Somerset

Pottersville received its name from Clark Chace, one of the first settlers in Somerset, Massachusetts. Chace inherited pottery-making skills from his family in England, and made it his mission to continue this trade in the states. By 1815, he had set up the first pottery in the area. However, over the years, his businesses dwindled, and by 1912, the region had transformed into a residential neighborhood. Although the potteries from that time are long gone, the towns origins still remain in the neighborhoods name. Today, Pottersville is best known as a classic suburb, blending country and coastal life: The neighborhood overlooks the Taunton River and is close to various walking trails and waterfronts. "It doesn't feel as rural as some other areas around it, such as Swansea," says Christy Querceto, a Realtor and Rhode Island native. "I would say it's a bit more cookie cutter, but still very scenic and peaceful overall." For shopping and dining, residents can visit one of the many restaurants lining County Street or commute into Fall River and Swansea for more options. To the east of the neighborhood is the Somerset Marina & Yacht Sale, a full-service marina. The port allows boaters to launch into the Taunton River and access the Rhode Island waterways. Less than 2 miles away is Pierce Beach, open every day of the week from June through August. For a $40 season pass, beachgoers can enjoy walking by the coastline or laying out in the sun. The beach also offers amenities such as a playground, ball field, and bathrooms. Aside from its coastal charms, Pottersville is also near several walking paths, such as the Broad Cove Coastal Access Trail and the Chief Tattapanum Trail. Houses in Pottersville sit closely together but tend to have a little more yard space. Many homes come with a driveway and garage and are shaded by mature white pines. Querceto says there's a mix of housing styles, but "the majority of properties in this area tend to be cute little ranch-style homes, colonial-style homes and Cape Cods." Despite the lack of sidewalks, residents still walk or bike around the neighborhood. "It's great for biking around because there's so much space, and the roads lead to other residential areas," Querceto explains. Prices start at $320,000 and go up to $700,000. Chace Street Elementary School has over 300 students enrolled in grades K-5 and receives a B-minus rating from Niche. The population doubles in size at Somerset Middle School, which has around 600 students. Somerset Middle earns a C-plus overall. The school is set to reopen in September of 2024 after an $85-million renovation. Over 1,000 students are enrolled in Somerset Berkly Regional High School, rated B overall. The high school features an 800-seat double-tiered auditorium and a 70-seat lecture hall. Most shopping and dining options are located around Route 138, also known as County Street. Querceto recommends Ma Raffa's Somerset, a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant. "It's loved by everyone in the community. Their servings are huge and family-sized, so I love to stop by there and pick up takeout." Querceto says another favorite of hers is Pink Bean, a small coffee shop located in Amelia's Flower Garden. "Sometimes, I will literally make the trip from Rehoboth to pick up coffee and a pastry from there." Her favorite place for dessert is Ice Cream Barn: "It arguably has some of the best ice cream around, and this is coming from someone who is a total foodie. You get massive scoops of homemade ice cream and then eat it while overlooking pastures and a cattle farm. It's such a nice experience." Groceries and other essentials are picked up at Auclair's Market. Route 138, which runs through the neighborhood's east side, takes commuters to the nearby towns of Fall River and Swansea. Both are less than a 5-mile drive away. Interstate 195 leads to Providence, the nearest major city, but many residents choose to stay close to home for travel involving day to day life. The closest airport is the Rhode Island TF Green International Airport, about 26 miles away. Pottersville'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.

Brayton Point is a Somerset neighborhood cradled on three sides by the calm waters of Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton and Lee rivers. Area homes range from cozy clapboard and shingled one-story cottages to upscale Colonial Revivals with columned facades and split-levels bordered by neat box hedges and rustic rock walls. For prime sunset viewing, check out Brayton Point’s many waterfront properties with shoreside panoramas. Launch your canoe or kayak into the Taunton River from your own backyard, or fish the tidal estuary for flounder and seabass from the comfort of a private dock. Further inland, you’ll find shady, partially hidden subdivisions and cul-de-sacs branching off from larger residential thoroughfares. For public access to the shore, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at Brayton Point Beach, a pebbled stretch lapped by quiet waters. While the beach currently overlooks a former coal-fired power plant, the city plans to revitalize the area and replace the old complex with off-shore wind turbines. You can also explore the nearby Brayton Point Wildlife Management Area, which preserves the area’s verdant marshland habitat. The community gathers at Teamworks Somerset, the neighborhood’s recreation center, for socials, youth programs, summer camps and a variety of sports leagues. And kids can swing, slide and climb at Edward J. O’Neill Memorial Playground, a modest grassy space encircled by tall trees. Local schoolchildren attend nearby South Elementary, Somerset Middle and Somerset Berkley Regional High. Somerset Middle has integrated engineering and technology skills into its curriculum, beginning with structural and design foundations and ending with an introduction to robotics in 8th grade. Brayton Point is conveniently bisected by Interstate 195 and Route 6, connecting the neighborhood to greater Somerset as well as urban centers like Providence, Rhode Island, to the west, New Bedford to the east and Worcester to the north. Fall River is just a stone’s throw away across Taunton River, and residents can traverse the scenic Braga Bridge, constructed of sky-blue iron, to reach the city. But there are plenty of amenities available closer to home. For everyday essentials, you can stop by the neighborhood’s commercial hub, a shopping center bordering Route 6. Here, you’ll find familiar retailers like Stop & Shop, CVS and Home Depot. Don’t feel like cooking at home? Stop by one of Brayton Point’s local restaurants: sample the classic American breakfast menu at Roger’s Family Restaurant; tuck into Missing Link BBQ’s wood-smoked brisket and corn cakes; or satisfy your sweet tooth with J Petal’s decadent Japanese crepes, topped with fresh fruit, ice cream and macarons. Surrounded by scenic waterways, Brayton Point’s residential streets are a peaceful suburban haven close to Massachusetts’ urban attractions.