Somerset, MA

Somerset sits along the western bank of the Taunton River, right across the water from Fall River. The community has deep maritime roots that once centered on wooden shipbuilding, ironworks, and later, two massive power plants that powered the region for decades. Today, the old coal plants are closed and the towering cooling stacks have been cleared away. As local leaders continue planning for the long-term future of the waterfront industrial parcels, Somerset itself has settled into a peaceful residential rhythm where quiet neighborhoods and scenic water views take center stage.

ATTRKenneth C. Zirkel / CC BY-SA 4.0

The town covers roughly eight square miles where the river opens into Mount Hope Bay, giving residents easy access to the shoreline. Around historic Somerset Village, you will find classic older homes on compact lots close to the water, while the interior neighborhoods offer mid-century ranches, split-levels, and newer subdivisions with generous yards. County Street and Route 103 serve as the main north-south corridors, leading straight to Interstate 195 and the bridges connecting directly to Fall River. Spots like Pierce Beach and Village Waterfront Park provide community gathering places complete with boat ramps, walking paths, and wide-open water vistas.

ATTRKenneth C. Zirkel / CC BY-SA 4.0

When shopping for a home here, a few practical details deserve attention. Waterfront and low-lying coastal properties often require flood insurance, so checking current elevation maps is a smart first step. Most of the town runs on municipal water and sewer, though older homes may still have aging service lines or unpermitted renovations to verify with town hall. Commute times can also fluctuate depending on bridge traffic into Fall River, so driving your daily route during peak morning and evening hours gives a realistic picture of travel times. If you look at properties on the southern end of town, it helps to spend some time listening to local traffic patterns around active commercial and utility zones.

ATTRJohn Phelan / CC BY 3.0

Daily life in Somerset offers a classic suburban feel with a distinctly coastal flavor. Families appreciate the local school system, which runs from kindergarten through eighth grade before students move on to Somerset Berkley Regional High School or explore technical trades at Diman Regional. Water recreation is a major draw, with locals frequently taking advantage of town moorings, kayak launches, and summer beach days on the bay. For dining, shopping, and healthcare, Fall River is just a short drive over the bridge, while downtown Providence sits only twenty minutes to the west for an easy city commute.