South Shore (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
South Shore
Irish Riviera
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The South Shore region of Massachusetts
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Cities and towns | Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Plymouth, Quincy, Rockland, Scituate and Weymouth, sometimes adding inland towns |
| Area | |
| • Total | 632.9 sq mi (1,639 km2) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 541,364 |
| • Density | 855.37/sq mi (330.260/km2) |
| Largest city (population) | Quincy (101,636) |
| Largest city (land) | Plymouth (134 square miles) |
The South Shore of Massachusetts is a cool area located just south and east of Boston. It stretches along the beautiful shores of Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay, heading towards Cape Cod.
This region includes many different towns and cities, mostly in eastern Norfolk and Plymouth counties. It's known for being a well-off area. For example, in 2020, the average income was about $104,691, and the average home value was around $574,831.
The South Shore has a mix of places: some are busy suburban towns, some are mid-sized cities with industries, and others are quiet rural towns. It's also famous for having a large number of people with Irish heritage. In fact, six of the ten towns in the United States with the most Irish residents are on the South Shore! Because of this, people sometimes call it the Irish Riviera.
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South Shore Geography
The exact borders of the South Shore can be a bit tricky to define, as different groups have slightly different ideas. But generally, it's the coastal area south of Boston.
Coastal Towns of the South Shore
By its simplest definition, the South Shore includes towns and cities between Boston and Cape Cod that are right on the Atlantic Ocean. These towns are:
Official Definitions of the South Shore
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management has its own definition. They include coastal and watershed areas from Boston Harbor to Cape Cod. This definition leaves out Braintree, Quincy, and Weymouth, but adds three other towns:
The South Shore Coalition, a group that helps local governments work together, includes a wider range of towns, both coastal and inland. Their list includes:
- Braintree
- Cohasset
- Duxbury
- Hanover
- Hingham
- Holbrook
- Hull
- Marshfield
- Norwell
- Pembroke
- Rockland
- Scituate
- Weymouth
The South Shore Chamber of Commerce includes even more towns, stretching further inland. This shows how flexible the definition of the South Shore can be!
Education in the South Shore
The South Shore is home to several colleges and universities where students can continue their education after high school.
Colleges and Universities
- Curry College: This is a private four-year college with its main campus in Milton. It also has a smaller campus in Plymouth.
- Bridgewater State University: This is a large public four-year university located in Bridgewater. It's one of the biggest public universities in Massachusetts outside of the University of Massachusetts system.
- Eastern Nazarene College: This is a private college in Quincy that focuses on liberal arts and sciences.
- Massasoit Community College: This is a public two-year college with campuses in Brockton and Canton.
- Quincy College: This is a two-year community college in Quincy, run by the city.
Fun Places to Visit
The South Shore has many interesting places to explore, from historic sites to beautiful nature areas.
- Captain Benjamin James House and Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum: This is a historic house and museum in Scituate, Massachusetts. You can learn about the area's history and how people used to harvest Irish moss from the ocean.
- Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary: Owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, this peaceful wildlife sanctuary is located in Marshfield, Massachusetts. It's a great spot for nature lovers.
- Fort Revere Park: This 8-acre historic site is on a small peninsula in Hull, Massachusetts. It's a cool place to learn about history and enjoy views of the water.
- Lawson Tower: Found in Scituate Center, Massachusetts, this historic tower looks like a turret from a European castle. It's a unique landmark!
- North River Wildlife Sanctuary: Another beautiful wildlife sanctuary owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, also located in Marshfield, Massachusetts.
- Old Scituate Light: This historic lighthouse stands on Cedar Point in Scituate, Massachusetts. Lighthouses are always fascinating to see!
- Worlds End: This park and conservation area in Hingham, Massachusetts, offers stunning views and walking trails.
