Seekonk

Monroes-South Seekonk is a residential neighborhood in Seekonk, Massachusetts, located right by the Rhode Island border. Christy Querceto, a Realtor and Rhode Island native, says this area is best described as a hybrid of different elements: "You've really got a blend here. Some wooded areas have a secluded feel, but there are also more developed, modern areas by Route 6. That's where all of the shops and retail are." The neighborhood is also centrally located: It straddles Barrington and Swansea, allowing residents to easily access amenities located in these communities, such as beaches and restaurants. "It's very convenient for commuting because you're right off Interstate 195, so you can go any direction you want really — either cross over to Providence or go deeper into Mass," says Querceto. She summarizes the neighborhood as "a place a bit off the beaten path, but still very desirable and close to all the local conveniences." One main highlight of the neighborhood is the Seekonk Speedway, which hosts events from racing to fireworks displays. Compared to the surrounding areas, homes in Monroes-South Seekonk tend to stray from typical styles associated with New England. Bungalows and raised ranch-styles are commonly spotted, while larger homes mix different housing styles together. "There's been some new construction happening, so we're seeing a bit more of those cookie-cutter, cul-de-sac sections," says Querceto. "But there are still houses that feel secluded, that come with these big plots with lots of greenery; it just depends on what area you're in." Despite the lack of sidewalks, residents frequently bike or walk around the neighborhood. Prices start at $300,000 and go up to $877,000. "Once you start searching in this area, the average price will go up since you're so close to Providence," says Ellie Wickes, a Realtor with Sotheby's International Realty in Westport. According to Querceto, the Seekonk schools are a huge draw for families. "There are definitely people that move here because of the school system," she says. George Martin Elementary enrolls roughly 500 students and receives a B-plus from Niche overall. Dr. Kevin Hurley Middle enrolls 450 students and earns an A-minus. Over 600 students attend Seekonk High School. Niche rates the school a B-plus. Seekonk High is known for its strong music department: Under the direction of John Smialek, the band has won various awards. Since Seekonk doesn't have its own beaches, residents head to Barrington or Swansea for some time in the sun. One option is Swansea Town Beach, located at the edge of Ocean Grove. The beach is open from 9 a.m. until sunset, with amenities like a playground and ball pit. Hikers go to the Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge, about a 9-mile drive away. The refuge spans over 75 acres and offers several trails that lead through meadows and wooded areas. Most shopping and dining options are clustered around Route 6 in a series of plazas. "There's everything you could possibly need; you're super close to these big names like Walmart, Target, and then food chains like Chipotle and stuff," says Querceto. However, there are also local shops, such as Eats Restaurant, a family-owned diner. "One place that is super popular is Four Town Farm," she adds. "Any resident in the surrounding areas knows and loves that place, and people will go there to do their seasonal shopping." Since its opening in 1946, the Seekonk Speedway has always served as a spot for community gatherings. From April to early October, the speedway hosts various events, such as weekly races and monster truck battles. Quercto says that the speedway transforms into a flea market during the off-season. "When they're not doing races, they open up the parking lot, which is used as a flea market — it's great; there's a bunch of different vendors that sell all these trinkets and everything." The flea market is open every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Since Monroes-South Seekonk is in a suburban area, cars are the main form of transportation here. Two main roads run through the neighborhood: State Route 6 and Interstate 195. I-195 takes commuters into major cities such as Providence and New Bedford, while Route 6 leads to smaller towns such as Fall River. Rhode Island TF Green International Airport is the closest major airport in the area. The neighborhood's CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. That means crime rates are lower here than in the U.S. on average.