North Attleborough

While many areas in Massachusetts can lay claim to natural beauty and many can lay claim to convenient locations, not many can say they have both. Attleboro Falls, however, is a neighborhood that offers that elusive combination. With a large pond and natural conservation area as its centerpiece, Attleboro Falls checks the natural beauty box. As for location, Attleboro Falls is 15 miles north of Providence and 40 miles south of Boston. And with Interstates 295 and 95 serving as the southern and eastern neighborhood boundaries, accessing the highways for trips to either city is easy. According to local Realtor Elizabeth Kirk, that’s one of the major draws of the neighborhood. “With Interstates 95 and 295 running through here, you’ll get a lot of people choosing Attleboro because it’s close to Boston,” says Kirk, who has been representing transactions in the area for more than a decade. The centerpiece of the neighborhood, both literally and figuratively, is The Martin Conservation Area and the adjoining Falls Pond. The 240-acre Martin Conservation Area features miles of walking trails that crisscross the wooded area. The preserve also offers a spot for launching canoes and kayaks for those who want to explore the adjacent Falls Pond. Falls Pond covers 113 acres, providing boaters, swimmers and anglers plenty of space to pursue their preferred activities. The pond is actually two separate impoundments that are joined by a culvert, and while boats are allowed on both sections, the southern section is limited to five-horsepower motors and the northern section is limited to 25-horsepower motors. Anglers will find largemouth bass, trout and various panfish throughout the pond, and there are designated swimming areas for those who want to cool off in the summer. Mason Field is home to multiple baseball and softball fields, as well as a playground for younger athletes to enjoy, a basketball court and a batting cage. The field was donated by J. Frank Mason in honor of his son, a military servicemember who was killed in action in World War II. Potential homebuyers will find a combination of condominiums and detached single-family homes on tree-lined streets with abutting sidewalks that lend an air of suburban living to the neighborhood. “Prices in the area are climbing fast,” says local Realtor Kevin Fitzgerald. “It’s a very competitive market because people are realizing how convenient the neighborhood is.” Condos here range in price from $175,000 for a one-bedroom unit up to $260,000 for a two-bedroom. Two-bedroom single-family homes start in the mid-$300,000 range for ranch-styles, while larger Craftsman-style and Cape Cod homes can fetch between $500,000 and $700,000. Those looking for even larger homes will find colonial-inspired houses priced in the $800,000 range. With a vibrant commercial sector in the neighborhood, Attleboro Falls provides residents with plenty of shopping and dining establishments, too. Towne Tavern is a hip spot for grabbing a blood orange margarita and a plate of crispy haddock tacos. The atmosphere is a mix of rustic and sophisticated, meaning menu options frequently include hybrid concoctions like lobster poutine or pastrami-and-pickle-topped pizza. Other popular area restaurants include the nostalgic interior of KC’s Classic Burger Bar and the chic Ambrosia Zaika, where they serve modern takes on classic Indian recipes. Home chefs can stock up on cooking supplies at either Stop & Shop or Shaw’s, both located within the neighborhood’s boundaries, and other home necessities are just south of I-295 at Target. Also south of I-295 is the Emerald Square Mall, where shoppers will find national retailers like Macy’s and JCPenney along with a collection of other stores catering to children, teens, adults and even pets. North Attleborough Public Schools earns an overall rating of B-plus from Niche. Amvet Boulevard Elementary, North Attleborough Middle and North Attleborough High also all earn a B-plus. Students at North Attleborough High School have the opportunity to play any of 27 varsity-level sports; they are also required to fulfill at least 10 hours of community service per year during high school. Alternatively, students can attend any number of highly regarded private schools in the area, including The Wheeler School, which earns an A-plus rating from Niche. In addition to the interstates that border the neighborhood, residents here are 3 miles from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority train station at Attleboro, which has on-site parking for those who want to drive to the station and take the train. From there, riders can take the Providence/Stoughton Line as far north as Boston or as far south as Wickford, Rhode Island. “You can get pretty much anywhere you want from Attleboro,” says Fitzgerald.