Town of Rochester

Rochester is a small, rural community located in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Rochester was settled in 1679 and incorporated in 1686.  It is a landlocked community bordered by Marion, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, Freetown, Acushnet, Middleboro, Lakeville, Wareham, and Carver.  It is 33.58 square miles, with a population of 5232, or 155 persons per sq. mi. making it a rural town with lots of open space.   Most of Rochester’s open space is farmland and cranberry bogs.  Rochester has no business district or industrial region.  There is a small mercantile strip in the historic center of town, and an industrial park containing the SEMASS trash-to-energy plant is on the outskirts of the town.  The addition of commuter rail in neighboring Lakeville has increased the number of families moving to Rochester. There are several “over-55”  housing communities, plus some senior housing.  The town is home to several solar farms, and a proposed large housing complex is planned on the border with Wareham.

The town has an excellent elementary school and is home to Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical School. Students in junior high and high school attend regional schools. Preschool-aged children are fortunate to have several quality private preschools in the area to choose from.

Government

Official site of the Town of Rochester – go here for Town departments, elected and appointed officials, Board of Assessors maps, and the latest Town news.

Rochester Council on Aging – attend the daily lunches, check out the trips and special events, or just drop by for a visit.

Rochester Police Department – information about child safety, animal control, drug disposal, and more

Mass.gov – The Commonwealth’s official site.  Here find the Department of Education, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue, and more.

Community Groups

Alewives Anonymous – encourages and promotes efforts to preserve and increase the alewife fisheries in the Tri-town area.  Contact Art Benner for more information.

Rochester Historical Society – established in 1967 to promote an appreciation of the historical significance of Rochester.  Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of most months at the East Rochester Congregational Church, 355 County Rd., Rochester.

Rochester Memorial School – news and updates about grades K-6.

RMS PTO – includes program news and updates.  Also the Backpack Express.

Rochester Country Fair – the latest about the fair, including next year’s theme.

Rochester Congregational Church