Maybe you’ve been in Boston for years, but you’re now having kids and looking to relocate. Maybe you’re planning a move to the Boston area from another city in the U.S. or abroad, and you’re trying to make sense of your options. Whatever the case, Boston Moms is here to help with a handy guide to some popular towns in the area! We’ll tell you about the vibe, income levels, schools, and fun insider info to help you figure out the best place for you.

(Also, check out our guides to East ArlingtonMilton, North AndoverNorth AttleboroSalemSomerville, and the South End!)

How we got here

My husband and I were both raised on the South Shore (Plymouth) and moved away for several years while he served in the United States Navy. When we decided to transition back to civilian life, we knew we wanted to be “home” with our families, and close to my family’s business in Plymouth. With my husband’s new civilian job in Cambridge, we decided to split the difference and settle in South Weymouth. We have been here for almost two years and are so, so happy here. Weymouth itself is quite large, so for the purposes of this post I will focus on what I know — South Weymouth!

Vibe :: Small town with city convenience

Families in South Weymouth seem to either have deep roots in the town (and are often very, very Irish!) or have recently moved here when looking for a more suburban and less expensive place to raise kids close to the city. When I describe South Weymouth to friends, I mention one Saturday morning when I was in line at Dunkin’ Donuts, and every single person who walked in knew somebody else in line. In thick Boston accents, men and women paid for each other’s coffee and checked in on each other’s small businesses and family lives. Oh, also, everyone was wearing a Patriots hat.

South Weymouth is the perfect town to settle in if you or your partner commute to Boston daily. The convenience is unmatched! Hop on the Red Line in Braintree (less than a 10-minute drive away), grab the commuter rail right down the street (within walking distance from many homes!), or if you’re feeling brave and don’t scare easily, zip up Route 3 to 93 and straight into the city… on a good day. South Weymouth is only 15 miles from Boston, but traffic during commuter time can be a bear.

Of the many perks of living in South Weymouth, the proximity to South Shore Hospital and the Weymouth offices of Children’s Hospital Boston are high on my list. My children have both been seen by the specialists at Children’s and have been cared for by the pedi doctors at South Shore Hospital, who are employees of Children’s Hospital Boston. The access to that level of care is huge to me! It offers peace of mind that can’t be matched.

Live :: Get in while you can

The real estate market in South Weymouth is HOT. My husband and I remark frequently that we are lucky to have bought a house here when we did. It is not uncommon for a house to sell here before it even hits the market! The convenience of suburban life within a commutable distance to the city at a lower cost than some other Boston ‘burbs is huge for many families.

The majority of homes in South Weymouth are single-family, with the exception of brand-new apartment and condo offerings at Union Point. In addition, most homes in South Weymouth are OLD. Many homes were built in the early 1900s, and many need serious updates. I’m telling you — the value in a home here is worth the effort you may need to put in. 

While some are on busy streets, most neighborhoods in South Weymouth have homes with small backyards and sidewalk-lined streets. Some homes in South Weymouth are within walking distance to shopping, dining, and other small businesses. We walk to the South Weymouth Barber Shop for haircuts and grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade at Dawn til Dusk Cafe afterward. If I’m feeling ambitious, I can walk to a Whole Foods, a Marshalls, a Starbucks (!), and a post office, too. That being said, since it isn’t a super busy city, there is parking available everywhere you need to go!

Play :: Endless options

Weymouth itself has four library branches, and one will be getting a $33 million facelift in the coming years.

Our house is within walking distance to two baseball fields and attached playgrounds. With a quick drive, you can access one of Weymouth’s many parks, several which have been improved over the last few years.

We love to have dinner at Stockholders Steakhouse — the brussels sprouts and steak tips are out of this world! The Cameo Theater is a super cute relic right in the heart of Columbian Square and the perfect place to catch a movie. Union Point, a brand new community at the old South Weymouth Naval Air Station, hosts summer food truck rodeos and movie nights. There are weekly farmers markets in town, and Hornstra Farms, a local South Shore dairy farm a short drive away in Norwell, delivers products to Weymouth and has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

South Weymouth is just a quick drive away from several ocean beach options. Head further down the South Shore and you get the coastal New England experience (and food!), state parks, and camping! Head north toward the city and enjoy a night in town. With a quick drive, anything is possible!

We love living in South Weymouth and are proud to call it home. I hope you’ve found this guide helpful!

Stay tuned for more town guides to clue you in about Greater Boston’s many terrific family-oriented places to live.

Also, see our previous guides to East ArlingtonMilton, North AndoverNorth AttleboroSalemSomerville, and the South End!

Meghan Block
Meghan was born and raised on the South Shore and attended college in Boston. After college, she married her high school sweetheart and followed him to Charleston, SC, and Groton, CT, where he served as a submarine officer in the United States Navy. Military life was an adventure, and after six crazy years of service (and two babies later!), the pair decided to move *home* to the South Shore in 2016 and put down some roots. Meghan is the proud owner of Boston Moms and work-at-home mom to William, Benjamin, and Caroline, born in 2013, 2015 and 2019. She loves meeting new people, encouraging moms, celebrating motherhood, and supporting small businesses.