Fall River, MABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Along the banks of the Taunton River, Fall River is characterized by its picturesque waterfront and diverse cultural offerings, including a robust Portuguese community. A revitalized downtown, affordability and potential for growth make it hard to resist.
Fall River, MA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
An idyllic small city in the Providence metro area, Fall River, MA, is quintessential New England: a textile mill history, beautiful foliage in the fall and, of course, a mysterious murder trial that people still talk about over 100 years later. Fall River was home to the infamous Lizzie Borden, who was acquitted of the murder of her father and stepmother (and whose rhyme we’ve likely all chanted at a sleepover). Visitors from all over the country are still fascinated by this case, and the city has leaned into its haunted past with the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum (stay there if you dare).
Beyond 19th-century murder cases, Fall River is known for being a Portuguese immigration hub. In fact, Fall River has the largest Portuguese population percentage-wise in the entire country, and about half of the city has roots in Portugal. (So, it’s unsurprising that you’ll have your pick of Portuguese restaurants.)
To top off all of this exciting history and culture, another thing that makes Fall River one of the best places to live in the U.S. is its proximity to higher-ed institutions like Bristol Community College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Fall River is one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts and has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in the state. In fact, the median home value is just $363,887. Residents of this cozy city also have access to ample outdoor spaces. Surrounded by natural beauty, there are several state parks and wildlife areas nearby, including access to several beaches and parks along the water, like Fall River Heritage State Park.
Fall River, MA Quality of Life LivScore
Fall River, MA Top Categories
Amenities
Transportation
Education
Fall River ranks highest for amenities, transportation and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Fall River, MA
Idyllic New England summers are followed by fairly intense winters, with chilly temperatures and an average of about 7 inches of snow in January. The average highs and lows are 82°F and 62°F (summer) and 40°F and 25°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Fall River is above the national average at 34 inches. January and February are the months with the highest average snowfall.
The average annual rainfall in Fall River is around 45 inches. The wettest months are November and December.
Fall River averages 198 sunny days a year.
Check out Fall River Heritage State Park, which provides picturesque walking trails along the Taunton River, a carousel, and views of World War II battleships that are docked at Battleship Cove.
Fall River Weather
198 days
Average Annual Sun
45 inches
Average Annual Rain
34 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Fall River, MA
Gawk at the 19th-century architecture (and, of course, check out a book or two) at the Fall River Public Library, aka “The People’s University.”
You can’t miss The Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River or Battleship Cove, which is a war memorial and military museum that features real warships and aircraft.
Fall River has the largest percentage of Portuguese citizens in the country, and Portugalia Marketplace is a celebration of all things Portugal with food, beverages and handcrafted goods.
Pink Bean Coffee has been delivering fair-trade, organic coffee and a delicious menu since 2014.
The Local and State Economy in Fall River, MA
Textile and apparel manufacturing, health care, and education are among the largest industries in Fall River. The major employers in Fall River include Southcoast Health, Amazon and Blount Fine Foods, a food manufacturing company that is headquartered in the city.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Fall River is 6.25%.
Yes, Massachusetts has a state income tax.
St. Anne’s Hospital is a high-performing provider in Fall River. Other providers include Charlton Memorial Hospital, Southcoast Urgent Care and Prima Care.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Fall River, there are several higher-education institutions in nearby New Bedford, MA, and Providence, RI.
Quick Facts About Fall River, MA
- Median Household Income
- $52,429
- Median Home Value
- $360,863
- Average State Property Tax
- $5,091
- Total Population
- 94,730
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $800
- Average Commute
- 18.74 minutes
Excellent amenities and top-notch schools contribute to ranking Fall River as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about living in Fall River or how to test-drive a city before you move there. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
