Quincy
Quincy is a coastal U.S. city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It is the largest city in the county and a part of Metropolitan Boston as one of Boston’s immediate southern suburbs. Its population in 2020 was 101,636, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. Living in Quincy offers residents an urban suburban mix and most residents rent their homes. In Quincy there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
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Quincy 400 MA
Quincy History
Quincy, Massachusetts, often referred to as the "City of Presidents," has a rich history that dates back to its settlement in 1625. Originally part of the Dorchester area, it became a separate town in 1792 and was later incorporated as a city in 1888. Quincy played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, particularly with the birth of key figures such as John Adams and John Quincy Adams, both of whom served as U.S. presidents. The city's early economy was centered around shipbuilding, and its granite quarries became famous in the 19th century, with Quincy granite used in the construction of significant structures, including the U.S. Capitol.
Education Opportunities
Home to three highly-rated school districts, your kids are sure to succeed anywhere in Quincy! With an A- score on niche.com, Quincy is known for great teachers and a diverse student body. Quincy Public Schools pride themselves on their college prep, and boasts a 93% graduation rate.
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The Quincy Market
The real estate market in Quincy, MA, has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by its proximity to Boston and its appeal to both families and young professionals. As of 2024, the median home price in Quincy hovers around $550,000, though this can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type. The city offers a mix of single-family homes, condos, and multi-family units, with many properties reflecting a blend of suburban and urban living. Quincy has a diverse demographic, with a growing population of about 101,000, a mix of families, working professionals, and retirees. The city is known for its good schools, parks, and access to public transit, making it an attractive option for commuters.
Things to Do in Quincy, MA
Exploring a coastal hub steps from downtown Boston.
Shopping & Dining
- Balducci’s House of Pizza
Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant- Dining on the Dock of the Bay
SHABU - Modern, Cozy Japanese La Paloma Mexican w a colorful array of yummy Margarita’s
Atlantic Fish Co.
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Discover Quincy
Libraries & Bookstores
The Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy offers a variety of services and programs, including access to library passes for local museums and attractions. These passes often provide free or discounted admission to places such as zoos, museums, and cultural sites. Popular pass options include the Boston Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Boston Children’s Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Zoo New England, providing a range of cultural and educational experiences for all ages.
Next Chapter Books - just opened! Shops books, toys, puzzles, games, and more.
Historic Homes of Quincy
Quincy, MA, is home to a wealth of historic properties that reflect its rich heritage and significant role in early American history. Among the most notable are the Adams National Historical Park, which includes the birthplaces of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. These homes, such as the John Adams Birthplace and the John Quincy Adams Birthplace, offer a glimpse into the 18th-century life of one of America's most influential political families. Beyond the Adams properties, Quincy also boasts a variety of Colonial and Federal-style homes, many of which are located in the city’s older neighborhoods, such as the Wollaston and Quincy Point areas.
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Bring Fido
Dog Spots
Stoddard’s Neck Dog Park: Off-leash area, shoreline access for swimming, scenic views.
Quincy Shores Reservation: Leashed dogs welcome on scenic paths and beach walks (seasonal restrictions).
Faxon Park: Pet-friendly with trails and open spaces for leashed dogs in a wooded setting.
Merrymount Park: Grassy areas and paths for leashed dogs, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Squantum Point Park: Open spaces, waterfront views, and paths for dogs on a leash.
Squantum Marshes: Quiet, natural paths for leashed dogs in a less crowded environment.
Parks in Quincy
- Merrymount Park: The largest park in Quincy, it offers playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park is home to the Veterans Memorial Stadium and hosts various community events and festivals.
Squantum Point Park: Overlooks Boston Harbor and the city skyline. Walking and biking paths, birdwatching opportunities, and waterfront views.
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Discover Quincy
Water & Swimming
Neponset River: A major waterway for outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with the Neponset River Reservation offering walking and biking trails.
Quincy Bay: A hub for boating, fishing, and water sports, bordered by Wollaston Beach and Marina Bay.
Black's Creek: A small tidal creek near Marina Bay, important for local ecosystems.
Wollaston Beach: A popular beach with walking paths, swimming, and scenic views of Quincy Bay and Boston Harbor.
Marina Bay: Waterfront area with marinas, restaurants, and scenic views.
Squantum Point Park: A park at the tip of Squantum with walking trails and beautiful views of Quincy Bay and Boston Harbor.
Cunningham Park: Located along the Neponset River, offering walking and hiking opportunities with river views.
Hikes and Nature
- Faxon Park: A large wooded area perfect for hiking and nature walks
Wollaston Beach Reservation: A long, sandy beach along Quincy Shore Drive
Quincy Quarries Reservation: Historic granite quarries turned into a recreational area
Adams National Historical Park: Preserves the historic homes of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams
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Breweries
Quincy, Massachusetts, has a growing craft beer scene with several breweries that offer a variety of beers and a welcoming atmosphere. Here are some popular breweries in Quincy:
Break Rock Brewing: Located at Marina Bay, this brewery offers a great selection of craft beers with scenic views of the harbor. It has an inviting taproom and often features events like trivia nights and live entertainment.
