Quincy

Germantown residents enjoy the neighborhood for its panoramic views of Town River Bay, Weymouth Fore River and Rock Island Cove. “Germantown is a family-oriented blue-collar neighborhood,” says Broker Rick Murray, who operates in the area with William Raveis Real Estate. Murray has sold homes in Quincy for over 30 years. The community primarily comprises Cape Cods, built between the 1940s and 60s. Residents enjoy walkable access to community parks and bus stops. The neighborhood was constructed atop a peninsula, and residents usually travel several miles to Quincy's downtown for shopping and dining. Homeowners access Boston for work and entertainment. The neighborhood has a strong communal backbone. “When I was growing up, many of my friends lived in Germantown. The people that I know who grew up in Germantown are very tight-knit to this day. Some return in their old age,” Murray says. Many children walk to Snug Harbor Community School, which has an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a B Niche rating. Broad Meadows Middle School students are 20% proficient in math and 34% in reading. The school has a B-minus Niche rating. Quincy High School has a B-plus Niche rating and offers a wide selection of Advanced Placement classes. Most of the neighborhood's Cape Cods sell for between $430,000 and $700,000. Most houses within this price range are a short walk from the water and were built in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. “You got some really amazing waterfront homes,” Murray says. “There have lately been some million-dollar sales for direct waterfront property.” Waterfront Cape Cods from the same period sell for between $570,000 and $1 million. Four-bedroom 1970s bi-levels sell for between $750,000 and $840,000. Assessors value the neighborhood's turn-of-the-century bungalows at between $450,000 and $540,000. The Hofbrau Cafe, a mile northwest, is a classic neighborhood sports bar where locals chat over pitchers of beer and plates of wings. There is a Dunkin' just down the street. Boaters cross Town River Bay and tie up at the docks of Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant to eat fresh platters of fish and crabs. Confectionately Yours Bakery, 3 miles from Germantown, makes fresh pastries and cakes. Palmer Street Market sells daily goods. Residents drive 2 ½ miles to pick up groceries from the Stop & Shop. Folks travel less than 3 miles to shop at T.J. Maxx. Locals head to Fire Station Beach overlooking the Weymouth Fore River to watch reed grass tremble in the breeze as schooners sail past. Locals create their own fun along the shoreline. “One of the big things we all did growing up was clam digging,” Murray says. Clipper Marina offers year-round boat storage. Residents take their children to the Taffrail Road Playground to cool off in the splash pad. Kids play basketball and climb on the playsets at the Jean Kennedy Playground on Doane Street. Harbor Side Park on Palmer Street also has playground equipment. The Germantown Neighborhood Center offers the community use of its recreation center, classrooms, music center, recording studio and performance stage. A food pantry operates out of the center. The local garden club keeps a garden on the property. “Germantown is also within walking distance of The Blue Hills Reservation, a 7,000-acre green oasis, which offers hiking and walking trails,” says Realtor Matthew Langlois, who sells homes in the area with Keller Williams Realty. Folks drive 6 miles southwest to catch new film releases at the AMC in Braintree, but most people seek entertainment in Boston. Residents drive to the big city to root for professional sports teams like the Celtics, the Bruins and the Red Sox. Boston is also home to the Museum of African American History, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and the Museum of Fine Arts. Locals watch comedians like Bill Burr and Kumail Nanjiani at Boston's Wilbur Theater. Sidewalks line the streets of the walkable neighborhood. Germantown is heavily car-dependent since most shopping and dining options are mainly outside of it. Residents drive 12 miles north via Interstate 93 to Downtown Boston. There are public bus stops on Palmer Street and Taffrail Road. Folks drive 2 miles to catch the subway at the Quincy Center to ride to Downtown Boston.

The tight-knit community of Hough’s Neck has evolved from a neighborhood of longtime families to a more transient place where people visit their waterside homes on the weekends or sell them off as their kids chase their dreams in California or Texas. In this bayside peninsula, where locals call themselves and their neighbors “neckers,” people live in midcentury Cape Cods and ranch-style houses or renovate their homes in favor of concrete, modern builds. “What a beautiful place on the planet,” says Debi Hauer, a broker with eXp Realty in the Boston area. “I sold a house there and it’s across the street from the water, with amazing skyline views, all the way down towards the Cape to the Boston city skyline.” This is where people move if they want a house near the water for less than $1 million, though multimillion-dollar properties also exist. The Hough’s Neck shoreline features a small, rocky beach where neighbors gather shellfish during low tide. Canoes and kayaks get launched into the bay here, but for swimming and sunbathing, people head to Quincy shoreline spots like Wollaston Beach and places like Nantasket Beach in nearby Hull. Kids play soccer and basketball at LaBrecque Field, which also has playground equipment and a tot lot, and neighbors enjoy views of the Boston skyline from the walking path and fishing pier at Nut Island. Locals keep their boats at the Quincy Yacht Club, which came online in 1874. Houses in Hough's Neck came online in the 19th and 20th centuries. Beachside builds like clapboard colonials and Cape Cod-style houses are typical. Homes sit next to each other on streets, steps away from the water. Contemporary houses can cost $725,000, 1950s Cape Cods can go for $615,000 and 1880s clapboard colonials cost $1.5 million. “It’s a combination of uber modern, where it looks like someone plopped it down from a beach in California, or shacks where families live somewhere else and come on weekends,” says Hauer. Prices range from $320,000 to $2.1 million. Hough’s Neck is a residential area, but it’s a 15-minute drive to Quincy Center and its bars and restaurants. People sip beers and watch sports at the Fours and listen to live music at Alba Restaurant. Fuji at WoC serves fresh sushi and creative cocktails. Locals shop for groceries at Star Market near Quincy Center, buy clothing at T.J. Maxx and look for pet supplies at Petco. Kids living in Hough’s Neck can attend Quincy Public Schools, a highly rated school district with an A-minus from Niche and about 9,400 students. Schools serving Hough’s Neck include Atherton Hough Elementary School, rated B by Niche, and Broad Meadows Middle School, rated B-minus. Quincy High School is rated B-plus by Niche, and students can participate in drama club, debate team and cybersecurity club. Hough’s Neck residents can get into Boston by taking the 216 bus to Quincy Center, where they can catch the Red Line. The T takes travelers into downtown Boston and further to Cambridge and Somerville. Massachusetts 3A and Interstate 93 also provide access to Boston, although I-93 is notorious for its bad traffic. Downtown Boston is about 14 miles away, but driving there with traffic can take 40 minutes.

