Small Massachusetts town with Colonial roots
Sixteen miles east of Providence, Dighton is a small Massachusetts town with a close-knit community. "There are a lot of townies," says Jennifer Michael, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a Dighton resident for over 55 years. "We all know each other and love this town. When someone new comes, I'm like, 'Did you ask us if you could move in here?' But we're welcoming; everyone I meet is fabulous — it's just a small place."
The community dates back to the 17th century and was known as an agricultural community until the farms began to thin out in the 20th century. "The farms are gone; there's no industry," Michael says. "More people are commuting to Boston." The commuter rail in Taunton offers a convenient route to major cities, and Providence is within driving distance. Single-family homes often reflect the town's colonial heritage, and Dighton's small-town character means shopping, dining and recreation are limited. "We got our first traffic light in 1992 — our only traffic light. There are no grocery stores, and there'll never be a McDonald's. We're probably just going to stay the way we are," Michael says. "It's as rural as you can be for Massachusetts."
Homes from the 18th century through today
The median home price in Dighton is $650,000, compared to about $450,000 in Taunton and Providence. "They're mostly single-family homes," Michael says. "It's a range; we have some homes built in the 1700s and the new construction."
Residential streets are typically without sidewalks, and properties are generally well-separated with acreage. "Most people have half an acre or more; there are a lot of woods and fields," Michael says. Homes built over the past 25 years are generally new traditional with colonial- or Craftsman-inspired features, like front porches and board-and-batten shutters. "There are not too many developments, but a few cul-de-sacs," Michael says. Homes from the 18th through the late 20th century are diverse, but cottages, colonials, Craftsman and ranch-style homes are standard. "Some homes have well water, septic systems and no gas, and some homes have everything," Michael says. "For the most part, all of them are well-kept."
Opportunities at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional District schools
About 2,500 students attend the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, which earns an overall B from Niche. At Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High, students may take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Bristol Community College. Bristol County Agricultural High, locally referred to as "Bristol Aggie," offers vocational majors in subjects like animal science, arboriculture and environmental conservation.
Parks and green spaces around town
"There are a couple of little parks scattered around the town," Michael says. Behind Town Hall, there's the Dighton Community Playground with slides and swings, as well as a track and playing field. Nearby, there are basketball and tennis courts by the Dighton Police Station. Tricentennial Park is a popular spot for picnicking, jogging and birding along the Taunton River. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the river for striped bass, and birders can be on the lookout for chimney swifts and tree swallows. About a mile away, there's a boat ramp at Osprey Landing for canoes and kayaks.
Diners and donuts in Dighton
Shopping and dining are limited, but a handful of businesses are around state Route 138. "There's one Dunkin' Donuts, and it's right in town, and that's it," Michael says. "We have a couple of banks, a couple of diners." For brunch, Dighton Country Diner serves favorites like chocolate chip pancakes and Belgian waffles in a laid-back, no-frills setting. Just up the road, 1712 Restaurant and Bar is a rustic spot with cold beer and comfort eats like chicken parmesan, ribeye steak and pizza. Michael says residents generally go to Taunton or Somerset for groceries, but Under the Sun Farm has a stand along Williams Street with fresh meats and produce.
Events and traditions
Dighton is a small town, but their traditions have a lot of personality. "It started in 1989; it's called the Cow Chip Festival," Michael says. "They set up a grid on the track behind Town Hall. They paint squares on the field, bring a cow from the agricultural school, and you bet on what square the cow does his business on." The three-day festival includes amusement rides, food and activities like chainsaw wood carving. The Strawberry Festival in June is another highlight, with live music, crafts, and the best strawberries available from local farmers. "We also have the tree lighting ceremony at the town hall with free hot chocolate and hot dogs, and Santa comes around," Michael says.
Commuting from Dighton
U.S. Route 44 passes through Dighton, leading to Providence, 16 miles away; Boston is 45 miles away via state Route 24. Residents drive to get around town; streets generally lack sidewalks or bike lanes. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's commuter rail stops at East Taunton Station, 9 miles away, with service to Boston — a 70-minute commute. Morton Hospital - Brown University Health is 7 miles away, and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is 25 miles away.
Environmental factors
Summers are warm and humid, and winters are cold, with 37 inches of snow annually. Bristol County is at moderate risk of flooding and hurricanes.
