A Blueprint for Sustainable Small-Town Prosperity

 Providing a Relaxing Lifestyle in the Middle of it All

Along the Taunton River, Somerset, Massachusetts offers the rare blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Strategically positioned between Boston and Providence, this New England community combines accessibility with a relaxed, riverside lifestyle.

“A short drive between two state capitals, Somerset stands almost as a center point, for both Boston and Providence,” explains Town Administrator Mark Ullucci. Residents enjoy waterfront parks, walkable neighborhoods, and two brand-new state-of-the-art schools.

“With a population of 18,000, Somerset has that kind of rural feel that quickly bumps into a sense of urban excitement. With marinas, pocket parks, and scenic sidewalks, Somerset caters to both active lifestyles and quiet retreats. Everything anyone could want or need is here,” Ullucci adds.

With a thriving business district, historic landmarks, and ambitious redevelopment projects underway, Somerset balances growth with its tight-knit community identity, proving you don’t need to sacrifice quality of life for opportunity.

A Community That Balances Growth and Small-Town Charm

Somerset’s prime location, situated between Boston 40 minutes north and Providence 20 minutes south, gives residents urban convenience without sacrificing its tranquil, riverside character. Somerset has a little of everything, and in a community where we have amazing first responders. This is a safe town,” Ullucci adds, “the quality of life here is, in my opinion, exceptional.”

Somerset Selectman Jamison Souza expresses Somerset’s quality of life. “Living and raising children in the town of Somerset Massachusetts offers a unique blend of small-town charm and family-friendly values. With its excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and close-knit community, Somerset provides an ideal environment for children to grow, learn, and thrive.”

“Families enjoy access to beautiful parks, local youth programs, and scenic views along the Taunton River. Conveniently located near major highways, Somerset balances peaceful suburban living with easy access to city amenities. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, and children can enjoy a strong foundation built on community and care.”

Downtown Revitalization and Walkability

Somerset is implementing targeted zoning strategies to further enhance its Slades Ferry area. The plan establishes three sub-districts including Core A (mixed-use commercial with residential above), Core B (transitional residential zone), and a Waterfront District featuring a planned new Riverwalk. “We’re proposing sub-districts to allow for more walkability,” explains Town Planner Amy Messier. “We’re really trying to include every part of what our town and that area of town has to offer to create a better environment for business and walkability and recreation for families and people of all ages.”

Further momentum comes from Slades Farm Residences’ 120-unit residential development, which will increase foot traffic. “That would increase the people around that neighborhood and then increase the walkability for a lot of people,” Messier notes. Combined with planned bicycle path extensions, these measures position the Slades Ferry area for sustainable commercial growth.

Business Incentives and Economic Development

Somerset offers a robust package of financial incentives designed to attract and retain businesses. Recent changes to Massachusetts laws have streamlined the process for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements. “With the state’s new Municipal Empowerment Act, we don’t have to go through the state anymore,” explains Ullucci. “So there are certain state requirements that have been removed, incentivizing businesses to expand.”

The town participates in the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, enabling commercial property owners to finance energy-efficient upgrades through property tax assessments. “It allows businesses to secure very small interest rates,” notes Ullucci about this innovative financing model.

Somerset is currently working on a 50% matching grant program for businesses. A business could potentially secure thousands of dollars to reimagine a dated business front. Additionally, Somerset is designated a BioReady^TM  community, a title both healthcare and life science companies look for.

Waterfront Development and Infrastructure

Infrastructure improvements demonstrate Somerset’s commitment to modernization. The town allocated $2 million in ARPA funds to replace century-old water pipes, while ongoing sidewalk projects enhance connectivity along Riverside Avenue.  “The infrastructure in this community has been around for a long time,” says Ullucci, “ARPA funds created a springboard to address these dated services.

With a new High School constructed in 2016 and a New Middle School finished this year, which Ullucci refers to as “jewels within the crown,” The Town also invested over 1 million dollars of ARPA money into elementary schools.

Recent park developments include a pirate ship-themed Waterfront Park and the revitalized Buffinton Park, complemented by smaller pocket parks throughout neighborhoods. “We have installed two brand new parks in two years,” notes Ullucci, highlighting these investments as community assets. Somerset recently approved the installation of an outdoor “adult” fitness court scheduled to open this year. “Our continued commitment to recreational infrastructure is another reason people want to live in this community, they see everything we are investing in.”

