Welcome to the City of Fall River, located in the historic Southcoast region of Massachusetts.

Fall River is located 50 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, about 30-35 minutes from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, about 25-30 minutes from Newport, Rhode Island and about 20 minutes or less from Providence, Rhode Island.

Fall River, on the edge of the Taunton River in Bristol County, was a major textile-producing center in the 19th and early 20th century. The clothing industry is still an economic factor today and many people come here to shop in its outlet stores. Fall River was once an important port, shipping goods and passengers to New York, Boston.

Providence and Newport. It maintains its nautical history via Battleship Cove, the finally resting place for a variety of military ships and war craft.

The Battleship Cove, home to the U.S.S. Massachusetts Battleship and several sister ships. The U.S.S. Massachusetts was home to 2,300 sailors who lived and fought during World War II. Longer than two football fields, this 46,000 ton battleship fought 35 battles and logged 225,000 miles. This mighty vessel was the first battleship to fire her big 16" guns in World War II. While here, also visit the U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy Destroyer named for the oldest brother of President John F. Kennedy. Joseph was killed on a volunteer mission during World War II. This destroyer saw action in Korea and Vietnam. The lower deck of this ship is now the home of the National Destroyer Men's Museum.

Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to Battleship Cove. This "floating museum" contains the world's largest collection of 20th century U.S. Naval fighting vessels, open to the public and available for climbing aboard and exploring. On site are the Battleship Massachusetts, the Submarine USS Lionfish, the Destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., the Cruiser USS Fall River, and an Elco-class and a Higgins-class P.T. Boat. The latest addition to the Fall River waterfront is the Hiddensee, a Soviet-built missile corvette originally assigned to the East German Navy but later used in the Federal German Navy following the reunification of Germany. Also located at Battleship Cove is the elegant Fall River Carousel, a fully restored circa-1930 carousel (the oldest functioning carousel in America) housed in a beautiful Victorian-style pavilion. Located adjacent to Battleship Cove on Mt. Hope Bay is the Fall River Heritage State Park, which features a waterfront esplanade, harbor boardwalk, Visitor's Center and boathouse. A short walk from Battleship Cove is the Marine Museum, which houses an extensive collection of intricate model ships and also houses the largest exhibit of Titanic memorabilia and artifacts in the nation, including a one ton, 28 foot model of the ill-fated vessel.

Fall River has a diverse ethnic and economic community commited to progress while still maintaining the charm and traditions handed down by generations of European immigrants. From the colorful ethnic celebrations to the talented workforce available in the city, the citizens of Fall River make our city one of the most attractive locations in Southeastern New England. Whether you live here, work here, or are considering moving your family or business to our area, Fall River has much to offer to you.

Fall River has 2 high schools, 4 middle schools, 28 elementary schools. (See In the News for a story on the school building plan that will ensure that a record number of new schools will be built.)

Higher Education: Bristol Community College, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's Center of Professional and Continuing Studies, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center, Fisher College and the International Institute of Culinary Arts. (Also see In The News for stories on UMass Dartmouth's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center.)

Housing Cost

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $265,300

Demographics

Estimated population in July 2006: 91,474. Fall River covers 31.0 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 200 feet above sea level.

Zip codes: 02720, 02721, 02723, 02724

Area codes: 508, 774

Weather

Fall River, MA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 83.10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 20.00 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 17 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Fall River is 50.77 Inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is December with an average rainfall of 4.77 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com