Swansea

Sitting along the Southeastern coast of Massachusetts is North Swansea, a quiet neighborhood known for its secluded and slow-paced style of life. Residents here drive on long, winding roads that are surrounded by leafy trees and large fields — a call back to the town's farming roots during colonial America. "Something you'll immediately notice is how there's a lot more land, almost to the point where it feels rural," says Christy Querceto, a Realtor and Rhode Island native. "What's nice is that it's not in the middle of nowhere, though. You're a stone's throw away from the town beach, Warren and the East Bay, so it's like a hybrid of coastal and country life." Realtor Elizabeth Kirk echoes these thoughts: "You can go into Downtown Warren for shopping and dining; it's that close." She adds, "There are still a lot of things to check out in your backyard, though. Johnson's Roadside Farm Market is a local favorite—It's got the best pies you could ever ask for." And if residents can't find what they're looking for in Swansea or Warren, they can take one of the many highways running through the neighborhood to other cities.  Homes here sit on grassy plots of land decorated by various trees and shrubs. Most feature styles that have a classic New England look and feel. "There's really a blend of architecture here," says Querceto. "I would say raised ranches, Cape Cods and colonial-style homes are the most common." She also adds that inventory is low. "When something is on the market, it sells immediately." Prices start at $385,000 and go up to $850,000. While there aren't any sidewalks, residents still frequently walk or bike: Querceto says one of North Swansea's charms is that "It's not like a cookie-cutter community; there's more room for getting around."  Multiple shops exist within the neighborhood, such as the highly-rated Cornerstone Bakery & Restaurant. However, Querceto believes some of the best shopping and dining options are found in Downtown Warren, less than a four-mile drive away. "When I grew up in Rhode Island, there weren't many options; we'd have to go into Newport for something nice. But now everyone goes to Downtown Warren for its dining scene, especially those who live in Swansea; the two towns are so close." She recommends The Wharf, a restaurant offering upscale seafood overlooking the water. The Guild Brewing Company offers a more laid-back atmosphere and serves quick bites and beer. Residents pick up groceries from nearby convenience stores or head east to the Walmart Supercenter.  The schools here fall under the Swansea Public School District. Mark G. Hoyle Elementary has 205 students enrolled in PK-2 and receives a B from overall from Niche. The school emphasizes health and wellness, implementing policies focusing on nutrition and physical activity. Joseph Case Junior School enrolls around 500 students, and also earns a B. Over 900 students attend Joseph Case Senior High School, rated B overall. In 2014, the marching band won the New England and Massachusetts USBands championships. Located at the edge of Ocean Grove is Swansea Town Beach, open to the general public. Amenities include a playground and public restrooms. Querceto says, "People come here to spend the day with their families," and also recommends "wearing flip flops — it gets pebbly sometimes." The closest green space is the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, a 66-acre preserve open 24/7, meaning residents can enjoy the great outdoors any time of the year. Wildlife is abundant here: birds, red foxes, and harbor seals are frequently spotted.   Those looking to golf can head over to the Swansea Country Club. The club has a par-72 course that is open on weekdays and weekends. It also serves as a venue for special occasions: weddings, birthday parties, school dances and photo shoots are hosted here. Club members can also celebrate seasonal holidays like Christmas, New Year's Eve and Saint Patrick's Day.  Three main roads run through the neighborhood: Route 136, State Route 6 and Interstate 195. Providence, the nearest major city, is accessed via I-195. Route 136 takes residents to Warren, and Route 6 takes commuters to Fall River. Both of these smaller towns are less than 8 miles away. The closest airport is the Rhode Island TF Green International Airport, about a 17-mile drive away.  North Swansea'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.

