Is Holbrook a good place to live? Holbrook, MA, is famous for its historic district, the beautiful Towne Forest, and its tight-knit community. It’s the kind of town where your neighbors are your best friends. If you’re looking for a lovely Massacheuts town, living in Holbrook MA is for you!
Holbrook History
The town of Holbrook was first settled by British colonists in 1710 and was initially part of Old Braintree, and was officially incorporated on February 29, 1872. Although it has deep roots in farming and small-scale shoe production, Holbrook later developed into a mostly residential community. Most notably, it once housed the Baird and McGuire plant, one of the nation’s worst Superfund sites, which underwent extensive EPA cleanup in the 1980s and ’90s. The town was named after Elisha N. Holbrook, a benefactor who funded the town hall and library.
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Where Is Holbrook?
Holbrook, MA, is located in southeast Norfolk County within the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area (Greater Boston.) Holbrook is also considered a South Shore Massachusetts community, alongside Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanover, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Rockland, Scituate, and Weymouth. Rockland, Brockton, Abington, and Canton are its surrounding towns.
The Middleborough/Lakeville Line, provided by the Mass Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), takes about 31 minutes to get to South Station, Boston, from Holbrook. The MBTA red line in Braintree and Quincy adds to your robust route options.
Driving from Holbrook, MA, to Boston, MA, is 17.9 miles, or about 46 minutes; the South of Boston is 15.6 miles from Holbrook.
Is Holbrook a good place to live if you need to use public transportation? MBTA provides various forms of public transportation to people living in Holbrook MA, including subway, bus, ferry, and paratransit. Explore their routes and schedules to understand better which routes will serve you best.
Population Holbrook & Demographics
The population of Holbrook is 11,405, which has increased by 614 residents since 2010. This small town is the 12th-least populated community in its County.
According to its age demographics, this town is a family favorite—45% of people living in Holbrook, MA, are under 39, and of the 4,615 households, 52% are occupied by married couples. Additionally, the average household size is 2.4 persons. 79% of residents own their homes, whereas 21% rent. Following its population increase trend, 3.2% of occupants have relocated here in the past year.
What Is the Ethnicity of Holbrook Massachusetts?
Is Holbrook a good place to live if diversity is important to you? Holbrook does not have the most diverse racial and ethnic makeup. Its population is 75.2% White (73% White non-Hispanic or Latino), 10.8% two or more races, 9.9% Black or African American, and 3.3% American Indian and Alaska Native.
Additional Holbrook Demographics
Is Holbrook, MA diverse? Here’s a deeper look at its demographics.
- Notable people: Elihu Adams, Andrew Card, George Mason Lovering
- Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males
- Median age 43 years old
- Median household income: $96,920 (US $75,149)
- Poverty rate: 7.4% (US 11.1%)
- Educational attainment: 92.4% have high school diplomas, and 31.5% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 13.3%
- Veteran Status: 5.9%
Is Holbrook MA Safe? – Is Holbrook a Good Place to Live When Considering Its Crime Rate?
What is the Holbrook crime rate? According to the FBI, Holbrook is 34.4% safer than the national average crime rate.
At 1,524 incidents per 100,000 people, Holbrook’s overall crime rate is slightly higher than Massachusetts’ 1,392 but well below the national rate of 2,324. Regarding violent crime, Holbrook’s 344 per 100,000 people rate aligns closely with the state’s 322, both lower than the U.S. average of 370. Similarly, Holbrook’s property crime rate of 1,181 per 100,000 is just above Massachusetts’ 1,070 but significantly under the national figure of 1,954. Holbrook maintains a safe community feel while reflecting the low-crime characteristics of Massachusetts overall.
Considering Massachusetts is ranked among the safest US cities, it’s not surprising that Holbrook’s crime rate is slightly above the state average but far below the national average. Sharon, a city 10.8 miles south, is ranked among Massachusetts’s ten safest towns.
With a crime rate 34.4% lower than the average US city, Holbrook is a very safe place to live. The 26 dedicated officers of the Holbrook Police Department protect this lovely suburb.
Cost of Living in Holbrook
Is Holbrook a good place to live if you’re not a millionaire? The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Holbrook, Massachusetts, is 123, making it 23% more expensive than in the average US city. However, when you compare this figure to the cost of living in Boston (146 COLI), you’ll see that this town is an affordable Boston suburb.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Boston/Cambridge/Quincy metro area must earn a household income of $152,698 to live comfortably.
