The Coastal Neighborhoods of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts

Dartmouth, Massachusetts, was the first section of southern Massachusetts with European settlers, and it’s easy to see why they chose this location.

After all, this town, with about 3,400 residents, sits on the shores of Buzzards Bay and offers access to both Apponagansett Bay and Clarks Cove, providing an unparalleled oceanfront experience for those who live there. 

Today, Dartmouth borders the cities of New Bedford and Fall River, while providing a slower pace of life and some of Massachusetts’ most affluent neighborhoods.

South Dartmouth is especially quiet because it’s away from the I-195 and Route 6, which pass through the north part of town, and almost entirely residential.

Living in South Dartmouth means being minutes from the ocean at all times and, if you’re lucky, you might even find a waterfront home for sale during your search.

Here’s a look at some of the most desirable neighborhoods to buy a home in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. 

Smith Neck

On the west side of Apponagansett Bay is Smith Neck, a residential area with plenty of beachfront real estate. The neighborhood is directly across the bay from the New Bedford Yacht Club, so you’ll see plenty of boats anytime you head to the waterfront. 

Smith Neck provides a wonderful lifestyle because it’s private and scenic, yet only minutes from downtown New Bedford. 

Nonquitt

Just south of Smith Neck is Nonquitt, a gated community that is one of South Dartmouth’s most exclusive neighborhoods. In fact, the general public knows very little about Nonquitt because no one can enter unless they own a home or are the guest of a homeowner.

Most of the houses in Nonquitt are massive, and many have large lots with plenty of space to enjoy. While very few homes are directly on the water, there’s a private beach in Nonquitt that only residents can access, along with a pier where you can load and unload your boat. 

The problem is that homes in Nonquitt rarely come up for sale because homeowners pass them on from generation to generation. If you see a house for sale in Nonquitt, it’s a rare chance to live in one of the East Coast’s most mysterious communities.

Round Hill

South of Nonquitt is Round Hill, an equally scenic but less secret neighborhood where it’s far easier to find a property to buy. Many homes in Round Hill are large and luxurious but come on the market far more regularly. There are condos here, too, should you be looking for something a little smaller.

Round Hill is also a younger community than Nonquitt, as real development started in the 1980s. As a result, the homes are newer, but still have the same sense of luxury as the older ones to the north.

Keep in mind that Round Hill is a gated community with amenities like a private golf course, a pool, tennis courts, a clubhouse, a playground, and walking paths. There’s also a beach that is open to all residents of Dartmouth with a beach sticker.

Barney’s Joy

There aren’t a whole lot of homes in Barney’s Joy because the area is mostly farmland. Many of these farms feature massive houses, however, making the neighborhood one of South Dartmouth’s most affluent.

The big draw in Barney’s Joy is the beach, which is part of Demarest Lloyd State Park. The sandy area is 1,800 feet long and features shallow water and a large parking lot, making it an ideal location for families. There are also shaded picnic tables with grills and hiking trails in the park.

While you might not find a house for sale in Barney’s Joy, you’ll likely spend some time there as a South Dartmouth resident.

Mishaum Point

Mishaum Point is another private community that reserves access for its residents. However, the neighborhood is spectacular as the point jets into Buzzards Bay and offers some of the region’s best scenery. 

Each property on the point has water access, with many having private docks and beaches. The location is unmatchable if you love being on the water and plan to spend your days on a boat in the ocean.

There aren’t many homes in this neighborhood, so if the community matches your desired lifestyle and one comes available, you’ll want to jump at the opportunity.

Padanaram

Most of the communities mentioned above are private neighborhoods that aren’t accessible to everyone. You don’t have to give up on your dream of living on the water in South Dartmouth, however, as there are more central locations like Padanaram.

If South Dartmouth had a downtown, it would be in Padanaram, which is a coastal village that feels more like a part of New Bedford than the rest of Dartmouth. 

In fact, Padanaram connects directly with downtown New Bedford via Dartmouth Street and is one of South Dartmouth’s most densely populated areas. 

That’s not the say that Padanaram isn’t a desirable place to live, as it has more amenities than other parts of South Dartmouth, including some high-end restaurants on Bridge Street and Water Street. This village is also home to the New Bedford Yacht Club and has some beautiful properties on Apponagansett Bay.

Those who want to live on the water while being a little closer to the action should consider everything that Padanaram has to offer.

The South Dartmouth Lifestyle

South Dartmouth provides a unique lifestyle to its residents in the form of private neighborhoods, outstanding access to Buzzards Bay, and a multitude of scenic beaches. 

The community is also minutes from New Bedford and Fall River, depending on which neighborhood you choose, and Providence and Boston are both commutable. 

If you’re looking at homes to buy on Cape Cod, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is an enticing alternative that is closer to neighboring cities and towns without sacrificing privacy and the beach resort community lifestyle that so many residents love.