Sitting at the edge of 160 Old Warren Road is a small, brick building known as Luther Store, a convenience shop that has been a fixture in Swansea since 1815. During the 19th century, the Luther Corner area was the commercial center of Swansea, Massachusetts, serving as a rest stop for traders stopping by. Today, the area has been transformed into a residential neighborhood, but the convenience store still stands, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from its historic charm, the neighborhood is also surrounded by open fields and leafy trees, creating various opportunities for residents to enjoy the great outdoors. Despite the more laid-back, small-town vibe, Luther Corner isn't removed from the conveniences of the city. "It's great having Route 6 and Interstate 195 in your backyard, because a lot of people from Swansea will take these to go into bigger areas like Fall River for entertainment, while choosing to live in the suburbs," says Ellie Wickes, a Realtor with Sotheby's International Realty in Westport. Houses with a distinct New England look and feel sit on green plots shaded by mature maple trees. Christy Querceto, a Realtor and Rhode Island native, says, "Most are Cape Cods and colonial-style homes, with the occasional ranch-style here and there." She adds, "Because there's more land here, the area doesn't feel like you're in a cookie-cutter neighborhood. You've got houses on the side of these long roads, and when you head over to old Warren road, that's where a lot of the historic properties are." Prices start at $360,000 and go up to $689,000. The schools here fall within the Swansea Public School District. Joseph G. Luther School has around 200 students enrolled in grades 3-5 and receives a B grade overall from Niche. The school emphasizes health and wellness, implementing policies focusing on nutrition and physical activity. Joseph Case Junior School enrolls around 500 students, and also earns a B. Over 900 students attend Joseph Case Senior High School, rated B overall. The school's celebrated marching band has won five national championships, five New England Band Association Championship titles and four Massachusetts state championship titles. Swansea Town Beach is a small waterfront located at the edge of Ocean Grove, with a playground and public restrooms. "This is the main beach people go to because it's open to the public. Many people spend the day with their families," Querceto says. "I would recommend wearing flip-flops: It gets pebbly sometimes." Just under 2 miles away is Swansea Park, which includes an open field, playground and sports fields. The closest green space is the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, a 66-acre preserve open year-round. Wildlife is abundant here: Birds, red foxes, and harbor seals are frequently spotted. Most shopping and dining options are located around Route 6, such as County Fare Too Coney Island Hot Dogs. This spot serves freshly made hot dogs with different meat sauces, as well as Del's Lemonade, a frozen drink popular in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Querceto says that many residents in Swansea also head down to Downtown Warren for food due to how close the town is. "Downtown Warren has this incredible up-and-coming restaurant scene; people go there now for a nice dinner or celebration with the family." She recommends The Wharf, an upscale seafood restaurant overlooking the water. Golfers can head to Touisset Country Club, a family-owned and operated establishment since 1961. The country club features a 9-hole course designed by Raymond H. Brigham. The club also serves as a venue for special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, school dances and photo shoots. Because Swansea is semi-rural, residents rely on cars as their primary form of transportation. Two main roads run through the neighborhood: State Route 6 and Interstate 195. The nearest major city is Providence, about a 14-mile drive away via Interstate 195. The closest airport is the Rhode Island TF Green International Airport, about a 20-mile drive away. Luther Corner'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.

Touisset is derived from the Indigenous word Toweset, which means "at the cornfield" or "at the old field." This name is especially fitting for the neighborhood, considering that it used to be farmland for the Mason Family. In the 1900s, the area became a popular destination due to its proximity to the water, serving as a summer retreat for wealthy New Englanders. Today, Touisset is best known as a suburban community straddling Warren and Swansea, but its origins as an agricultural plot and coastal community are still evident. Long winding roads, historic homes and leafy trees surround residents. At the same time, they also enjoy access to the waterfront, which continues to play an important role in day-to-day life. "It's hectic when the weather warms up," says Ralph Romano, a manager at Swansea & Cole River Marina Inc. "You've got all these people rushing in to enjoy the bay; my whole day is spent just getting boats out into the water." The neighborhood is also less than a 5-mile drive from Downtown Warren, which has a vibrant art scene and delicious restaurants.                                Homes here include classic New England architecture, such as Cape Cods, ranch-style and colonial-inspired designs. Some areas still have cottages, back from when Touisset properties served as a summer retreat in the 1900s. Most come with manicured green lots and driveways. There are no sidewalks, but families often go for walks or bike around the neighborhood. "There are many historic homes here, and larger and newer renovations happening by the waterfront. It just depends on what area you're in." Alvarez says. Prices start at $400,000 and can climb as high as $900,000 for newly renovated properties.  