"We met, deep down in Somerset / A time I can't forget / When we were sippin' cider in the shade / Oh, the sun was setting in the West / You looked your very best that night / Stars were shining in your eyes / And we walked, walked all along the sand / And it felt, felt like a wonderland / And when the summer breeze was gone / The memory lingered on / You and me down in Somerset." (- Van orrison, “Somerset”)
Named after the square in Boston, the town of Somerset was once a vital shipping point and vibrant seaside community. Shipping, manufacturing and other industries have mostly moved to nearby towns, while Somerset has become a suburban area.
Although Somerset is a coastal town, you won't find a lot of homes on the water
"We met, deep down in Somerset / A time I can't forget / When we were sippin' cider in the shade / Oh, the sun was setting in the West / You looked your very best that night / Stars were shining in your eyes / And we walked, walked all along the sand / And it felt, felt like a wonderland / And when the summer breeze was gone / The memory lingered on / You and me down in Somerset." (- Van orrison, “Somerset”)
Named after the square in Boston, the town of Somerset was once a vital shipping point and vibrant seaside community. Shipping, manufacturing and other industries have mostly moved to nearby towns, while Somerset has become a suburban area.
Apartment Hunting in Somerset
Although Somerset is a coastal town, you won't find a lot of homes on the water. Somerset prices are a bargain in the state of Massachusetts, but it can also seem expensive when compared with the rest of the United States.
Don't expect to bargain when conducting your apartment search. Vacancy rates are low in Somerset, so be ready with a deposit if you want to nab your ideal apartment or house. If you're looking for a 1 bedroom apartment to rent, know that most apartments are retrofitted into large, older homes. Many of these apartments will offer all utilities paid, so check listings carefully before you decide the place is beyond your budget.
Neighborhoods in Somerset
Ready to look for your new place? Somerset is a small town, so there are only three neighborhoods to consider. You'll find more similarities than differences within the communities, but there are a few key things to know about each neighborhood.
Brayton Point: This area has most of the remaining manufacturing infrastructure as well as some of the oldest homes in Somerset. You won't find any apartment complexes here, but you will find some apartment homes that were converted from older Victorians. $$$
Pottersville: Worry not, Frank Capra fans! Unlike the town of George Bailey's nightmare in It's a Wonderful Life, Pottersville is a great place to live. Most of the neighborhood is made of small to medium sized homes, although there are a few apartment complexes if you prefer to look for a 1 bedroom apartment for rent. $$$
Town Center: This neighborhood is packed with the majority of the churches, retail spaces and other amenities in town. If you're looking for a place, try the east part of the neighborhood. There you'll find houses for rent in carefully constructed suburbs. The Somerset Reservoir and the Quirk Mello Conservation Area are located further inland. $$$$
Summers (and Winters) in Somerset
Ready to move to this quaint, coastal village? Be sure you know the insider info before jumping into the life.
Sommerset residents are very proud of the history of their town, which played an important role in the War of 1812. For the bargain price of $10, you can become a member of the local historical society. Your donation will go to funding the local heritage museum, which is open twice a week.
Not from around here? Small New England towns can seem cold to transplants from the South or Midwest. To beat the moving blues, be proactive and get involved at a local school or church.
Somerset is known for its music and drama programs. Competition is fierce, but music groups from this small town have toured and competed nationally.
If you've ever lived in a New England small town, Somerset's architecture, community and neighborhoods will be familiar to you. However, immigrants from other areas of the country shouldn't be intimidated. Find your perfect home, get involved in the community, and you'll fit right in.
