North Pembroke

It’s easy to see why North Pembroke is the fastest-growing community in South Shore, Massachusetts. Professionals enjoy an easy commute into downtown Boston; parents love the highly ranked school districts and nearby activities; outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the extensive parks and pristine waterways; and couples spend their weekends walking the nearby beaches in Cape Cod. Despite these perks, home prices in North Pembroke are lower than surrounding suburban communities closer to Boston and Cape Cod. “It’s the most happening area south of Boston,” says John Heffernan, principal of Lee & Heffernan Group with Compass. “It seems like everyone suddenly realized that they didn’t have to live in the city to find everything they’re searching for.”

North Pembroke is situated 30 miles south of Boston, beyond the sprawling suburbs of Boston, yet close enough to make the commute in less than 45 minutes. Houses in North Pembroke sit at the end of long driveways, tucked into the surrounding trees behind large manicured lawns and stone walls with secluded outdoor living spaces overlooking forests, lakes and rivers. Very few of the homes have fences, and children play in the woods and fields behind their homes. The houses blend into their surroundings, combining New England colonial architecture with rustic accents. In addition to the primarily colonial homes, you’ll find Farmhouses, Tudors and adorable New England Cape Cods with shingled exteriors and open floor plans. Most homes in North Pembroke sell for $400,000 to $650,000, though homes within gated communities overlooking the North River sell for upwards of $1.3 million.

North Pembroke’s surprisingly robust variety of retail and dining options are strategically confined to the busier roads surrounding the community, providing plenty of local options while funneling the traffic away from the quiet residential streets at the heart of the community. The North River Plaza is home to several familiar retailers, including Lowe’s, Kohl’s and Staples, along with grocery stores, pharmacies and a wine shop. Across the parking lot, the North River Corporate Park provides easy access to medical facilities, home improvement showrooms and a popular CrossFit gym. Start your day with a coffee, quiche or European pastry from Zserbo Bakery, a locally-owned bakery inspired by Hungarian and Caribbean flavors. Experience the taste of the North End at Mother Anna’s Restaurant, a famous Boston restaurant transplanted to North Pembroke by Anna’s great-grandson. Celebrate a big win, watch the game with friends or catch some live music at Alumni Sports Cafe, then head to Tolson’s Tap & Tavern for weekly trivia night. “There’s a new retail development coming soon on Route 53, which will add even more options,” says Heffernan.

Don’t be fooled by North Pembroke’s conveniences and amenities; at its heart, North Pembroke is a rural community surrounded by woodlands, marshes, wildlife sanctuaries and the Massachusetts Bay. During the summertime, drive to the nearby public beaches at Humarock and Duxbury for some fun in the sun, or take a hike along the boardwalk loop trail in the Canoe Club Preserve – one of three nearby preserves managed by the Wildlands Trust – stopping to enjoy the birdsong and perfume-like flower spikes of the sweet pepperbrush bushes. Paddlers and anglers love the Hanover Public Boat Launch, a perfect spot to lower a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard into the North River for an afternoon on the water. Kids can burn off energy at the playground on the campus of North Pembroke Elementary, or celebrate their birthday with friends at the Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park, where the bumper cars, arcade and mini golf keep kids occupied while their parents enjoy the outdoor beer garden.

Students in North Pembroke attend schools in the Pembroke Public School District, one of Massachusetts's highest-rated public school districts. Students begin at North Pembroke Elementary School, a B-plus-rated school on Niche where the Second Step Program helps students improve social-emotional skills to complement their academic achievements. Pembroke Community Middle School boasts highly trained teachers and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, and Pembroke High School, a B-rated school on Niche, offers over 35 clubs, activities and sports on its large campus.

Photography Contributed By

Shawn Miller

Video By

Brad Davis