Located just east of the Quincy Center, Merrymount is a coastal area offering urban convenience and serene views of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, older Cape Cod and Colonial Revival homes line curving streets alongside mature oak and cherry trees. These houses are a short walk away from dining and shopping options along Sea Street, as well as green spaces that range from pocket parks to sprawling beaches and historic landmarks. The neighborhood has a small-town feel, but with MBTA transit systems and the Southern Artery just to the west of the neighborhood, downtown Boston is a short trip away for commuters. Across Black Creek, children and adults gather at Merrymount Park, an 80-acre waterfront space gifted to the city by John Quincy Adams’ grandson in the late 1880s. Today, residents can hike, walk their pets and enjoy a show at the bandshell. The William F. Ryan Boating and Sailing Facility teaches children the skills needed to enjoy the water. Some of the most popular recreation areas in the community are school facilities. Behind Merrymount Elementary School is Perkins Playground, an ample green space with athletic fields and playground equipment. For beachside fun, residents are about 1.5 miles from Wollaston Beach, and members of the Merrymount Association can reserve Merrymount Beach for picnics and private gatherings. Neighborhood streets in Merrymount are lined by wide sidewalks and manicured lawns. Well-maintained Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals from the early-to-mid 1900s sit on lots with plenty of room for a game of catch. “A lot of the buildings have older outsides but have had renovations inside; it’s all really pretty,” says Tatum Logan, the assistant property manager at Towne House Apartments since 2022. Prices in the area can commonly range from $650,000 to around $950,000, though luxury townhouses with views of the water may sell for close to $2 million. The neighborhood is home to the Merrymount Association, which hosts various events throughout the year for residents. The association has been around for almost 100 years and has an annual membership for those in the community who wish to join. In warmer months, Food Truck Fridays take place on Merrymount Beach, accompanied by live music and picturesque waterfront views. The Freedom Celebration and July 4th Parade is another association event complete with DJs and dancing on the beach as members watch the night sky light up with fireworks. The Thomas Crane Public Library also hosts regular events, which range from movie screenings to bingo nights. Dining options include Merrymount’s beloved Fox & Hound on Sea Street, where classic pub fare is served in an atmosphere of low lighting and dark wood accents. “It’s right next door, so lots of residents tend to go there,” Logan says. For a sweet treat, locals can head to Ginger Betty’s, a bakery that has been serving the Quincy community since 1995. Logan is partial to their gingerbread. “It gets super busy during Christmas time,” she says. The Stop & Shop in Quincy Center is the closest grocery store — it's between a few blocks and 1 mile from neighborhood homes. Merrymount’s schools are part of the highly rated Quincy Public Schools district and are known for active and involved parent-teacher organizations. Students can begin their education at Merrymount Elementary School, which receives a B-plus rating on Niche. Broad Meadows Middle, which earns a B-minus rating, has been designated a Blue Ribbon School for history and the arts. Students at Quincy High School, rated with a B-plus by Niche, can earn college credit at Quincy College through Quincy's Early College High School Pathway program. Exploring Quincy can be done effortlessly along the winding sidewalks of Merrymount. “Lots of people in Quincy don’t even drive — everything is so walkable,” Logan says. The area is also a hit with commuters due to neighborhood Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus routes along the Southern Artery and the nearby Quincy Center Red Line T station, which allows for a 20-minute trip into Boston. Flights can be reached via Boston Logan International Airport, just 13 miles north, and Atrius Health is less than 1 mile away for medical care.

