Massachusetts Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Weymouth, Massachusetts

Population: 54,063

Located in Norfolk County

Weymouth, founded in 1622, lies about 12 miles southeast of Boston, and has a population of about 54,000. It was the birthplace of Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams, and was the second oldest European settlement in Massachusetts.

Points of interest in Weymouth include Abigail Adams Birthplace, Great Esker Park, a park and nature center along the Back River, and the Herring Run. The latter played an important role in the city's history as the herring was both a prized and protected "member" of the area. The concrete run currently here was built in the 1940's by the Department of Marine Fisheries. In recent years, other changes have been made to alleviate flooding conditions. At present, the run begins at Whitman's Pond, and flows through and under the Iron Hill area, passing under Commercial Square. It flows past the town incinerator, into Back River and out to sea.

Weymouth is the second oldest town in the Commonwealth, behind Plymouth, and the site of the first town meeting. Established in 1622 and incorporated in 1635, the town was a fishing and agricultural community for almost two hundred years. Today, Weymouth is primarily a residential suburb of Quincy and Boston, a bedroom community south of Boston on well-sheltered Hingham Bay. Route 3, which runs through the heart of the town, provides direct connection to Boston and to Route 128 and as a result of the proximity to these highways, new areas for business and industry have developed. As a coastal community, Weymouth provides much in recreational activity. The town offers an extensive program in water safety and swimming instruction at Wessagusset Beach, and at Whitman's Pond; and boaters enjoy the waters of Quincy and Hingham Bays.