2023 Best Places to Live in Plymouth County

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: Really nice area only an hour outside of the city which can make it very exciting going from relaxing coast to vibrant city.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 5,519

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  22 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Norwell from the age of 4 until I left college. It was a wonderful town to grow up in. The schools were excellent and you had the feel of an almost rural town while being minutes from the highway and only a half hour from Boston. The primary downside is the affordability. While I would like nothing more than to raise my family there, financially I am not in a position to purchase a home there.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 11,258

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  72 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Hingham for 45 years and brought up my two children here. The town is very welcoming and an excellent town to bring up your family. The schools are excellent. The town is only 20 miles from Boston, so very accessible to the arts and restaurants in the city. The town is right on the water, so many opportunities for summer fun. Hingham has so much to offer and it is a beautiful town!... Read 72 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 24,061

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  21 reviews

Niche User: I love Duxbury! It is a beautiful east coast town with a stunning beach! It had this darling little ice cream shop, FarFars that completely made my trip! The houses are lovely and you see a bunch of people out running, biking and walking with their children or dogs! I hope I can go back to Duxbury when this epidemic is over!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 16,004

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 2.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: It is a beautiful town and a great location. The schools are full of preppy, entitled kids who think they are better than you because their family is rich. It is very safe and hardly any crime. It is a great town to raise a family in.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 3,381

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I've met so many friends here that I've stayed friends with for over a decade. The old houses make this area so cute and desirable to live here.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 2,244

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Scituate is a great small town! It has a bustling community, particularly during the summer months. The town center, Front Street, is located right on the harbor with plenty of shops and restaurants providing great night life. Community members tend to be very involved with the town, whether making speeches at town meetings or competing to be the next "Mayor of Scituate" in a fund-raising event for the town parade. The town is very safe. It is a little off the beaten path, far from major highways which can make commuting to work in Boston difficult, though not impossible.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 19,016

Current Resident: Best kept secret in Massachusetts....Cape Cod without the traffic. A true hometown where neighbors are friendly, people respect each other, and where people escape to when the world goes crazy.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 5,293

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Currently living in Hanover and enjoy the area very much. Hanover is a quiet town where everyone seems to know each other and get along very well. I recently moved here a few months ago and i absolutely love the public schools system. The town is always having little activities going around town for both kids, teens and adults which is perfect!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 14,742

Current Resident: I moved to Mattapoisett from Vermont and entered public school. Everyone is overall friendly and polite. ORR teachers are great!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 6,478

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: Moved to Hull in the fall of 2014. Boston Magazine just named it one of the top ten Towns for real estate appreciation. It’s on the move, trending up, fast. Lots of construction & rehabilitation. Lots of people from nearby wealthy Hingham and Cohasset cashing out and moving in. Pros: beautiful Nantasket Beach, relatively affordable real estate near/on the ocean, safety, cleanliness, small town feel, funky eclectic vibe, strong diversity with LGBTQ community, more restaurants, live and let live mentality, close proximity to Boston with commuter boat (under 20 minutes), wealthy investors putting $ into the town. Cons: 20 minutes to route 3 (Hull is remote which is part of its charm but not close to anything); could be “more to do” in the downtown area (but getting better); schools could be better (but improving), strong brutal wind during storms. An affordable place to live right on or near the ocean - and getting better every year. Get in now before you’re priced out!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 10,120

Current Resident: Rochester is a very small town surrounded by more well-known towns. I think being in a small town is perfect for several reasons such as friends, family, and schooling. I would like to change a few things, however. For one, having a gas station and a store would be nice.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 5,676

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: West Bridgewater has a ubiquitous amount of family activities such as our annual park day celebration, musicals and sports games put on by the high school, and tons of great breakfast restaurants! If I had one bone to pick with good ol' WB however, it would be the lack of diversity and lack of anti-bullying measures at their public schools.... Read 33 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 7,622

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: Kingston is a small suburb near Boston, MA. It has a few shops and small restaurants, with about 80% of the buildings being Dunkin Donuts. The people are very friendly, and the neighborhoods are for the most part safe. Kingston has a public school along with a private school. People are normally in their houses by 10:30 PM. There are many expensive houses in Kingston, but there are also smaller, more affordable ones.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 13,618

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  39 reviews

Current Resident: Marshfield is a historic town and has beautiful beaches. In the summertime, Marshfield is the place to be. Marshfield is home to the Marshfield fair and Levitate Music Festival. Both of these events are family friendly. Marshfield is also located in the middle of Boston and Plymouth. Marshfield is the perfect suburban town for families!... Read 39 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 25,793

