Freetown

Amidst the dense forests and picturesque rivers of eastern Massachusetts, Freetown is a bucolic town with a rich maritime history and a friendly community. “Freetown has a rural feel with a small but tight-knit community,” says Cindy Brouwer, an independent Realtor with over 10 years of experience in the area. “It’s growing and getting busier while maintaining the small-town vibe.”

Residents take pride in the town’s Colonial history, which can be dated back to 1683 when the first company of militia was formed in Freetown. Freetown’s location at the top of a tidewater made it the nearest port to the adjacent iron-producing communities. Due to the town's Colonial roots, older colonial-revival homes are most common here, although ranch styles and Cape Cods can be found in between. Houses are spread across roomy lots that provide plenty of privacy and seclusion. “Most homes sit on over 2 acres, and you’ll have smaller lots beside the pond, while others have quite a bit of property,” Brouwer says. Lots between half an acre to upwards of 40 acres for sale provide ample room to build a custom home. Though the median value for real estate here hovers around $486,000, prices range from $250,000 for smaller cottages to custom-built ranch-style houses for $925,000.

The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District serves kids in the town and was rated the eleventh-best school district in Plymouth County by Niche. Kids start their academic journey at Freetown Elementary for prekindergarten through third grade. Fourth and fifth graders have a school to themselves at George R Austin Intermediate School, which feeds into Freetown-Lakeville Middle School. Students at Apponquet Regional High School can take swimming as part of their Physical Education at the school’s swimming pool, which is also open to the public with a pass. All four schools have a B overall rating or higher from Niche.

Brouwer says the tight-knit community feel of Freetown shines during the town’s events, such as the Fourth of July parade and Father’s Day Strawberry Festival. “They have crafts and activities for the whole family and a delicious strawberry shortcake that runs out every year.” Freetown’s historical society plays a role in the community as well. With a focus on preserving the town’s rich maritime history, the organization hosts greenery workshops around Christmas, concerts and other activities for residents to participate in.

One of Freetown’s most notable features is the Freetown-Fall River State Forest, a 5,000-acre tract of land covered in pine forest. The park provides a host of recreational opportunities, including hiking and hunting. Folks wander the 25 miles of trails by foot, bike or horse, and anglers set up along the pond’s edge. “Kids go play in the water at the splash pad, and it’s a beautiful walk to the quarry,” Brouwer adds.

With proximity to the Fall River Highway, most residents take to neighboring communities for shopping and dining. “Depending on where you live in Freetown, you can go to Fall River, Taunton or New Bedford for stores and restaurants,” Brouwer says. Nevertheless, locales in Freetown are heavily visited; Profile Tavern is a favorite for those looking for comfort foods in a relaxed setting, while Nellie Rose Diner offers a classic diner experience. For groceries and other necessities, Shaw’s supermarket and Family Dollar are only 15 minutes west by car. Or take Interstate 195 east and get to Providence, Rhode Island, in under 40 minutes. Other transportation is also accessible to residents, Brouwer says. “The high-speed commuter train that goes to Boston is a huge plus for people – and it’s increasing property values and making Freetown more desirable.”

Written By

Christina von Claparede-Crola

Photography Contributed By

Shawn Miller

Video By

Adam Lapallo