Last Updated on: 17th April 2024, 01:00 pm
Thinking of relocating to a peaceful New England town? You should consider moving to Somerset. Somerset is a town in southern Massachusetts, located not far from the Rhode Island border. The town was first settled in 1677 and formally incorporated in 1790. A moderator named Jerathmel Bowers was elected to handle official business, and he requested that the town be named after Somerset Square in Boston, where his wife was born.
Today, Somerset is known for its many attractions and prime location on the Taunton River. Somerset is a good place to live for those searching for quaint New England charm and a small-town atmosphere.
Considering moving to Somerset? Discover a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Massachusetts. Enjoy a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Explore local attractions, vibrant community events, and excellent schools. Find out why Somerset is a popular choice for relocation, and start planning your move today.
Where Is Somerset?
Somerset, Massachusetts, is in Bristol County. It’s within the South Coast region of Massachusetts, which encompasses the communities surrounding Buzzards Bay, Mount Hope Bay, and the Sakonnet River.
The town of Somerset is located on the Taunton River, which flows into Mount Hope Bay. I-95 and US Route 6 also pass through Somerset, offering direct access to nearby cities like Providence and Falls River. So you’ll have an easy commute if you’re planning on moving to Somerset for work. Other adjacent communities include Ocean Grove, Swansea, Dighton, Berkeley, and Freetown.
It’s about 48 miles, or a one-hour drive, from Somerset, MA, to Boston, MA, and about 20 miles, or a thirty-minute drive, to Providence, RI.
Somerset Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Somerset’s population is 18,303. It has a spacious, suburban atmosphere, and the population density is 2,312.7 residents per square mile. The Somerset, MA, population has remained fairly consistent since the 1970s and only increased by about 0.7% between 2010 and 2020.
Somerset is an affluent community full of families and retirees. The median age is 46.9 years old, which is 20% higher than the statewide median. However, 21% of residents living in the town of Somerset, MA are under the age of 18. The median household income is $105,377, 10% higher than the statewide median. Many famous residents have enjoyed living in Somerset, including Clifford Millburn Holland, the inventor of the Holland Tunnel, and Janet Robinson, the former CEO of the New York Times.
Other Somerset demographics
- Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
- Educational attainment: 91.6% are high school graduates, 33.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 5.7%
- Average commute time: 27.3 minutes
Somerset is very safe. The total crime rate is 932, making it 31.6% safer than the rest of Massachusetts and 60.3% safer than the rest of the country. The violent crime rate is also 55.6% lower than the rest of the US, and the property crime rate is 61.2% lower. So, if safety is a concern, moving to Somerset is a great choice.
The Somerset Police Department is responsible for controlling crime in the town. They employ 38 law enforcement personnel, including 33 sworn officers and five civilian employees.
Cost of Living in the Town of Somerset, MA
The cost of living in the town of Somerset, MA is reasonable compared to the rest of Massachusetts. The cost of living index is a good way to compare the relative affordability of an area to the rest of the country (represented by 100). The COLI for Somerset is around 120, which means it’s about 20% more expensive than the rest of the United States. But it’s about 13% less expensive than the rest of Massachusetts.
The Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator shows that the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make about $114,828 per year to afford the cost of living in Bristol County.
Typical Somerset Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.99
- Loaf of bread: $2.99
- A dozen fresh eggs: $8.99
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $12.99
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $6.24
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the Falls River area but will be similar in Somerset
Moving to Somerset also offers plenty of affordable housing options. Redfin shows that the median price of houses for sale in Somerset, MA, is $400,000, which is 60% less expensive than the median in Massachusetts. The average price per square foot of homes for sale in Somerset is $377.
The average rent in Somerset is $1,396, according to RentCafe. However, 84% of Somerset real estate is owner-occupied and only 16% is rented out. Rents start around $1,150 for a one-bedroom and go up to $3,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Somerset Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Somerset?
Even though Somerset Mass is a relatively small community, it still has several distinct neighborhoods that offer unique attributes. Here are a few of the best places to live in Somerset.
Buffington Corners | A Suburban Somerset Neighborhood Surrounded By Water
Buffington is the northernmost neighborhood in town and is situated between the Somerset Reservoir and the Taunton River. It’s a quiet, residential neighborhood with homes ranging in price from $230,000 to $1 million.
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Pottersville | An Affordable Somerset Neighborhood in a Central Location
Pottersville is south of Buffington Corners and features a mix of single-family homes and local businesses. Residents will find Mid-Century and Cape Cod-style homes ranging in price from $300,000 to $400,000.
Brayton Point | A Peaceful somerset Neighborhood with Breathtaking Views
Brayton Point is Somerset’s southernmost neighborhood, situated between the Lee and Taunton Rivers. Home shoppers will find plenty of spectacular Colonial Revivals and modest one-story cottages with views of the water, ranging in price from about $300,000 to $700,000.