Iron Furnace Brewing (Opening Soon): This brewery is expected to bring more craft beer options to the heart of Quincy. Keep an eye out for its opening for a new spot to try local brews.
Vitamin Sea Brewing: Just a short drive from Quincy, Vitamin Sea Brewing is well-known in the local craft beer scene for its innovative and flavorful IPAs and sour ales. The brewery has a friendly atmosphere and hosts events.
Nightlife
Sly Fox Tavern: Great food, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Malachy's Saloon: Old-school pub, live music, and lottery games.
Coop's Bar & Grille: Fun atmosphere with great staff.
Rags Tavern: A fun, casual local spot.
The Pour Yard: Great drinks, live music, and a dog-friendly patio.
The Pour Yard
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Coffee Shops
Panethnic Pourovers – Affordable coffee and a warm, welcoming environment.
Coffee Break Cafe – Friendly staff, amazing chai lattes, and delicious bagels.
Paris Baguette – Self-serve pastries and excellent lattes.
Niveaux Pâtisserie – High-quality lattes and pastries.
Farms & Farmers' Markets
- Brookwood Community Farm: This community-supported farm offers fresh, organic produce through CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs and farmers' markets. They focus on sustainable farming practices and often host community events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
Ward's Berry Farm (Sharon, MA about a 20-minute drive): A family-friendly farm with pick-your-own produce options, including strawberries, blueberries, and pumpkins, depending on the season. They also have a farm store with fresh vegetables, baked goods, and a deli.
Quincy Farmers Market: Located at Kilroy Square in Quincy Center, this market runs seasonally and features produce and goods from various local farms.
Quincy Farmers' Market
The Boston Globe
Town Days & Fireworks
Flag Day Parade and Celebration (June): One of the largest and longest-running Flag Day parades in the country.
Quincy August Moon Festival (August): Celebrates Quincy’s Asian-American heritage with cultural performances, food vendors, and crafts.
Quincy Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting (Late November to early December)
Quincy ArtsFest (September): A celebration of local artists with live music, art exhibits, and workshops at Adams Field.
Food Truck & Music Festival (Various dates): A fun event with food trucks, live music, and entertainment at Quincy Center or Marina Bay.
Community Day at Merrymount Park (Various summer dates): Picnics, outdoor concerts, games, face painting, and food trucks.
4th of July Fireworks: A patriotic celebration with fireworks, music, and family-friendly activities, often over Quincy Bay.
Hotels & Places to Stay
- Here’s a list of hotels in Quincy, MA, along with features. We recommend considering the nicer hotels in nearby Boston, just a short drive away, as it can be difficult to find hotels over 3 stars in Quincy itself.
Holiday Inn Express Boston - Quincy, an IHG Hotel – Streamlined rooms, bar, gym, free breakfast & Wi-Fi.
Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree – Casual rooms, free Wi-Fi, pool, fitness center.
Best Western Adams Inn Quincy-Boston – Riverfront, gym, cocktail lounge, restaurant, free Wi-Fi & breakfast.
Comfort Inn Randolph - Boston – Free Wi-Fi, in-room dining, complimentary breakfast, seasonal outdoor pool.
Extended Stay America - Boston - Braintree – Suites, complimentary breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi.
Hyatt
Transportation
Quincy offers a range of transportation options, making it accessible for both drivers and commuters.
Walkability & Bikeability: Central areas like Quincy Center and Marina Bay are walkable, but other parts of the city are less pedestrian-friendly. The Neponset River Greenway provides a key bike route, but bike infrastructure is still developing.
Highway Access: Quincy has excellent access to Interstate 93, Route 3A, and Route 128, offering quick connections to Boston and nearby suburbs. However, traffic congestion can be an issue during rush hours.
Public Transit: The MBTA Red Line serves Quincy with stations at Quincy Center and Wollaston, providing direct access to downtown Boston. Several MBTA bus routes also operate in the city, though service may be less frequent in some areas. Ferry service from Marina Bay to Boston is available seasonally.
Parking & Ride-Sharing: Parking is generally accessible, especially near major roads and transit hubs. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Overall, Quincy offers a mix of driving, public transit, and biking options, making it a well-connected city, especially for commuters.
Flooding & Flood Insurance
Flooding in Quincy, MA, can result from heavy rain, coastal storms, high tides, and the city's proximity to waterways like the Neponset River and Quincy Bay. With rising sea levels and more intense weather events due to climate change, flood risks are increasing. Key flood-prone areas include Wollaston Beach, which is vulnerable to coastal flooding during storms and high tides, and Marina Bay, which faces flooding from Quincy Bay and storm surges. Areas near the Neponset River, like Neponset Valley Parkway and Cunningham Park, are at risk of riverine flooding, especially during heavy rainfall. Merrymount Park is also susceptible to both freshwater runoff and coastal surges. Quincy is mapped for flood risks by FEMA, with Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) indicating the highest risk zones. Local flood maps and assessments provide more detailed information. Residents in flood-prone areas should stay informed about weather and flood warnings, consider flood insurance, take preventive measures like elevating systems or installing sump pumps, and be prepared with an evacuation plan and emergency kit. The First Street Flood Risk Map is a helpful tool for detailed flood risk information.