Plymouth, MA, is a coastal town in the greater Boston area and is in Plymouth County. The town was founded in 1620, making it the oldest municipality in New England; it was the colony site for the Mayflower Pilgrims and is called “America’s Hometown”; it gained this nickname as it’s where the Mayflower Pilgrims had the first-ever Thanksgiving feast. Plymouth is known for its rich history of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
While the town initially was one of the main US rope-making, fishing, and shipping industries in the early 1900s, the city’s economy is now fueled by its tourists. The town’s timeless architecture, ocean views, and proximity to Boston are attractive attributes, making Plymouth a nice place to live. There is also a beautiful downtown area paved with brick, with many shopping and dining options.
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Where Is Plymouth, MA?
Plymouth is in Plymouth County, and the town is located 40 miles outside of Boston. Plymouth is the oldest municipality in New England and the Largest in Massachusetts (by area), as it accounts for the entire western shore of Cape Cod Bay. It’s considered a Port City as it sits along the south coast of Devon. Plymouth County is part of the Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Plymouth is bordered by Bourne, Wareham, Carver, and Kingston. While it is located near Cape Cod, it is not a part of it. Proximity to different cities can be a deal breaker; luckily, it’s close to many. It’s 40 miles from Plymouth to Boston, MA.
Massachusetts is known for having great public transportation; Plymouth is no different. Whether you need land, sea, or air transportation, Plymouth Public Transportation has you covered. Each service runs off a different schedule and route; check their website for times, costs, and routes.
Plymouth, MA Population and Demographics
Plymouth has a population of 61,217. The town is 32.7 square miles with a population density of 2,440.5. The town has seen a population increase of 7.4% from 2010 to 2020.
Notable People from Plymouth:
- Gary DiSarcina
- David Chokachi
- Chris Raab
The median age is 40.7 years old, and you’ll find the town is 47% male and 52% female. The median household income is $106,962, compared to the state’s median income of $89,645.
Racial Demographics of Plymouth, MA:
- 72% White
- 11% Asian
- 9% Black
- 4% two or more
- 3% Hispanic
- 2% other
The foreign-born population is 13.7%, 15% European, 58% Asian, and 12% Latin American.
98% of the citizens have a high school diploma, and 63.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
According to the FBI, Plymouth’s crime rate is 40.2% lower than the US and has an overall crime rate of 1,402 crimes per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate is 6.2% lower than in the state of Massachusetts and 25.7% lower than the national average. The property crime rate is 1,114 per 100,00 people, which is 5.8% higher than state, and 41.3% lower than the national average.
The safe streets and low crime rates are thanks to Plymouth’s police department and its 144 dedicated police officers. Plymouth, MA, is a safe place to live and a good town to retire or raise a family!
Cost of Living in Plymouth, MA
Comparing Plymouth’s Cost Of Living Index (COLI) to another nearby city like Boston, you’ll see Plymouth is a more affordable place to live in Massachusetts. Boston’s COLI is 153.2, which is higher than the state’s COLI of 127.5. The national average in the US is 100; anything above 100 is considered a more expensive place to live. When comparing Plymouth to Boston, Plymouth is a more affordable place to live.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four needs to earn $76,184 a year to afford to live in Plymouth.
Typical Plymouth, MA Living Expenses:
- Restaurant Meal: $20.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.10
- 1 loaf of white bread: $3.44
- 1 dozen eggs: $3.69
- Average Plymouth utilities per month: $491
Source: Numbeo
Plymouth’s monthly average rent is $2,666 for a 967-square-foot apartment, and the median home price is $555,000 or $300 price per square foot. While above the national average, the Plymouth MA homes for sale are undoubtedly beautiful and are a part of tight-knit, safe communities. Despite its various attractive attributes, Plymouth is more affordable than Boston!
Plymouth Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Plymouth
Are you considering moving to Plymouth? We’ve created a list of some of the best Plymouth Neighborhoods.
Jabez Corner – Waterfront Plymouth, MA Neighborhood
Jabez Corner is a coastal neighborhood known for its waterfront views and ocean-side cottages. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the town and is centrally located south of Plymouth’s center and north of Chiltonville.
Micajah Heights – Affordable Plymouth, MA Neighborhood
Micajah Heights is no stranger to beautiful homes and proximity to notable dining options and convenient shopping. It’s also an affordable Plymouth neighborhood. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Plymouth for families. The home prices vary from upper $300,000 upwards to $1,000,000. The majority of the homes are affordable and reasonably priced.
Pondville – Affluent Plymouth, MA Neighborhood
Pondville is a posh area to live in Plymouth, and the home prices vary from $425,000 to $1.89 million. Residents enjoy the quiet, safe streets and the neighborhood’s proximity to many amenities. Pondville is in a great school district, which makes this affluent neighborhood also a family-friendly Plymouth neighborhood.
