Fall River 61 Average
Fall River Livability #221 ranked city in Massachusetts#18,220 ranked city in the USARanks better than 37% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Fall River, MA - The Spindle City

Living in Fall River, MA offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern living. Known as the 'Spindle City' for its textile industry heritage, Fall River boasts a rich history and a vibrant community. The city's Battleship Cove is a major attraction, featuring the world's largest collection of historic naval ships.

Fall River's dining scene is diverse and flavorful, with a strong emphasis on Portuguese cuisine. The annual Fall River Celebrates America festival is a highlight, featuring food vendors, live music, and fireworks. The city's waterfront, with its scenic views and walking trails, is perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Fall River offers plenty of green spaces and recreational activities. The Copicut Woods and Freetown-Fall River State Forest provide extensive trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. The city's parks, such as Kennedy Park, offer facilities for sports, relaxation, and community events.

Fall River is known for its strong sense of community, with numerous events and festivals throughout the year. The local farmers market offers fresh produce and homemade goods, supporting local farmers and artisans. The city's location provides easy access to nearby Providence and Boston, making it ideal for commuters.

For those considering a move to New England, Fall River offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Whether you're drawn by its cultural attractions, outdoor activities, or community spirit, living in Fall River, MA provides a unique and rewarding experience.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fall River

PROS
  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Fall River?

Fall River is a medium-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 91,437 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Fall River is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. In Fall River, only 48% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Fall River, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fall River, Massachusetts could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Fall River and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Fall River to Massachusetts and the national average.

Fall River has a livability score of 60/100 and is ranked #220 in Massachusetts and #18,005 in the USA. This score ranks well below the US average. With such a low livability score, it might be worth investigating a little further. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Fall River has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B-) and housing (B-). Regrettably for Fall River, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), education (D) and employment (D-).

If you're considering living in Fall River, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Fall River provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Fall River are: Lizzie Borden House, Fall River Historical Society, and International Culinary Institute.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Fall River can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fall River. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fall River are affordable. Median real estate prices in Fall River come in at $471,343, which is 24.5% lower than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fall River, the home price to income ratio is 6.8, which is 15.3% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fall River

See all the best places to live around Fall River

How Do You Rate The Livability In Fall River?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Fall River, MA Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Fall River transportation information

      Statistic Fall River Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute25min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.7%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.4%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.7%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home3.6%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Fall River, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.