Seaside living in Kingston
Located 35 miles outside of Boston, Kingston is a coastal town right by Kingston Bay. Originally a Plymouth Colony community, today the area is mostly residential, and locals have access to an MBTA commuter rail station, public schools, as well as myriad trails, the beach and the Jones River. “Kingston is an oceanfront community with a public beach, and it’s the hub of South Shore,” says Phillip Tarantino, who prides himself as a born and raised Kingstonian and has sold over 400 homes throughout his 40-year career as a Realtor at Tarantino Real Estate. “The road structure here is excellent; people have easy access to Boston, Maine or west to Providence. It’s also just 3.5 miles from Plymouth, and there isn’t anything you can’t do here.”
Homes in Kingston
Sitting on winding narrow streets, single-family homes were built from the 1800s to the present day. Common architectural styles run the gamut and range from cottages, traditional farmhouses and ranch styles to Cape Cods and Colonial-inspired homes. More recent and new developments usually have Contemporary or New Traditional design. Often listing between $400,000 and $850,000, area properties have spacious yards that range from 8,000 square feet to 1 acre. Rocky Nooks has several private beach communities with HOA fees, and waterfront homes can go between $1 million and $2 million. Condos and townhouses list from $300,000 to $600,000. Some properties may be in designated flood zones and may be required to purchase flood insurance.
Enjoy the ocean view at Gray's Beach Park
From fishing and playing hockey to visiting the beach, Kingston keeps locals active year-round with abundant recreational opportunities. One of the most popular outdoor spots in town, Gray’s Beach Park is right by the ocean and has sports courts and a newly renovated playground. The Cranberry Watershed Preserve features the 2-mile-long namesake trail along cranberry bogs, wetlands and woodlands. Sampson Park & Memorial Forest, also known as the Faunce Memorial Forest, offers views of the Jones River, which is a popular fishing spot, and is home to the Sampson Park Trail. Those seeking privacy may join Indian Pond Country Club, which is complete with an 18-hole championship course, a pool club and a clubhouse. Several athletic fields, including Opachinski Athletic Complex and Reed Fields, are available for adult and youth league games and practices, while the Reed Community House Building houses the recreation office and has rooms for community clubs, classes and workshops.
Restaurants and shops in Kingston
Cancun is a Mexican restaurant known for its margaritas, guacamole and fajitas, and Charlie’s Horse offers classic comfort food in a neighborly spot with arcades, pools and patio seating. Carmela’s Restaurant & Lounge serves an array of pasta, chicken and seafood entrees, as well as flatbread pizza. Kingston Collection, an indoor shopping center, is home to Macy’s and Target. Grocery store options include Stop & Shop and Big Y World Class Market.
Schools in Kingston
Kingston is part of the Silver Lake Regional School District, which is shared with the towns of Halifax and Plympton. Kingston Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through second grade, and Kingston Intermediate School is for third grade to fifth grade students; both schools have a B-minus Niche rating. Silver Lake Regional Middle School has a B, and Silver Lake Regional High School scores a B-plus while providing courses in science, technology, engineering and technical education.
Transportation in Kingston
While Kingston is largely car-dependent, the town has a commuter rail station that takes people directly to the South Station in Boston. Massachusetts Route 3A passes through town and takes commuters into Boston and the Boston Logan International Airport, which are about 37 to 40 miles away. Providence is about 54 miles west via U.S. Route 44, and the South Shore Medical Center is right in town. Kingston's CAP Indix crime store is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Events in Kingston
In the summertime, Gray’s Beach Park hosts weekly Music in the Park concerts for all community members. The Kingston Carnival, which takes place in April, features amusement rides, fun games and food. Additional events include holiday parades, fireworks and scavenger hunts.
Photography Contributed By
Al Straggas