Somerset MA Weather & Climate
Somerset has a humid continental climate, which indicates warm, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather in Somerset, MA, offers four distinct seasons and ranges in temperature from about 20°F in the winter up to 80°F in the summer.
The town experiences a fair amount of precipitation, averaging about 49 inches of rain and 33 inches of snow annually. If you’re thinking of moving to Somerset, make sure to bring an umbrella and snow boots. The best time to visit Somerset is usually June through September.
Things to Do in Somerset
Although it’s mostly a small residential town, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Somerset. You’ll find a great variety of shops and local businesses in town, such as Makos Boutique, Auclair’s Market, and the Paper Store. Apart from shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Somerset, MA.
Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove is a war memorial and military history museum in Falls River. It features several preserved battleships and exhibits on naval heritage, making it one of the best things to do in Somerset, MA, with kids.
5 Water St, Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 678-1100
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Pierce Beach
Pierce Beach is a small neighborhood beach on the Taunton River that features a playground with a giant red slide and other family-friendly amenities.
Somerset, MA 02726
AMF Somerset Lanes
AMF Somerset Lanes is a local bowling alley offering shoe rentals, party packages, food and cocktails, arcade games, and more.
231 Riverside Ave, Somerset, MA 02725 (508) 672-3131
Additional Attractions Near Somerset
- Children’s Museum of Greater Falls River
- Swansea Town Beach
- Lizzie Borden House
- Longplex Family & Sports Center
If you’re looking for more things to do in Somerset MA with kids, the town’s Parks and Recreation Department manages the public recreation facilities and has a list of summer concerts and other events on its website.
Somerset Restaurants
Along with fun attractions, you’ll also find plenty of fantastic restaurants in Somerset offering secret family recipes and delicious comfort food. Here are some of the best places to eat in Somerset.
Rogers Family Restaurant
Roger’s Family Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Somerset MA, that has been in operation since 1959. It offers a unique take on classic dishes like Chicken Tenders Mozambique and Portuguese Poutine.
1229 Wilbur Ave, Somerset, MA 02725 (508) 678-0201
Excellent Pizza
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Excellent Pizza is one of the best restaurants in Somerset, with specialty pizzas, subs and heroes, ziti and spaghetti, fish and chips, and other classic entrees.
1072 W County St, Somerset, MA 02726 (508) 672-6619
Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Fiesta Mexican restaurant is a locally owned eatery serving authentic Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients that offer in-house dining and catering services.
117 County St, Somerset, MA 02726 (508) 672-9356
Jobs in Somerset
Moving to Somerset offers plenty of great job opportunities. Somerset has a strong economy that offers plenty of opportunities to job seekers. Due to its location and nautical heritage, shipbuilding and maritime activities are the main industries in Somerset. However, residents living in the town of Somerset MA can also find employment in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, education, and emerging energy. The Somerset job market increased by 3.9% last year, and future job growth is expected to grow by 36.7% over the next ten years.
Major employers in the South Coast include:
- Amazon
- Lockheed Martin
- Merrow Manufacturing
- Diocesan Health Facilities
- St. Anne’s Hospital
According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for a worker in Falls River is $21.84. You can find a wide range of exciting Somerset jobs, ranging from social worker to sales specialist. You can even find stable jobs in the town of Somerset, MA, offering competitive salaries and a full range of benefits.
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Somerset Schools
Living in the town of Somerset MA offers access to excellent schools. The Somerset Public School District includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The three elementary schools in Somerset are Chase, North, and South Elementary.
The Somerset School District was recognized for the 2023 AP Honor Roll for supporting college readiness with AP classes that qualify for college credits. Somerset-Berkley Regional is the main high school in Somerset. It’s a very well-respected school with a graduation rate of 94% and ranks #134 out of all Massachusetts high schools.
There are no private schools in Somerset. However, Bishop Connolly High School in Falls River is a Catholic co-educational school that is also open to Somerset students. Residents can also stop by the Somerset Public Library for books and community events.
Somerset Statistics & Information
- Somerset County: Bristol County
- Somerset area: 12.0 square miles
- Somerset zip code: 02725, 02726
- Somerset area code: 508 and 774
- Somerset elevation: 02725 and 02726
- Somerset time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
- The closest airport to Somerset is the New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) is 22 miles away.
Somerset MA Map
Find more activities, attractions, and other fun things to do in Somerset with this map.
Preparing to make the move to this idyllic town? Corriera Brothers is at your service. Our dedicated Somerset movers will make your upcoming move easy and affordable. Call (401) 648-6683 for a free custom moving quote.