Plymouth Weather and Climate
There are many questions to ask before moving to a new city, and they often concern the weather (rightfully so). The average temperature in Plymouth during the summer is 72 degrees Fahrenheit with an average high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 63 degrees. The winters are often cold and windy, but the summers are sunny and pleasant.
It does snow in Plymouth; expect an average of 1 inch of snowfall during the winter, with February being the snowiest month, with an average of 6.4 inches, and the rainiest month is November, with an average of 4 inches. The annual rainfall in Plymouth, MA 51 inches, and the annual snowfall is 11 inches.
The best time to visit Plymouth is from mid-June to mid-September, so you can enjoy all the warm-weather activities. However, there are still plenty of winter activities to partake in.
Things To Do in Plymouth
Not sure what to do in Plymouth, MA? There are various shopping centers (like Village Landing Marketplace or Colony Place), as well as a variety of other attractions or things to do.
Plymouth Rock
Looking for free things to do in Plymouth, MA? Plymouth Rock is where the Mayflower Pilgrims first landed in 1620. This historical monument is open 24/7 and is free of cost, making it an affordable Plymouth activity.
Plymouth Rock, 79 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, (508) 747-5360
Brewster Gardens
There is much to see in Plymouth, MA. Take a break from the bustling, tourist-filled streets and unplug at Brewsters Garden. This tranquil escape is considered a must-see attraction when visiting Plymouth.
Brewster Gardens 30 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 747-1620
Plymouth Beach
One of the best beaches in Plymouth, MA, is Plymouth Long Beach. Whether looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset or a place for your kids to let out their energy, the beach is the way to go. You can swim, fish, picnic, or stroll along the 3-mile stretch of water.
Plymouth Beach, Plymouth, MA 02360
Additional Attractions in Plymouth:
In addition to the many family-friendly activities in Plymouth, they also have a great Parks and Recreation Department. Don’t miss any events in your new city; keep an eye on their special events calendar.
Plymouth, Ma Restaurants
Plymouth, MA, has tons of restaurants with beautiful waterfront views. Plymouth is known for its English cuisine, such as fish and chips. However, Plymouth has tons of variety, from traditional English dishes to smoked BBQ, lobster rolls, and local beef.
Surfside Smokehouse
One of Plymouth’s downtown restaurants, Surfside Smokehouse, is known for its mix of freshly caught seafood and smoked BBQ.
Surfside Smokehouse, 14 Union St, Plymouth, MA 02360, (508) 927-4111
Speedwell Tavern
If you’re looking for traditional American food like burgers and wraps in a laid-back environment, Speedwell Tavern is one of the best Plymouth restaurants. Enjoy outdoor seating or an adult beverage at their bar area.
Speedwell Tavern 47 Main St, Plymouth, MA 02360, (508) 927-4724
Tavern on the Wharf
If you’re looking for a spot for late-night dining and drinks, Tavern on the Wharf is the spot for you. Leave the kiddos with the nanny and enjoy a night on the town!
Tavern on the Wharf 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA 02360, (508) 927-4961
Jobs in Plymouth, MA
The main industries in Plymouth, MA, are healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodations and food services. The largest companies are Excel Modular Scaffolding, Bartlett Nuclear, The Jordan Health Systems inc, and PartyLite Gifts.
According to PayScale, the average hourly pay in Plymouth, MA, is $21.58 per hour, with an average salary of $73,000 a year. While the cost of living in Plymouth is up 36%, wages have also increased by 4.4% year over year and 26.8% since 2016.
If you’re searching for a new career, you’ll find jobs in Plymouth, MA, and the City of Plymouth Jobs.
Plymouth, MA Schools
The town of Plymouth, MA, has many great schools for its young residents. It’s a part of the Plymouth Public Schools school district, but Plymouth is rated the #1 for schools in Plymouth County. West Elementary School and Manomet Elementary School are both rated above-average elementary schools. Plymouth, MA, also has two great community colleges nearby (Quincy College At Plymouth and Cape Cod Community College).
If you’re looking for a quiet place to study or some information you couldn’t find on Google, swing by Plymouth Public Library.
Plymouth, MA Statistics & Information
County: Plymouth County
Plymouth Area: 134 mi²
Plymouth Zip Codes: 02330, 02332, 02345, 02360, 02361, 02362, 02381, 02532, 02571
Plymouth Area Codes: 508
Plymouth Elevation: 187′
Plymouth Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
The closest airport to Plymouth:
Plymouth (PYM) Airport is 1 mile from the heart of Plymouth
City of Plymouth, MA Map
Explore other activities and things to do with this map of Plymouth!
If living in Plymouth sounds like your next journey, you’ll need the best Plymouth Movers to help you relocate. Contact Mass Bay Movers at 978-587-3775 for your moving needs, including a free, custom quote!
