South Coast

Smith Mills, South Coast Neighborhood

Smith Mills offers a peaceful neighborhood with a variety of well-maintained single detached homes, primarily featuring two and three bedrooms built around 1966. This community provides convenient access to a range of educational options, including both public and private schools situated nearby. Dining options are abundant, with over 50 restaurants and cafes accessible for exploring different cuisines. Residents benefit from proximity to approximately ten supermarkets, making grocery shopping convenient with some locations within easy reach. The neighborhood’s tranquil streets create a calm atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a quiet environment. Major highways are easily accessible, making commuting straightforward.

Smith Mills is a very good community to buy a house in for those who prefer a slower-paced ambience. Smith Mills is very quiet, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor.

Highlights of Smith Mills

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Dartmouth Mall Walking Trail

This scenic walking path loops behind Dartmouth Mall, providing residents with a peaceful setting for daily strolls, fitness runs, and birdwatching, all surrounded by local greenery and conveniently accessible via State Road.

🏫 Dartmouth Middle School

Located right in Smith Mills, Dartmouth Middle School is a hub for community engagement and home of the 'Indians,' offering excellent education, modern facilities, and a central gathering place for student activities and local sports leagues.

🍽️ Mirasol’s Café

A beloved local café on State Road, Mirasol’s is famous for its 'Chippi' coffee and inventive sandwiches, serving as a popular hangout spot for Smith Mills residents with a lively atmosphere and outdoor seating.

🛒 Dartmouth Mall

Anchoring the Smith Mills commercial landscape, Dartmouth Mall offers a variety of shopping experiences from national retailers to a movie theater, making it a go-to destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the neighborhood.

🚴 Apponagansett Park Access

Smith Mills locals enjoy convenient access to Apponagansett Park via local bike-friendly roads, making it easy to reach this nearby harborfront park known for its swimming, kayaking, picnic areas, and community summer events.

Smith Mills

This October in Smith Mills

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

October 2–23, 2026

Dartmouth Farmers’ Market

St. Mary’s Parish Center Lawn • Fridays, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

This nearby Padanaram market is an easy local outing from Smith Mills, offering produce, prepared foods, artisan goods, live music, and community programming. Residents can shop from South Coast vendors, pick up ingredients for the weekend, and enjoy a relaxed outdoor atmosphere before the market season ends.

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October 3, 2026

Touch a Truck

Dartmouth Council on Aging • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM

Families near Smith Mills can enjoy a free, hands-on community event where children explore trucks, emergency vehicles, equipment, and tools used by Dartmouth’s first responders. It is especially appealing for young children who enjoy vehicles, while parents can meet local police, firefighters, and emergency personnel.

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October 8–11, 2026

FABRIC Arts Festival

Locations in Fall River, New Bedford, and Providence

FABRIC brings art, music, food, performance, talks, and workshops to the South Coast, with several activities in Fall River and New Bedford. Smith Mills residents can experience the region’s Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Latinx, and other cultural traditions without traveling far from home.

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October 17, 2026

Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger

Dartmouth Public Library North Branch • 2:00 PM–3:30 PM

This multimedia storytelling program offers a seasonal Halloween-style outing close to Smith Mills. Local residents can hear Jeff Belanger explore unusual stories and unexplained happenings from the South Coast and beyond, making it a fun choice for adults, older children, and anyone who enjoys folklore.

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October 21–24, 2026

Friends Fall Book Sale

Southworth Library • Thursday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Residents can browse thousands of affordable used books at Dartmouth’s Southworth Library, making this a convenient rainy-day or weekend activity near Smith Mills. Purchases support free library programs, museum passes, and educational activities, so shoppers can find reading material while strengthening local community services.

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October 23, 2026

All Treats, No Tricks

Downtown New Bedford • 2:00 PM–5:00 PM

This free downtown Halloween event gives Smith Mills families an easy nearby opportunity for costume wearing, trick-or-treating, and exploring local businesses. Children can collect treats at participating stops while adults enjoy the historic downtown setting, with a rain-date listed for October 30 if needed.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Smith Mills

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Smith Mills

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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