The Ultimate Guide to Living in Quincy, MA

Everything you need to know about the City of Presidents and its vibrant neighborhoods.

If you're searching for Quincy MA real estate, wondering what it's like to live just outside Boston, or exploring the best South Shore communities, Quincy deserves your attention. This historic coastal city blends New England charm with modern energy, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Greater Boston. The VIP Group specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Quincy and South Shore housing market with expert guidance and hyper-local insight. This historic coastal city blends New England charm with modern energy, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Greater Boston.


Welcome to Quincy: Boston’s Historic Neighbor with a Modern Vibe

Located just six miles south of Boston, Quincy offers a unique lifestyle that balances history, accessibility, and community. Known as the “City of Presidents,” Quincy is the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and its rich past is preserved in landmarks, museums, and historic districts throughout the city.

But Quincy isn’t stuck in the past. Over the last decade, the city has undergone a major transformation. A revitalized downtown, new luxury condos and apartments, a booming restaurant scene, and 27 miles of coastline are attracting young professionals, families, and downsizers alike.

Whether you’re commuting to Boston, raising a family, or dreaming of waterfront living, Quincy offers flexibility and lifestyle options that are hard to match. 


The Quincy Vibe: A City of Contrasts

One of the biggest draws of living in Quincy, MA is the variety. The city seamlessly blends coastal calm with urban energy.

The Coastline

Quincy boasts one of the longest coastlines in Massachusetts. Wollaston Beach, a three-mile stretch along Quincy Shore Drive, is a local favorite for walking, biking, and running, with stunning views of the Boston skyline. From lively beach areas to quiet coves and a world-class marina at Marina Bay, the waterfront lifestyle is a major reason buyers choose Quincy.

Community Life

Quincy is a true city of neighborhoods, each with its own identity and loyal residents. Community pride runs deep, supported by:

• Adams National Historical Park
• Dozens of neighborhood parks and playgrounds
• Active youth sports leagues
• A year-round farmers market
• Seasonal festivals and neighborhood events

The Quincy YMCA brand-new, state-of-the-art gymnastics center, swimming lessons, youth sports, summer camps, childcare, and family fitness programs. For many families, the YMCA is the heart of the community.


Arts, Culture & Downtown Quincy

Downtown Quincy has experienced a major resurgence and is now one of the most vibrant areas on the South Shore. The downtown scene is active seven nights a week and continues to attract residents looking for restaurants, local theater, music venues, cultural events, nightlife, and convenience without Boston pricing.


Getting Around: Quincy’s Easy Commute to Boston

One of Quincy’s biggest advantages is accessibility. Residents enjoy multiple commuting options into Boston and beyond. Quincy offers direct access to I-93 and Route 3, making it easy to reach Boston (6 miles), the South Shore, and Cape Cod.

Public Transportation

MBTA Red Line Stations in Quincy:

• North Quincy
• Wollaston
• Quincy Center
• Quincy Adams

Commute time from Quincy Center to Downtown Crossing is approximately 25 minutes.

The Commuter Rail also stops at Quincy Center, providing an additional option for downtown Boston access.

Ferry Service

For a scenic alternative, a seasonal ferry runs from the Quincy Shipyard Terminal to Boston during spring through fall—an underrated perk for waterfront residents.

Education in Quincy, MA - Quincy Public Schools

Quincy is home to a well established public school system serving over 9,000 students, including:

• 2 High Schools
• 5 Middle Schools
• 11 Elementary Schools

North Quincy High School is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Massachusetts.


A Food Lover’s Guide to Quincy

Quincy’s food scene is one of the best-kept secrets in Greater Boston.

The city is famous for:

• Classic New England clam shacks
• Legendary South Shore bar pizza

But recent years have brought a wave of new dining options. Quincy Center features upscale Italian, modern American, and craft cocktail spots, while North Quincy has become a destination for exceptional Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean restaurants.

Local favorites include:

• Donut King
• Dairy Freeze (home of the iconic “razzle”)

Fun fact: Quincy is also the original home of Howard Johnson’s and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Whether you’re looking for brunch, waterfront seafood, or date night dining, Quincy delivers.

Quincy Neighborhoods & Real Estate

With more than a dozen distinct neighborhoods, Quincy offers a wide range of housing styles and price points—from historic homes and triple-deckers to new construction condos and luxury waterfront properties.

Popular neighborhoods include:

• Wollaston
• Marina Bay
• Merrymount
• Houghs Neck
• Quincy Center

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading for more space, or downsizing near the water, Quincy has options to match nearly every lifestyle.

Is Quincy, MA a Good Place to Live?

For many buyers, the answer is yes. Quincy combines:

• Proximity to Boston
• Coastal living
• Strong schools
• Diverse dining
• A true sense of community

It’s no surprise that Quincy continues to rank among the most desirable cities on the South Shore.

Thinking About Moving to Quincy?

If you’re exploring homes for sale in Quincy, MA or want expert guidance on neighborhoods, schools, and market trends, working with a local real estate expert makes all the difference.

Find your place in Quincy—and discover why so many people are proud to call this city home.