New Homes for Sale Near Fall River, MA: Modern Living South of the City
Fall River is a city in transition. The waterfront along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay has been transformed by new restaurants, a boardwalk, and the Battleship Cove museum. The mill buildings that once powered the textile industry are being converted into lofts, studios, and mixed-use spaces. And the city's location—between Providence and Cape Cod, with I-195 running through the center—gives residents access to two states and some of New England's most popular destinations without fighting Boston-bound traffic.
Fall River's housing market offers value that many Massachusetts cities cannot match, but new construction options within the city have been limited to apartment conversions and scattered infill projects. For Fall River-area buyers who want a brand-new, single-family-scale home in a planned community with amenities, Thorndike Development's Larkwood in Raynham is about 20 minutes north and offers a quality level that redefines what new construction means in this part of the state.
Fall River: Underrated and Evolving
Fall River's identity is changing. The city's roughly 94,000 residents have watched a steady revitalization of the waterfront district, with restaurants like Tipsy Toboggan and waterfront venues drawing visitors from across the region. Battleship Cove—home to the world's largest collection of World War II naval vessels—anchors the tourism district. And the Brayton Point commerce center, where a massive data center complex is replacing a former power plant, signals the kind of economic reinvestment that changes communities.
For homebuyers, Fall River's advantages include significantly lower home prices than the South Shore or Cape Cod, proximity to the Rhode Island border (Providence is about 15 minutes away), and quick access to beaches in Westport, Little Compton, and the Cape via I-195. What the city lacks is the kind of new construction community—with designed green spaces, shared amenities, and the build quality of a 40-year award-winning builder—that Thorndike Development delivers.
Larkwood: A Riverside Community 20 Minutes North
Larkwood is a 138-home community of single-family attached condominiums along the Taunton River in Raynham, about 20 minutes from Fall River via Route 24 North. The same river that flows through Fall River's waterfront continues upstream to Larkwood's doorstep, where the community offers a canoe and kayak launch, walking trails through the woods, and a setting that feels genuinely rural despite being minutes from Routes 24 and 44.
Homes Built for Real Life
Larkwood's Gold PRISM Award-winning homes range from 1,671 to 2,746 square feet, priced from $584,000 to $685,000. For Fall River buyers accustomed to the city's price points, this represents a step up in cost—but the value proposition is significant. These are brand-new homes with modern systems, energy-efficient construction, and a quality of finish that includes quartz or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances from GE, Bosch, or Thermador, hardwood flooring in living areas, handset tile backsplashes, and professionally designed cabinetry.
The floor plan range is designed for variety:
The Hickory ($584,000, 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,671 sq ft) — Single-level ground-floor living with a patio and garage. The most accessible entry point.
The Spruce ($609,000, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,252 sq ft) — High ceilings, large windows, and a covered entry porch. Limited spring 2026 availability.
The Dogwood ($639,000, 3 beds, 2 baths, ~1,875 sq ft) — Three bedrooms with a den, study, and large pantry.
The Cedar ($685,000, 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,746 sq ft) — The most spacious option, with a flexible ground-level room.
Many plans include Larkwood's signature flex space—a ground-floor room that can be finished as a home office, guest suite, family room, or workshop. For Fall River buyers who work from home or commute to Providence (about 30 minutes from Larkwood via Route 24 to I-195), this adaptable space adds genuine utility.
Riverside Amenities
Larkwood's connection to the Taunton River will resonate with Fall River residents who value their own city's waterfront revival. The community's canoe and kayak launch provides direct river access, with Massasoit State Park reachable by water. Walking trails through the woods, a community garden with raised beds, a tot lot, half-court basketball, and landscaped courtyards between homes round out the shared spaces. Every buyer works with Thorndike's Director of Interior Design to personalize finishes through the company's options program.
Why Thorndike Matters for Fall River Buyers
Fall River buyers considering a move to a planned community may not be familiar with Thorndike Development, so the credentials are worth spelling out. The company was founded in 1983 and has completed more than 3,500 homes across New England. Key milestones include 10 years as one of the original builders at The Pinehills in Plymouth (approximately 100 homes with multiple —Best in the Nation— awards), Red Mill Village in Norton (also —Best in the Nation—), Chapman's Reach at Marina Bay in Quincy (a 152-home waterfront community), and Copperworks in Canton (212 condos on the Paul Revere Heritage Site).
Thorndike is locally owned and fully integrated—design, construction, sales, and customer service are all handled by the same team. The company's waterproofing protocol uses Building Enclosure Science, LLC to inspect every window and frame before installation. Reserve and maintenance budgets are designed for long-term community health. And customer service is led by Bobby Auger, who has been with the company for 26 years.
This is not a faceless national builder. It is a Massachusetts family company with a 40-year track record you can verify by driving through its communities.
The Route 24 Corridor Advantage
One of Larkwood's underappreciated strengths for Fall River buyers is its position along Route 24. From the community, you can reach Fall River in about 20 minutes, Providence in about 30, and Boston in about 45. The Bridgewater and Middleborough commuter rail stations are both under 10 minutes from Larkwood, adding a transit option for Boston-bound commuters. And the shopping, dining, and services along Route 44 in Raynham—supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants—mean daily errands do not require a drive back toward the city.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) How far is Larkwood from Fall River?
Larkwood is approximately 20 minutes north of Fall River center via Route 24. The drive is almost entirely highway.
2) Is $584,000 realistic for Fall River buyers?
It represents a step up from Fall River's median home price, but the value equation is different. You are getting a brand-new home with modern systems, a warranty, community amenities (kayak launch, trails, garden, tot lot), and a quality of construction that includes professional interior design services and third-party waterproofing inspections. For buyers trading up from Fall River or purchasing as a long-term investment, Larkwood offers a quality of life that protects and builds value over time.
3) Are there single-level plans for older buyers?
Yes. The Hickory ($584,000, 1,671 sq ft) offers ground-floor single-level living. The Chestnut provides single-level living on the upper floor with cathedral ceilings. For buyers specifically seeking a 55+ community, Thorndike's Featherwinds in Halifax offers elevator condominiums from $439,000, about 25 minutes from Fall River.
4) Can I reach Providence easily from Larkwood?
Yes. Providence is approximately 30 minutes from Larkwood via Route 24 South to I-195. Fall River itself is about 20 minutes south. The community's position along Route 24 makes both cities practical daily commutes.
5) What is included in the condominium fees?
Monthly condominium fees cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, and the upkeep of shared amenities including the kayak launch, trails, courtyards, community garden, and tot lot. Thorndike designs reserve budgets for long-term sustainability, not legal minimums.
Conclusion
Fall River's waterfront revival and strategic location between Providence and Cape Cod make it an increasingly attractive part of the state. For buyers ready to invest in new construction that matches their ambitions, Larkwood in Raynham offers an award-winning community just 20 minutes up Route 24—homes designed for modern living, built by a company with more than 40 years of Massachusetts experience. Visit the Larkwood sales center and see what a Thorndike home feels like from the inside.
Also Read:
Discover New Homes for Sale in Taunton
New Homes for Sale in Bridgewater
55+ Communities in Massachusetts: Finding the Right Fit
Exploring Massachusetts New Home Communities
