Nestled on the shores of Boston Harbor, the city of Quincy in eastern Massachusetts boasts a rich history dating back to 1625. Originally named Mount Wollaston by Captain Wollaston, it soon transformed into Merry Mount under the anti-Puritan Thomas Morton. In 1792, the town was incorporated and renamed Quincy in honor of Colonel John Quincy, a distinguished local.
Reasons to Live in Quincy, MA
The city offers a unique blend of historical charm, thriving economy, and exceptional quality of life, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to put down roots. Here are six compelling reasons to consider moving to Quincy:
Enjoy a High Quality of Life
Boasting a cozy median family income of more than $80,000 and a population surpassing 100,000, the city offers an attractive way of life. Its varied residential areas are characterized by historic communities and remarkable home values.
Immerse Yourself in History
Renowned as the “City of Presidents”, this city is where U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams were born, along with John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, it has been home to distinguished personalities in the arts and entertainment world, such as John Cheever, Ruth Gordon, and the Dropkick Murphys.
Thrive in a Diverse Economy
Transitioning from agriculture to sectors like construction, education, health care, retail, and technology, the city’s economy is thriving. It is also a member of the Life Sciences Corridor, a collaborative economic development effort alongside Boston, Braintree, Cambridge, and Somerville.
Benefit from Excellent Education
Public Schools enjoy high esteem, accommodating more than 9,400 students and maintaining a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Approximately 90% of inhabitants aged 25 and above possess a minimum of a high school diploma. Eastern Nazarene College and Quincy College provide exceptional higher education possibilities.
Experience a Vibrant Nightlife
The social atmosphere is vibrant, featuring numerous bars, pubs, and weekend gathering places. A few of the many well-liked spots include The Pour Yard, Kilroy Square, Waterclub Marina Bay, Pearl Lime, Tony’s Clam Shop, Fuji at WoC, and ALBA Restaurant.
Enjoy Easy Transportation
The city’s extensive transportation network includes Interstate 93, U.S. Route 1, and several state routes. Boston’s Logan International Airport is just 10 miles away, and the city has four subway rail stations (“T” stops) and commuter rail service.
Things to Know About Living in Quincy
Living Costs
While Quincy may not be as costly as neighboring Boston or other major metropolitan areas, it does come with a higher price tag than the national average:
- Healthcare in the city is 35% more expensive than in other parts of the country and 15% higher than the Massachusetts average.
- Utilities and goods & services follow a similar trend.
- Housing is the primary cost of living, with a median home price of $366,500, compared to the national median of $184,700.
- Rent is also above the national average, with a median rent of $1,305 per month.
- The average property taxes in the city exceed $3,000 per year, with less than 10% of the population paying under $2,000 annually.
However, the high incomes help offset the cost of living, with families having a median household income of $64,890, and 44% of residents earning over $75,000 per year.
Best Neighborhoods
As the 8th largest city in Massachusetts, Quincy presents a variety of neighborhoods to suit your preferences. From North Quincy to Squantum to Merrymount, these neighborhoods offer waterfront views, fantastic dining, and abundant affordable housing. Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods:
- North Quincy: This large neighborhood, including subdivisions like the Atlantic, Norfolk Downs, and part of Wollaston Beach, is known for its significant Asian-American population and bustling business district at the junction of Billings Street and Route 3A.
- Squantum: Situated on a barrier island and connected to the mainland by causeways, Squantum boasts stunning waterfront views and a close-knit community. Most Squantum residents own their homes, making it one of Quincy’s priciest neighborhoods.
- Quincy Point: This diverse neighborhood, originally a refuge for Italian and Lebanese immigrants, is close to downtown and offers easy access to the shoreline and business sectors.
- Hough’s Neck: Known as “The Neck” by locals, this peninsula features a gorgeous coastline, four community beaches, and a tight-knit, small-town atmosphere.
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Employment Prospects
The most common occupations are in management, business & finance, and sales. Quincy also promotes itself as an ideal location for BioPharma companies, boasting a Platinum rating from MassBio, which signifies its attractiveness to biotech firms. Top employers in the city include Stop & Shop Supermarket, Granite Telecommunications, and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
Education Opportunities
The city’s public school system consists of 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, and two high schools – Quincy High School and North Quincy High School. The city’s schools receive strong community support, offering small class sizes and challenging curricula, including Advanced Placement classes for high school students.
North Quincy High School also provides an Air Force Junior ROTC program. Additionally, families can choose from a variety of private schools, such as The Woodward School, Quincy Catholic Academy, and Noble Academy.
Climate
If you appreciate the changing seasons, Quincy, MA, is the perfect choice for you! Like most of New England, Quincy experiences all four seasons, with warm summers, colorful autumns, and chilly winters. Average temperatures range from mid-80s in July to lows in the 20s in January. Residents must also prepare for significant snowfall between November and April, with an average of 49 inches, nearly double the national average of 26 inches per year.
Conclusion
Quincy, MA, is a nice place to live and stands out as a city with an unparalleled historical legacy, a thriving economy, and vibrant community life. From excellent educational opportunities to various neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles, Quincy offers an attractive blend of urban living and coastal charm.
Its rich cultural scene and numerous recreational options make it an ideal destination for individuals and families alike, looking for a unique and engaging place to call home. Embrace the city’s heritage, enjoy its contemporary offerings, and become part of Quincy’s ongoing story.