Typical Holbrook* living expenses:
- Gallon of milk: $4.91
- Dozen eggs: $4.55
- Loaf of white bread: $3.92
- Pound of white rice: $2.65
- Local transport one-way ticket: $2.50
- Fitness club (monthly): $86.18
- Preschool or kindergarten for one child (monthly): $2,428.57
Source: Numbeo
*Please note that the above figures are for Boston, which is 23% more expensive than Holbrook. Prices may differ when living in Holbrook MA.
Homes for Sale in Holbrook MA
Is Holbrook a good place to live and buy a house? According to RedFin’s housing market analysis, the Holbrook real estate market is very competitive. Each house for sale receives an average of two offers and sells within 18 days of its listing date. Holbrook’s median sale price is $490,000, which is above the US median of $412,300. The average price per square foot here is $351.
If you find a house for sale in Holbrook, MA, that you adore at a reasonable price, we suggest acting fast—and being prepared with a counteroffer: 75% of homes sell above the listing price.
Holbrook is a desired place to live in, with a housing market 37% more expensive than the US average, but what about renting? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Holbrook is $2,282 per month for a 902-square-foot rental.
Holbrook Neighborhoods
Holbrook is home to safe streets and an abundance of beloved neighborhoods.
Lake Holbrook – Commuter Friendly
Live around Lake Holbrook; your children will love the picturesque views and fishing opportunities. This neighborhood is located near the center of the CDP and is conveniently only 1.6 miles from the train station.
Pine Street – For the Nature Enthusiast
Is Holbrook a good place to live for nature lovers? This lovely suburb is far from the hustle, bustle, and traffic—you’ll feel refreshed when living in Holbrook MA.
Would you like your new home to be within walking distance of a breathtaking park? The neighborhoods off of Pine Street are just steps from the Holbrook Town forest. Choose this area of Holbrook to gain direct access to its lovely walking paths and hiking trails.
Holbrook MA Weather
Is Holbrook a good place to live despite its cold winters? The weather in Holbrook, MA, is enjoyable most of the year except for a few chilly months. Temperatures here vary drastically, ranging from an average low of 21 degrees to an average high of 84 degrees. The coldest month is January, with an average daily low of 22 degrees Fahrenheit; the hottest month is July, with a daily high of around 84 degrees.
Snow is prevalent here, with an average of 10 inches in January and the national average of 28 inches. The most rain falls in March (3.9 inches), but the community sees an annual average of 50 inches.
With a Koopen climate classification of Humid continental (Dfa)—warm summers and snowy, cold winters—the best time to visit Holbrook is from mid-June to mid-September. The rainy season is in the springs, snow doesn’t start until winter, and the temperatures are at their most enjoyable.
Things to Do in Holbrook
There are various things to do in Holbrook. You can shop at the nearby Tedeschi Plaza Shopping Center or Pleasant Shops or opt for an activity within the city limits. Considering Holbrook is a primarily residential community, you may have to travel a few miles to surrounding communities for things to do.
Holbrook Town Forest
Explore the 115 acres of the magical Holbrook Town forest. With three miles of well-manicured, easily maneuverable trails, this is a great activity for the whole family. If you’re here because you’ve searched “Holbrook things to do,” take a look at a few of your options.
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Cost: Free
- Parking: 255 Pine Street and the end of Forest Road
- Pet-friendly: Yes
Holbrook Town Forest, Holbrook, MA 02343, (781) 767-4313
Ames Nowell State Park – 5.1 Miles Southeast
Living in Holbrook MA is for those who adore the finer things in life—like getting outside and enjoying nature. Ames Nowell State Park is home to miles of walking trails, top-tier fishing, horseback riding area, boating opportunities, picnic areas, and more! All of these amenities make this one of the top things to do in Holbrook, MA.
Linwood St, Abington, MA 02351, (781) 857-1336
Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph – 3.8 Miles Northwest
There is nothing better than watching a brand new film with your friends or family—and Showcase Cinema in Randolph is the perfect place to do so. This ideal activity is for date nights, family outings, or solo reset nights.
