Until the mid-19th century, the town followed the pattern of many communities with a combination of agriculture and small industry. But in 1842, Adin Ballou and his followers, idealists who wanted to combine biblical individualism with social responsibility and religious liberalism, purchased 600 acres in what is now downtown Hopedale to establish Fraternal Community Number One.

Thirty houses, chapel and workshops were built on an architectural plan for the 170 people who joined in the social experiment, which combined farming with manufacturing, and took strong social stands on temperance, women's rights and abolition.

Hopedale Massachusetts is located in Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by Milford on the northeast, Bellingham on the east, Mendon on the south and west, and Upton on the northwest. Hopedale is 20 miles southeast of Worcester and 31 miles southwest of Boston.

We will not knowingly permit or accept any advertising for  property that violates the law. All users are hereby informed that all advertised dwellings are available on an equal opportunity basis. 

Complaints alleging housing discrimination may be filed with the nearest office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or by calling HUD's toll free number, 1-800-697-6967 (voice), or 1-800-543-8294 (TDD). HUD may also be contacted on the Internet at www.hud.gov/fhe/fheo.html.