As an unofficial geographic region, the South Shore begins south of Boston and extends to the beginning of Cape Cod. Although definitions of the area differ, the northernmost communities are Quincy and Milton, with Plymouth and Carver making up the southernmost towns.
With nearby access to both Boston and Cape Cod, the South Shore is a great choice for those relocating to Boston. From towns like Kingston, you can drive to Hyannis in 40 minutes. Head north and you can reach Boston in about the same amount of drive time, depending on traffic conditions.
South Shore towns on the MBTA Commuter Rail offer a car-free way to reach downtown Boston. The MBTA Kingston line starts in Kingston and ends at South Station. Stops along the route include Halifax, Hanson, Abington, South Weymouth, Braintree, and Quincy Center. The MBTA Greenbush line runs between Scituate and South Station and includes stops in North Scituate, Cohasset, West Hingham, and Quincy Center.
Considering a move to Boston’s South Shore? These are our top five reasons for relocating south of Boston.
1. Rural Character and Open Space
Hull, Massachusetts, features 27 miles of beautiful coastline. South Shore residents can take
the commuter boat from Pemberton Pier into Boston or board the Harbor Express
in neighboring Hingham.
While urban sprawl has conquered much of the greater Boston area, the South Shore’s rural roots remain intact. You’ll find family-run farms and old stone walls that would make Robert Frost smile.
Historic homes and coastal marshes dot scenic Route 3A, and cranberries, the number one agricultural crop in Massachusetts, are grown in ruby-colored bogs in many South Shore towns.
The South Shore is home to nature reserves, wooded trails, picturesque parks, and panoramic views. One of our favorite South Shore green spaces is World’s End in Hingham. This 251-acre conservation area offers breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and more than 4 miles of trails, including tree-lined carriage paths designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Looking for South Shore homes near the beach? Homes in Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Marshfield, and Duxbury offer coastal locations with some of the most beautiful beaches outside Cape Cod. Standout beaches along the South Shore include Nantasket Beach, Humarock Beach, Duxbury Beach, and Rexhame Beach.
Duxbury Beach Park stretches for 7.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and offers beach access along the ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Duxbury residents can park on the other side of the wooden bridge that leads to the beach. Free public parking is available on the mainland side with about a 700-yard walk over the bridge bringing you to the beach.
2. Close Proximity to Everywhere
South Shore towns located along the MBTA commuter rail provide a
car-free ride to South Station in Boston.
Traffic on the South Shore can be heavy, but when summer arrives, South Shore residents are that much closer to Cape Cod than their geographic counterparts on the North Shore or in Metrowest communities. In fact, the South Shore is within an hour’s drive to Cape Cod, Boston, and Providence, RI.
Boston might be nicknamed the Hub, but the South Shore truly is the hub of southern New England. Homebuyers looking to settle on the South Shore can take advantage of MBTA commuter trains and ferries for a car-free commute to Boston.
For homebuyers looking for homes in Quincy, Braintree, South Weymouth, and Plymouth, the MBTA Kingston line offers commuter rail service to South Station. The MBTA Greenbush commuter line provides service to South Station from Quincy Center, Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate.
For homebuyers planning to drive to Boston, Routes 3 and 3A are the main commuting routes. Both highways connect to Interstate-93 leading to downtown Boston.
3. Historic Sites and Landmarks
The Mayflower II arriving back home in Plymouth Harbor after it was fully restored
in Mystic Seaport, CT.
South Shore communities are rich in history and residential settlements that go back to the founding of Massachusetts. Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower founded Plymouth in 1620, making it the state’s oldest municipality. The ship’s full-scale replica, the Mayflower II, makes it home in Plymouth Harbor.
Quincy is the home of two U.S. presidents (John Adams and John Quincy Adams), the birthplace of author John Cheever, and the site of the first Dunkin’ Donuts.
4. The Appeal of Coastal Living
A village in Scituate, Humarock is surrounded by spectacular views of ocean and sky.
Living by the ocean has an appeal all its own. The Atlantic coastline lines the South Shore towns of Hingham, Hull, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Kingston, Marshfield, Plymouth, Weymouth, and Quincy.
Living in a seaside community can feel like a year-round vacation, particularly in the summer months. Swimming, boating, fishing, and soaking up the sun on sandy beaches are the order of the day from June to September.
In cooler weather, South Shore residents bundle up and flock to the beach for fresh air and exercise. Although South Shore communities are close to Cape Cod, residents can find seaside restaurants, walking trails, and conservation areas in their own towns without having to drive over the Sagamore Bridge.
5. Cultural Treasures
Conducted by Boston native Steven Karidoyanes, the Plymouth Philharmonic
Orchestra has performed for more than 100 seasons. Photo credit: E. Gene Chambers
The South Shore is filled with theater, music venues, museums, state parks, and art.
The award-winning Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra provides classical music throughout the year at the historic venue of Jordan Hall and at outdoor venues like World’s End. Plimoth Plantation hosts concerts and Colonial reenactment ceremonies.
Fishing and boating excursions from numerous South Shore ports detail the history of the great New England whaling industry.
The South Shore Arts Center in Cohasset offers classes and gallery exhibitions throughout the year and the South Shore Music Circus has brought live entertainment by top name artists to the region for 70 years.
Contact us at one of our many South Shore Jack Conway offices and we’d be happy to show you around this sought-after part of greater Boston.
“Hull” by MOTT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
“Commuter Rail Train (MBTA)” by MOTT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
“Jenney Pond, Plymouth” by MOTT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Humarock, Scituate by MOTT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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