Hugh Cole Elementary enrolls over 500 students from PK-5, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The school is considered a Feinstein Learning School, part of a Rhode Island initiative to encourage community service. Niche rated the school a B-minus overall. Kickemuit Middle has 700 students enrolled in Grades 6-8 and receives a B overall. Over 900 students in Grades 9-12 attend Mount Hope High. Its marching band participates in the Fourth of July Parade every year. The high school receives a B-minus overall. Locals enjoy visiting Swansea Town Beach with their family members, which comes with a playground and public restroom open to all. However, some residents say the sand is too pebbly from rocks and seashells, so wearing flip-flops is recommended. For boating and yachting, seafarers head to the Swansea & Cole River Marina, located at Ocean Grove. The closest green space is the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, a 66-acre preserve open 24/7, meaning residents can enjoy the great outdoors any time of the year. Wildlife is abundant here: Several species of bird can be spotted, or the occasional red fox and harbor seal. "It's a nice place to go and unwind," says Alvarez. "It's an easy walk; the trail loops around the entire area, so you get to see everything."  Downtown Warren is a hub for shopping and dining options west of the neighborhood. Bookstores, coffee shops and art studios are on every corner. Some popular dining options include The Wharf, which serves seafood overlooking the water, and Blount Clam Shack, an outdoor restaurant known for its family-friendly atmosphere. "Downtown Warren is so much fun," says Alvarez. "Some of the best restaurants are here, especially around Main Street." Swansea also has great eats, like Jr's Seaside Tavern and Black Salt. Tom's Market and Stop & Shop in Warren are go-to places for groceries. Those looking to test their swing can head to the Touisset Country Club, a family-owned and operated establishment since 1961. The country club features a 9-hole golf course designed by Raymond H. Brigham. The club also serves as a venue for special occasions: weddings, birthday parties, school dances and photo shoots are hosted here.  Touisset homeowners rely heavily on cars to get around. To the north of the neighborhood is State Route 103, which connects to Interstate 195. Residents take these routes to travel into major cities such as Providence, a 16-mile drive away, or Boston, about 60 miles away. The Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is 23 miles from the neighborhood.  According to the CAP Index, Touisset has a crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

South Swansea homes on Gardners Neck enjoy quiet living on the Cole River. Shingle-sided cottages and private docks give South Swansea a nautical atmosphere. “It’s drop-dead gorgeous here,” says Barbara Monize, a local Realtor with Bay Market Real Estate. Locally owned restaurants like Black Salt and Swansea House of Pizza are year-round favorites. During the summer months, members can swim or play at the Cedar Cove Club’s tennis courts and private beach. All residents can head to Swansea Town Beach in Ocean Grove to the north to look for seashells or swim in the shallow waters. Students in town can attend schools within the Swansea Public School District, which is graded an overall B on Niche. Coastal-style cottages and Cape Cods help create a beach town vibe in South Swansea. Cul-de-sacs and private driveways branch off from Gardners Neck, leading to a large collection of ranch-style and two-story waterfront properties overlooking the water. Spacious yards continue to be a significant draw to the area, according to Monize. “I find that a lot of people want to live here because of Swansea’s minimum lot size. Lots must be at least 30,000 square feet, or about three-quarters of an acre. Other areas are a lot more congested,” Monize says. Most homes in the area range between $270,000 and $600,000, with those on the higher end often sitting on the waterfront. A selection of riverside homes or those on large estates can reach up into the $1 million to $2 million range. While these homes may enjoy a quiet view, some areas in town are considered part of a flood zone. Members who join the Cedar Cove Club in South Swansea can enjoy access to the Cole River near the Swansea Marina. With a lighted tennis and basketball court, picnic and barbecue pits and seasonal parties and events, members can enjoy gathering throughout the summer months. Swansea Town Beach is a public sandy area and playground in Ocean Grove that anyone can enjoy during its open seasons. Up the road in the heart of Swansea, locals can bring their families to the Swansea Park Department’s little league fields, playground, and tennis courts. Or they can hike the Village Park trails behind the Swansea Free Public Library. Wilbur Avenue in Ocean Grove is a great spot for locally owned places to eat and gather. Black Salt Bar & Bistro, a relatively new sit-down restaurant, serves seafood, steak and brunch every Sunday. Swansea House of Pizza serves takeaway pizzas and wings. Rea’s Cafe has a brick-and-mortar location and a unique roadside coffee stand by the beach. For sweet treats, Continent Bakery on Pinehurst Avenue has a wide selection of fresh pastries and loaves of bread. For a few essentials, residents can head to Swansea Mart or Walgreens on Wilbur Ave. For longer shopping trips, north on I-195 is Swansea’s major shopping hub, featuring major retailers like Walmart, Target and Marshalls. Gardner Elementary School sits near many South Swansea homes and teaches kindergarten through second grade. For third through fifth grade, students can attend Elizabeth S. Brown Elementary School just a little north of town. Joseph Case Junior High School offers several clubs such as its running club, book writing club, and photo club. Students can write for the Cardinal newspaper or join one of several after-school clubs and activities at Joseph Case High School. All four schools are graded a B on Niche. South Swansea is well-connected to the rest of the city via Route 103, Route 6 and Interstate 195. Swansea is less than 3 miles north via Gardners Neck Road, and Fall River is about 5 miles southeast via Interstate 195. Residents would have to cross the Charles M. Braga Jr. Memorial Bridge to get there. The nearest major commercial airport is the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport about 23 miles away in Rhode Island, and Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River is around 5 miles away.