73 Mazzeo Dr, Randolph, MA 02368, (800) 315-4000
Additional Holbrook Attractions
Is Holbrook a good place to live if you enjoy community gatherings and events? Yes, the Holbrook Parks and Rec Department maintains the parks and hosts most of the events. Explore more things to do in Holbrook with their special events calendar.
Holbrook Restaurants | Restaurants Near Holbrook
Is Holbrook a good place to live and eat out? This town has ample dining options for your enjoyment. Explore the top restaurants in Holbrook, MA, below.
The Brook Kitchen & Tap
According to its 500+ reviews, The Brook Kitchen & Tap has some of the best food in Holbrook. Customers find its service friendly and prompt, and its fish and chips are some of the best near Cape Cod.
200 S Franklin St, Holbrook, MA 02343, (781) 767-2528
R & S Jamaican Restaurant
Thanks to its unique flare and mouthwatering menu options, R&S is considered one of the top Holbrook restaurants. It boasts nearly 300 reviews and a 4.7-star rating. The most mentioned items are jerk mac and cheese, bread pudding, and fried plantains.
235 Plymouth St, Holbrook, MA 02343, (781) 922-9702
The Connection Cafe
Delicious restaurants in Holbrook are plentiful, but few come close to The Connection Cafe. This spot is ideal for grabbing a tasty brunch with your loved ones. Its customers love the atmosphere, and reviewers rave about its French toast.
40 Union St, Holbrook, MA 02343, (781) 885-7820
Jobs in Holbrook
Is Holbrook a good place to live for business professionals? The town of Holbrook employs 2,600 of its 11,405 residents, meaning most people living in Holbrook MA commute to other areas in Greater Boston for work. The leading industries in Holbrook are health care, finance & insurance, and retail trade; the largest employers in the Greater Boston area are Mass General Brigham, University of Massachusetts, and TJX.
People living in Holbrook MA earn competitive salaries. The average hourly wage here is $23.09, and the average salary is $48,022.
If you’re seeking a career with competitive pay, regular hours, and a secure pension, look into the town of Holbrook jobs.
Holbrook Schools
Is Holbrook a good place to live as a student? This town boasts a great school system, as you’ll see below.
The Holbrook Public Schools District serves the town of Holbrook, MA. According to US News, the district has two schools and 1,286 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 14:1, and all its teachers are certified; 96.3% have three or more years of teaching experience. With five full-time counselors on staff, you can trust your kids always have someone to talk to!
According to US News, K-12 students living in Holbrook who are part of HPS are thriving—45% of elementary students test above proficient in reading, and 27% test above proficient in math. The district is projected to spend $15,706 per student annually on food, drinks, supplies, and other resources.
Per the districts’ report card, 86.4% of Holbrooks Public Schools district students participated in an arts course, and 56.8% completed one or more digital literacy courses. 75.9% of 9th graders in the 2023 school year passed all their courses, and 100% completed MassCore! Talk about a school district with flying colors.
If you’re considering attending college after moving to Holbrook, you have options. Massasoit Community College is in neighboring Brockton, and Stonehill College is 9.5 miles south. Additionally, Urban College of Boston is ideal for those seeking city living.
Additional Education Resources
Holbrook Library is abundant in resources and community support. All Holbrook residents/cardholders received museum passes, providing free access to 17 museums and zoos. The library has thousands of online databases to explore and books to take home. They even offer mobile hotspots to work off your computer or laptop.
Moving to Holbrook means gaining access to an involved community and ample resources.
Statistics & Information
- Holbrook County: Norfolk County
- Holbrook area: 7.4 square miles
- Holbrook zip code: 02343
Holbrook area code: 781 - Holbrook elevation: 212 feet
- Holbrook time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Holbrook: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is 20.4 miles from Holbrook
Holbrook Map
Explore more things to do with this map of Holbrook MA.
Consider Living in Holbrook MA
Is Hoolbrook a good place to live? This town is full of culture and tight-knit communities; its location is convenient but still away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking to be tucked away in a hidden gem that’s still accessible for your friends and family to visit, this suburb is the place to be. The traffic is minimal, making this quiet town beloved by so many.
If moving to Holbrook is in your future, let Mass Bay Movers provide skilled Holbrook movers to handle your transition. Contact us today at (978) 587-3775 for a free estimate.
