Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of city life makes me long for a peaceful escape, and Southeast Massachusetts is surprisingly full of hidden gems that offer just that.
From quiet villages nestled among forests to rural communities surrounded by lakes and woodlands, these ten secluded towns provide the perfect retreat for anyone seeking solitude and a slower pace.
Whether you’re looking for a serene place to live or a tranquil spot for a getaway, I think you’ll find these towns offer a unique blend of natural beauty and privacy. Join me as I count down my top picks for the most secluded towns in Southeast Massachusetts, places where you can truly get away from it all.
10. South Middleborough
South Middleborough is an area that offers extensive rural landscapes and a sense of isolation that I find incredibly peaceful. With a sparse population spread out over large properties, it’s the perfect place to escape the buzz of city life.
The community is surrounded by dense forests and serene wetlands, providing ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature. The main industries here are small-scale agriculture and local businesses that cater to the needs of residents.
What makes South Middleborough truly secluded is its vast open spaces and minimal commercial development, allowing for a quiet lifestyle close to nature. If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy privacy and tranquility, this hidden gem might just be for you.
Where is South Middleborough?
Located in the southern part of Middleborough, Massachusetts, South Middleborough is tucked away in Southeast Massachusetts. Its seclusion comes from being off the beaten path, away from major highways and urban centers.
The area is surrounded by natural barriers like forests and wetlands, which add to its secluded feel. You can reach South Middleborough by taking local roads from Middleborough Center or via Route 28, but be prepared for a scenic drive through some of the region’s most beautiful rural landscapes.
9. Assonet
Assonet is a charming village in the town of Freetown with a population that hovers around 4,000 residents. I love its quaint, historic feel, with buildings dating back to the 18th century nestled among lush forests.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Freetown-Fall River State Forest, which offers hiking trails and wildlife watching. The main industries include small businesses and local services, but the area maintains a quiet, residential atmosphere.
What draws me to Assonet is its seclusion; the large properties and wooded areas provide plenty of privacy. The village’s low population density and preserved natural surroundings make it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Where is Assonet?
Assonet is located in Southeast Massachusetts, within the town of Freetown in Bristol County. It’s tucked away from the hustle of nearby cities, which adds to its secluded charm.
The village is easily accessible via Route 24, but once you’re there, it feels miles away from urban life. The surrounding forests and lack of commercial development enhance its isolation, making it a hidden gem that’s perfect for a quiet lifestyle.
8. West Wareham
West Wareham is a sparsely populated area that offers a quiet atmosphere surrounded by nature. With a population of around 2,000 people, it’s a place where I can truly unwind away from crowds.
The area is known for its significant undeveloped land, including cranberry bogs and woodlands, which provide beautiful scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching. There isn’t much in terms of industry here, aside from agriculture and small local businesses, contributing to its serene environment.
What makes West Wareham secluded is the abundance of natural spaces and the lack of dense residential or commercial development. For me, it’s a peaceful spot where the stress of modern life seems to melt away.
Where is West Wareham?
Located in the town of Wareham in Plymouth County, West Wareham sits on the western edge of Southeast Massachusetts. Its seclusion is enhanced by its position away from major highways and urban centers, surrounded by forests and agricultural land.
Getting there typically involves a drive along Route 28 or local roads that wind through picturesque countryside. The area’s rural setting and minimal traffic make it feel wonderfully removed from the hustle and bustle, perfect for those looking to escape.
7. Lakeville’s Rural Outskirts
The rural outskirts of Lakeville offer expansive areas with large lot sizes that I find ideal for secluded living. The town of Lakeville has a population of around 11,000, but the outskirts are far less densely populated.
Here, you can enjoy activities like horseback riding, hiking around the various lakes, or simply relaxing on your own spacious property. There are few industries aside from some agriculture and small local businesses, which helps maintain the area’s tranquility.
What makes these outskirts particularly secluded is their distance from commercial zones and urban congestion. For anyone seeking peace and privacy, these rural areas of Lakeville provide a perfect setting.
Where is Lakeville?
Lakeville is situated in Plymouth County, Southeast Massachusetts, and its rural outskirts stretch away from the town center into more isolated areas. The seclusion comes from the vast tracts of land and the separation from main roads and highways.
Reaching these areas often involves driving down quiet, winding country roads, which I personally find to be a serene experience. Despite being somewhat off the beaten path, it’s accessible via Interstate 495, making it a hidden yet reachable haven.
6. South Carver
South Carver is a quiet area renowned for its cranberry bogs and abundant undeveloped land. The population here is sparse, with residents spread out over large properties, giving it a peaceful, rural feel that I really appreciate.
Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Myles Standish State Forest, which offers camping, hiking, and horseback riding. The main industry is agriculture, particularly cranberry farming, which gives the area its unique character.
