data. |
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