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Island Grove Park in Abington once served as a meeting place for abolitionists. (Jodi Hilton for the Boston Globe/File 2004) |
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
Abington
October 19, 2008
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Median price: $303,500
Tax rate: $11.14
Average tax bill: $3,874
Choice location: Island Grove Park was a meeting place for abolitionists and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cocktail party nugget: Retirement home of John L. Sullivan, Boston native and last bareknuckles boxing champion.
SOURCES: US Census, state Department of Revenue, Town of Abington, History of Plymouth County
THE GOODS For great patches of time since its founding in 1712, this was a place people moved away from. The soil was inhospitable, the primeval forest disappeared as its lumber was used in ship building, including "Old Ironsides." As one historian put it in 1867 "there is nothing romantic or attractive in its scenery." But Abington is now growing and new retail and other development provide a solid commercial base for townies and newbies alike. Commuter rail stops here, nearby Route 18 is being widened. The high school scores well on MCAS standings, youth sports are expansive, and civic participation high.
THE PROS There is a substantial stock of newer center-entrance Colonials marbled into cul-de-sacs and newer neighborhoods. Post-World War II small cottages are found in older neighborhoods and newer developments include half acre, or larger, lots. Condos are varied, but mostly include townhomes, not garden style, and many include garages. Overall housing stock is newer, with a large wave from the early 1990s when sewer expanded into areas where septic would not work.
THE CONS The drive to Boston is still a mind-numbing and time-consuming drag. The elementary and middle schools, while registering in the top third in the Globe's 2007 MCAS rankings, lag the success of the high school. Condos are mostly two bedrooms.
JOHN R. ELLEMENT
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