The solitude in South Carver comes from its wide-open spaces and minimal residential development, making it a perfect spot for those who love nature and privacy.
Where is South Carver?
Located in the southern part of Carver, Massachusetts, South Carver sits in Plymouth County in Southeast Massachusetts. Its seclusion is due to its rural setting, surrounded by forests and cranberry bogs rather than urban sprawl.
It’s accessible via Route 58 or smaller local roads, but the lack of major highways keeps traffic and noise to a minimum. For me, driving into South Carver feels like stepping back into a simpler, quieter time.
5. Nemasket
Nemasket is a historic locale known for its low population and vast open spaces, making it ideal for a secluded living experience. With its roots tracing back to Native American history, it’s an area rich in culture and natural beauty. I enjoy exploring the scenic Nemasket River, which offers fishing and kayaking opportunities.
There aren’t many industries here aside from small-scale agriculture and local services, preserving its quiet charm. The extensive open spaces and minimal development are what make Nemasket particularly secluded, providing a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle.
Where is Nemasket?
Nemasket is situated within Middleborough in Plymouth County, Southeast Massachusetts. Its secluded nature comes from being nestled among rural landscapes and away from major transportation routes.
Getting there often involves traveling along local roads that wind through picturesque countryside. The area’s historic significance and natural barriers contribute to its isolation, making it a hidden retreat that’s off the beaten path.
4. Cedarville
Cedarville is a community tucked in the pine forests of Plymouth, offering spacious properties and a tranquil environment. The area has a modest population, with homes spread out to ensure privacy.
I love the natural barriers formed by the surrounding forests and ponds, which provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. There are few industries here, maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere.
What makes Cedarville secluded is its dense woodlands and minimal commercial development, creating a haven for those seeking to live amid nature.
Where is Cedarville?
Located in the southernmost part of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Cedarville is part of Plymouth County in Southeast Massachusetts. Its seclusion is enhanced by its position near the Myles Standish State Forest and away from urban centers.
Accessible via Route 3 but distant from major cities, it offers a quiet lifestyle without being entirely remote. For me, driving into Cedarville feels like entering a serene forest retreat, far removed from the everyday noise.
3. East Freetown
East Freetown is a quiet community surrounded by lakes and woodlands, providing a peaceful retreat with minimal residential density. The area has a small population, which makes it feel like a close-knit community that I find welcoming.
Recreational activities include boating and fishing on Long Pond, as well as hiking in the nearby forests. There are few industries here apart from local services, which helps maintain its tranquil atmosphere.
The abundance of natural surroundings and the sparse population are what make East Freetown particularly secluded, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a quiet lifestyle.
Where is East Freetown?
East Freetown is located within the town of Freetown in Bristol County, Southeast Massachusetts. Its seclusion is due to its distance from major highways and urban areas, nestled among lakes and forests.
You can reach it via local roads like Route 18 or Route 79, but the journey takes you through scenic rural landscapes. For me, the area’s natural beauty and isolation make it a delightful escape from city life.
2. South Rochester
South Rochester is an idyllic rural area featuring large acreages and a serene environment miles away from the bustle of city life. With a small population spread across expansive properties, it’s a place where I can truly appreciate solitude.
The area offers outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the rural countryside. There are few industries here other than agriculture and small local enterprises, which keeps the community quiet and peaceful.
The vast open spaces and the considerable distance from urban centers are what make South Rochester so secluded, ideal for anyone seeking a tranquil rural lifestyle.
Where is South Rochester?
Located within the town of Rochester in Plymouth County, Southeast Massachusetts, South Rochester lies well off the beaten path. Its seclusion comes from being surrounded by farmland and forests, with few major roads passing through.
Access is typically via local routes like Route 105, leading through scenic landscapes. For me, the journey to South Rochester is as calming as the destination, making it a perfect getaway spot.
1. Chiltonville
Chiltonville is a quaint village within Plymouth offering expansive lots and surrounded by forests, perfect for those seeking solitude away from urban centers. With a population that’s small and spread out, I appreciate the peace and quiet it provides.
The area is rich in history, with sites like the Chiltonville Congregational Church adding to its charm. Outdoor activities include walking along Eel River or enjoying the nearby beaches of Plymouth.
There aren’t many industries here aside from small businesses and local services, which helps maintain its serene atmosphere. The combination of large properties, natural surroundings, and minimal development is what makes Chiltonville particularly secluded, offering a peaceful lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Chiltonville?
Chiltonville is located in Plymouth, Plymouth County, in Southeast Massachusetts. Nestled just south of Plymouth Center, its seclusion is due to its extensive forests and distance from major commercial areas.
Accessible via Route 3A or Old Sandwich Road, the village feels tucked away despite being relatively close to the coast. For me, Chiltonville’s blend of historic charm and natural beauty makes it the perfect spot for a quiet retreat not too far from the amenities of Plymouth.