Quality of Life and Hidden Gems

Somerset’s rich heritage enhances its contemporary appeal, featuring the oldest Quaker meeting house in Massachusetts, and arguably the country. Selectman Allen Smith captures the history of Somerset. “The Town of Somerset which is located on the Taunton River has gone through a number of changes since it was first settled in 1677.  During the early years, the area along Water Street (now Main Street) was a vital shipping port.

The James Hood Shipyard was a major ship-building industry.  In the 1800s manufacturing grew along the Taunton River with companies such as Somerset Potters Works and Mount Hope Iron Works and the Somerset Stove Foundry.  After World War One Somerset became important for power generation with the opening of two power plants. Both power plants are now closed as the area has moved away from coal-fired power generation.”

“Somerset is in a unique position to shape the future of Southeastern Massachusetts as the 306 acre Brayton Point property and the 21.5 acre Montaup property both located on the Taunton River are redeveloped over the next few years.” According to Smith.

Signature events like BBQFest and Winterfest draw thousands of visitors while supporting local causes. A new Shirley May France Memorial 10K race honors Somerset’s pioneering athlete while benefiting community charities. “Whenever we do events like these, we always try to target charities or other organizations that need to benefit,” notes Cogley. “From an economic development standpoint, we do a lot of things like that.”

Somerset offers access to both vocational and agricultural high schools. “It’s just another amazing feature, a young family moves in, and suddenly the opportunities of what their children might do starts in ninth grade, expanding opportunities across three different and distinct High Schools,” says Ullucci, emphasizing workforce preparation.

Priorities for the Next 24 Months

Somerset’s leadership has prioritized organizational excellence through strategic team restructuring. “We continue to build a team focused on the same mission and goal,” says Ullucci, emphasizing the importance of aligned governance. “In my opinion, it’s ensuring that we have the right people in the right seats. Everything that is and has been accomplished in the last few years, is because of the staff that make up this team. Nothing is accomplished without our amazing town employees.

Fiscal discipline remains central. A restructured FY 2026 budget proposed by Town Administrator Ullucci, introduced a tax levy savings of nearly 2 million dollars. Keeping overall budget growth to just 2.5%. “This fiscal year is the first year in a very long time where this budget is growing without artificially paying down the tax levy with free cash or some other source of funding, and no overrides,” Ullucci notes, demonstrating sustainable financial management.

Selectman Todd Costa expressed the importance of measuring purchasing decisions against fiscal impacts for residents. “I served this wonderful community for over 30 years as a police officer, my last three years as the Chief of Police. I grew up in Somerset. My wife and I raised our children in this beautiful town. Finding the balance between town revenues, town projects and affordability for all of our community members continues to be our top priority.” Selectman Costa also talked about what drives people to places like Somerset.

“Affordable housing, employment, and school systems to name a few. The current construction of workforce housing, two new schools, and employment demands in industries all around Somerset, make this town an ideal place to live and work.”

The town has two deep-water port sites at former coal plants (Brayton Point and Montaup) for industrial redevelopment. “That is a huge attraction for industrial-based companies to set up shop,” states Ullucci, highlighting their potential for clean energy projects and both federal and state brownfield grant incentives.

These strategic priorities position Somerset for continued economic growth while maintaining fiscal stability.

Strategic Positioning for Future Growth

Somerset offers a compelling proposition for businesses seeking growth within a high-quality community environment. By strategically balancing small-town character with economic development, the town has created a model for sustainable progress. “We keep enhancing the quality of life, pivoting appropriately when it comes to commercial growth, local investments, education, and quality of life. We keep pushing on all fronts,” affirms Ullucci, summarizing Somerset’s proactive approach.

“Somerset has a piece of everything,” he adds, “and it’s all located in a single small town.”

With competitive incentives, modernized infrastructure, and prime redevelopment sites, Somerset stands ready to support business expansion. The combination of financial programs, workforce development initiatives, and exceptional livability creates an environment where commerce and community thrive together. For enterprises seeking New England locations, Somerset represents both immediate opportunity and long-term potential.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Town of Somerset, Massachusetts

What: A riverside community offering deep-water port redevelopment sites, Bronze-Level BioReadyTM designation, and walkable mixed-use districts, supported by innovative grant programs and fiscal discipline

Where: Bristol County, Massachusetts (midway between Boston and Providence)

Website: www.townofsomerset.org