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Pembroke is a smaller town on the South Shore with riverfront space, plenty of ponds and trails, and excellent public school teachers. Some of the high school administrators leave a bit to be desired. Students cannot attend nearby regional vocational schools. But, overall, the schools are superior to most others in the area. Voter participation at the annual Town Meeting could be improved (very few people attend). The residents of Pembroke are, generally, caring people who look out for one another. Some private cranberry bogs were purchased by the town after crops were damaged by the application of road salt in winter. They are now overgrown eyesores. The town also has a habit of buying land for various intended uses before adequately determining whether or not the land is suitable for said use(s). The school system receives a disproportionate amount of the town budget, leaving other departments chronically underfunded (police, fire, library, etc.). Still, a great place to live.... Read 30 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 18,329

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: North Pembroke is a small, quiet town with great schools. There is not a lot of night life in the area though, but there are many local pizza and sub restaurants in town.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 4,133

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  53 reviews

Current Resident: Moving here was the best option! Me and my family are much happier and there are so many opportunities for work and healthy lifestyles! Abington is also a perfect place if you wish to raise a child. The schools have a outstanding education system and always supports the children with their problems and troubles. Everyone who lives here are friendly and helps each others whether it's a snowstorm or finances. The super markets always include fresh produce and all public areas (and schools) have mask rules for Covid safeties.... Read 53 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 16,974

Current Resident: I live in Lakeville, Ma. . Lakeville is a small rural town sandwich between old industrial cities in south eastern Massachusetts. I was born here and have lived her my entire life. My town has so many great things but a few things that could change. Lakeville is the kins of town that i would love to raise a family. Its quiet,safe, and close to everything i need. My town biggest downfall is that its not diverse at all. Its residents predominantly white middle class and doesnt reflect the melting pot of the United States. Unfortunately there are some people in this town that celebrate its lack of diversity and that needs to change . In closing i love my town but I love the future of Lakeville .... Read 44 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 11,514

Current Resident: Plymouth is one of those towns a person can live in and never leave. There's a neighborhood for everyone. A downtown for a more small urban feel, suburban family neighborhoods, rural farmland, pond front homes, and quiet coastal neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Downtown and the waterfront have incredible restaurants, parks and shops. The school community is great too! I absolutely love living in Plymouth!... Read 93 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 60,987

Current Resident: A very charming community! My husband and I moved to the Pinehills a little less than a year ago. We are thrilled with our decision to build a home here! The Pinehills offers a quant community in the midst of Plymouth. It is the type of place where you go to the post office to pick up your mail and the postal workers know everyone by name. The community is active and the restaurants/amenities are an awesome plus. We love eating at Mamma Mia's or the Rye Tavern. Mirabeau is walking distance from our home, and it is perfect for a spa day with friends or relatives. The landscaping everywhere is gorgeous and the architecture throughout each neighborhood is charming and different. We look forward to laying down roots here!... Read 1 review

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 4,724

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  22 reviews

Former Resident: Halifax is a very small town with not a lot to do, but there are certain parts that appeal to all ages. Halifax is located just 20 minutes away from Plymouth where you can visit the beach, malls and other activities. Halifax has a variety of stores and is adding on slowly but surely. Just like any town it does have its high-end and lower-end neighborhoods but when you meet people here there is no judgement about where you live. The elementary school is located right next to the fire station and is only 15 mins away from the Regional High School.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 7,737

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Hanson for 6 years now. I came here for more land. I grew up in a suburb north of Boston with postage stamp yards. I wanted a big yard and a lot of space between the neighbors and me. Hanson is generally quiet, and I love it. There are no malls, and there is no reason why anyone would have to pass through Hanson to get anywhere, so the traffic is limited to locals. The supermarkets and independent store owners have much to offer. If you need any big items to buy, Pembroke, Hanover and Plymouth are not far. It is extra special to get fresh eggs from the neighbors or anywhere in town. I do not have small kids anymore, but I would have loved to raise my three children here. I wish I knew about Hanson 30 years ago.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 10,601

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  61 reviews

Current Resident: Rockland is a nice, mostly quiet town. I enjoy that aspect of it very much. It has many convenience stores, department stores, and restaurants! People here are very friendly and welcoming. I'd love to see more diversity in stores around the area. I feel we have too many pizza joints and we could incorporate a bakery or maybe a vegan/vegetarian restaurant.... Read 61 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 17,774

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: I love that plympton is quiet and everybody is friendly. Your neighbors don't bother you and the houses are not too close together. I would change that there is not much to do in plympton.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Population 2,934