Real estate on the South Coast of Massachusetts attracts homebuyers for a variety of noteworthy reasons. Homes for sale on the South Coast are within commuting distance to Fall River, MA, Providence, RI, and the I-495 corridor. Plentiful recreational opportunities and towns with well-supported community amenities add to the South Coast appeal.
Looking for South Coast real estate? Here are 10 homebuyer need-to-know facts about the South Coast.
1. The South Coast includes 13 Massachusetts communities.
Thirteen Massachusetts cities and towns make up the South Coast of Massachusetts. The region includes the southern parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties.
Buzzards Bay borders the South Coast. The communities of Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Westport have coastlines along this Atlantic Ocean bay.
2. More than a third of the South Coast’s population lives in New Bedford.
New Bedford is the South Coast’s largest city. With a 2020 population of 101,079, New Bedford ranks as the the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts.
A major whaling port in the 1800s, New Bedford is home to a fishing and seafood industry that continues to an important economic activity for the city.
3. Dartmouth is the third largest municipality in the state by land area.
Nearly 61 square miles in size, Dartmouth is the the third largest municipality in Massachusetts by land area. Including land and water, Dartmouth has a total area of 97.5 square miles.
Part of the New England Farm Coast, Dartmouth is made up of historic coastal villages, working farms, vineyards, and an active fishing and boating community.
4. South Coast beaches are among the finest in Massachusetts.
Some of the best ocean beaches are found along Buzzards Bay on the South Coast.
As you look for homes on the South Shore, explore these outdoor amenities:
Horseneck Beach State Reservation. Located in Westport at the western end of Buzzard’s Bay, Horseneck Beach features two miles of sandy shoreline.
Fort Phoenix State Reservation. Located in Fairhaven, Fort Phoenix features a universally accessible beach and the remains of a historic Revolutionary War-era fort.
Onset Beach. Located in Wareham, this family favorite is popular for its central location in Onset Village and its sheltered waters.
5. The South Coast Rail will restore commuter rail service to Boston.
New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton, are the only major cities within 50 miles of Boston that are not currently connected to Boston on the commuter rail. The South Coast Rail project will restore commuter rail service between Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.
Phase 1 of construction is in progress and will restore service to the region by the end of 2023. The project will extend the existing Middleborough/Lakeville commuter rail line from Boston to Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford.
6. New Bedford is a state leader in renewable energy.
New Bedford has more than 16 megawatts of solar panels on public property, and the city doing its part to help Massachusetts move toward a 100 percent sustainable future by 2035.
7. East Wareham is home to an iconic water park.
Located in East Wareham, Water Wizz is the largest water park in southern New England. First opened in 1982, the park expanded by adding new features and attractions, including a river ride, tube ride, and wave pool.
8. Westport is home to the largest vineyard in New England.
At 80 acres, Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery is the largest vineyard in New England. Founded in 1982 and operated by fourth generation family winegrowers, Westport Rivers produces award-winning wines from sustainably grown grapes.
9. Battleship Cove in Fall River is home to the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels.
Battleship Cove Maritime Museum is home to the USS Massachusetts, one of the most decorated battleships during World War II.
Built in Quincy and commissioned from the Boston Navy Yard, the Massachusetts went into action in 1942 during the invasion of North Africa. Starting in 1942, the ship was assigned to the Pacific arena for the remainder of its active service.
Deactivated in 1956, “Big Mamie,” as the ship was known, was earmarked for scrap, but ship veterans raised funds to bring the vessel to Fall River in 1965. The ship has been the centerpiece of Battleship Cove since then.
10. Wareham is home to the annual Wareham Oyster Festival.
Wareham is the site of the Wareham Oyster Festival. The festival features shellfish purveyors from southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Oyster lovers can sample oysters while enjoying live music and crafts.