Swaying marsh grasses, fresh breezes and calm waters help define the nautical atmosphere of Ocean Grove. Cottages and New England homes line a riverside full of private docks and natural plants. Ocean Grove “is a beach town community. It’s very nice there, but inventory is low,” says Barbara Monize, broker-owner of Bay Market Real Estate, who has been selling homes in Swansea for over 40 years. “They’re revamping the Swansea Town Beach by putting in a playground for children and a new beach house.” This small waterfront community has local cafes and bistros like Black Salt and Continent Bakery just steps away from most front doors. Locals can bike around town together or swim at Swansea Town Beach in summertime. Students in Ocean Grove can attend schools within the Swansea Public School District, which is graded an overall B on Niche. Typical of New England weather, Ocean Grove is beautiful during the summer, but winters can be cold and icy on the water. Swansea Town Beach is the neighborhood's popular public sandy beach, but with many seashells and stones to navigate. Residents can use public bathrooms, play on the playground, and swim in the shallow waters. Boaters can dock their ships at Swansea and Cole River Marina Inc. on Calef Avenue, which has a fuel dock and water hookup. “Colt State Park out in Bristol is about a 15-minute drive or less. People tend to frequent there in the summer months,” Monize says. “You can walk the whole waterfront area, and if you want to picnic, there are grills, and people throw parties out there all the time. Less than 3 miles north is the Swansea Park Department, which has sports courts, little league ball fields, and a large playground. Families can spend time at the Swansea Free Public Library or take to the trails behind the library at Village Park, which are bike and dog friendly. Cottage bungalows and New England style residences line the streets and rocky riverfront of Ocean Grove. Colorful exteriors, porthole windows, large decks and patios give houses here a nautical feel, which fits well with the landscape. There is even a small private island called Shady Isle offshore. Two-story split levels and contemporary homes are priced closer to $450,000 for two to three bedrooms and nice-sized yards. A few homebuyers are constructing brand-new upscale and flood-safe homes on the neighborhood’s available waterfront lots. Homes with private docks can range between $400,000 and $650,000, but keep in mind that many are in flood zones. Modest-sized bungalows and Cape Cods further inland can cost between $300,000 and $500,000. Wilbur Avenue hosts several locally owned businesses that residents can explore within easy distance of their homes. Black Salt Bar & Bistro, a new neighborhood staple, has both surf and turf entrees and brunch every Sunday. Swansea House of Pizza has a small sitting area and takeaway pizzas and wings. Rea’s Cafe has a brick-and-mortar location and a unique roadside coffee stand by the beach. For sweet treats, Continent Bakery on Pinehurst Avenue has a wide selection of fresh pastries and loaves of bread. For small essentials, residents can grab a few things at Swansea Mart or Walgreens on Wilbur Ave, or head 3 miles north to Walmart on Cousineau Drive. “I live in Swansea, so I tend to frequent Walmart because it’s close, but I also go to other areas like Fall River,” Monize says. “There is a lot of fine dining in New Bedford, and you can go to Providence for great Italian food, though people are hesitant to cross the bridge now because of traffic.” Ocean Grove students can start at Gardner Elementary School, for kindergarten through second grade. For third through fifth grade, students can attend Elizabeth S. Brown Elementary School. Joseph Case Junior High School teaches sixth through eighth grade and offers its students several clubs and activities like a movie club, math team and opportunities to join the Student Council. Joseph Case High School students can join clubs, write for the Cardinal Newspaper or learn chess alongside their regular studies. All four schools are graded a B on Niche. Swansea is less than 3 miles north via Gardners Neck Road, or locals can drive up Maple Avenue to find several big box retailers like Walmart, Dollar Tree and Big Lots. Fall River is about 5 miles southeast via Interstate 195 and across the Charles M. Braga Jr. Memorial Bridge. Fall River has several attractions like Battleship Cove, Little Theater of Fall River, Borden Flats Lighthouse and the Lizzie Borden House bed and breakfast. The nearest major commercial airport is the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport about 23 miles away in Rhode Island. Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River is about 5 miles away.