North Quincy — sometimes called the “City of Presidents” — is the birthplace of Founding Father and late President John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. The city’s past was mostly industrial, with granite and shipbuilding exports financing the region. Today, North Quincy is a residential and commercial area with many multicultural markets and restaurants. North Quincy is home to numerous outdoor playgrounds and recreational fields. Welcome Young Park and Wollaston Park are both in the neighborhood, as are Teel Field and Joseph W. Koch Field, which was named after the man who created the space. Perhaps North Quincy’s best view can be found on Wollaston Beach at sunset. This public, 2-mile stretch is the largest beach along Boston Harbor. The nearby Wollaston Yacht Club, the area’s premier yacht club since 1897, is a great spot to store a boat and enjoy food, drinks and social functions. There are a variety of housing choices in North Quincy. Most streets have sidewalks and off-street parking, making for a very walkable neighborhood. There are multifamily residences with separate entrances and federal-style colonial homes that have been converted into apartments. There are also some single-family residences in styles such as garrison and split-level, as well as townhomes and mixed-use spaces. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about two weeks and typically sell for between $700,000 to $900,000. Shop for everyday essentials at chain stores such as CVS and Walgreens or at the independently owned Snack Monkey, a well-stocked store with a variety of Asian treats. North Quincy is home to several chain restaurants and local businesses. Grab a bubble tea from YoCha, an Asian-inspired dessert shop or have dinner at Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot, known for its décor as much as its cuisine. Students in North Quincy attend Quincy Public Schools, a well-rated district. Kids may start at Francis W. Parker Elementary, which has a B grade from Niche, before transitioning to Atlantic Middle School, which gets a B-plus. Students may then attend North Quincy High School, which earns an A grade and offers a Career and Technical Education program for fields like film, health care and engineering. A coastal suburb of Boston, North Quincy is just a little more than 8 miles south of the city. There are several available bus routes and four stops on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line, which connects it to Boston.

Known as the birthplace of American presidents, Quincy Center blends a rich past with a bright future. The neighborhood was home to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as Revolutionary War figure John Hancock. While the city pays homage to its history, successful efforts to revitalize the neighborhood have brought fresh life to Quincy Center. With commuting options such as the MBTA Red Line station in the heart of the neighborhood, it's a choice location for those looking to move out of the city while remaining connected to downtown Boston. “The community is lovely and blooming, I think it’s one of the best neighborhoods in this area to live in,” says Mary Kelleher, a Realtor with Gibson Sotheby’s Internation, who has over 38 years of experience in Boston real estate. Quincy Center is home to Adams National Historical Park, a 13-acre compound where John Adams, his son John Quincy Adams and numerous members of their family lived. Now a museum, visitors can tour the impressive gardens and well-kept homes of the former presidents and their families. There’s also the Stone Library, where John Adams collected over 6,000 books on various topics. Quincy recently invested $300 million into new developments, including the Hancock Adams Common. The Common includes a park and plaza that connects pedestrians and cyclists to the city’s downtown area. Residents can stroll on the beautiful new promenade, enjoy community events, have a picnic on the grassy lawn or sit under a tree-shaded bench. The Hancock Adams Common is a hub for events throughout the year in Quincy Center, including holiday celebrations, concerts and seasonal festivities. The Thomas Crane Public Library regularly offers jazz and classical concerts, theatre performances and historical re-enactments for residents of all ages to enjoy. In the heart of Quincy Center, residents are close to traditional retailers and everyday conveniences. Nearby, Star Market is a small grocer stocked with daily needs. The neighborhood is also less than 5 miles away from Target, Walmart and the popular H Mart, an Asian grocery store. There are tons of international dining options here, including classic Thai eats at Little Duck Thai and authentic Indian cuisine at Raja Rani. Royal Hot Pot Korean BBQ & Bar offers eats in an elegant and spacious atmosphere. “I’m a sushi person, so Fuji is one of my favorite restaurants here,” adds Kelleher. There’s also a variety of pubs and restaurants dishing up traditional American fare, including The Fat Cat, Cagney’s and Liberty Tavern. For coffee lovers, try Fowler House Café or Craig Café. There's a variety of home styles, including single-family homes and multi-unit options, such as duplexes and condominiums in Quincy Center. Homes in the neighborhood stand out with unique decorative elements, including bay windows and Victorian-style turrets, offering a distinct New England feel that reflects its rich history. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about three weeks and typically sell for between $400,000 to $700,000. Quincy Public Schools serves the neighborhood with a collection of well-rated schools. For education, kids may start at Charles A. Bernazzani Elementary, which gets a B-plus grade from Niche, before transitioning to Central Middle, which earns an A-minus and offers an advanced placement center. Quincy High also gets a B-plus grade and provides an active athletic program in addition to its rigorous academic curriculum. Located on the edge of the Blue Hills Reservation State Park, Quincy Center has plenty of options to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Most notably, the Quarry Street Dog Park, a 20-acre dog park constructed in 2020 as part of Quincy Center’s revitalization efforts. The Faxon Field Track is a community space with a full track & field facility, a children’s playground and five tennis courts. The space is minutes from downtown, close to the local YMCA and just behind the local high school, where some of Quincy High’s athletic programs take place. Getting around Quincy is a breeze with several public transportation options close by. Quincy Center Station sits in the middle of town and provides access to commuter trains, buses and the MBTA Red Line Subway. “Its Red Line access is a big appeal for the area,” says Kelleher.