Quincy, Massachusetts is a city just south of Boston, offering a quieter alternative to big-city life for both families and young professionals. Characterized by its ample coastline, Quincy has a rich history that started long before the Revolution, and the city continues to grow and thrive today. If you’re considering moving to Quincy, this comprehensive guide will help make your decision easier, with information on everything Quincy, from housing to jobs, to where to live!
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Fun Facts About Quincy, MA
Quincy, MA was founded in 1625 by pilgrims arriving in Massachusetts. Originally a part of Dorchester and then Boston, Quincy became a city in its own right in 1888. Want to learn more about Quincy? Here’s two more things you might not know about Norfolk County’s largest city:
Quincy’s Nickname
Quincy’s nickname is “The City of Presidents.” It is, in fact, the birthplace of 2 different American presidents, John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. If you visit Quincy, you can see the estate where these American forefathers lived! Quincy was also the hometown of John Hancock, the famous first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
A History of Coffee
Two international coffee chains got their start in Quincy, MA. In 1929, Howard Deering Johnson opened the very first Howard Johnson’s in Quincy Square. Nineteen years later, William Rosenberg opened a small shop called the Open Kettle. Rosenberg renamed the coffee shop in 1950, dubbing it Dunkin’ Donuts.
Quincy Demographics
How many people live in Quincy, MA? Quincy is home to more than 93,000 people. The median age in Quincy is 35.3, making it a relatively young city. The largest age bracket is millennials, people who are between 25 and 34 years old. Most of the people living in Quincy are white, although 28% of the Quincy population is of Asian descent. Black and Hispanic residents make up very little of the population, at 5.1% and 3.2%, respectively.
Quincy is a very well-educated city; almost 90% of Quincy’s residents have attained a high school degree, and 43% have gone on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. About 65% of the people living in Quincy are religious, and most of those folks identify as Catholic. The next largest religious following in Quincy is Episcopalianism and other protestant sects. There are very few Jewish, Muslim or Hindu followers living in Quincy.
Quincy is pretty evenly split between married couples and single residents. About 39% of the Quincy population is made up of families with kids under 18. A slight majority of the Quincy population owns their homes, but 46% of people in Quincy choose to rent instead. Quincy’s age, lifestyle and occupation diversity makes it a great place to meet new people!
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Quincy?
Quincy isn’t as expensive as nearby Boston or other major metropolitan areas, but does cost more than the American average. Healthcare in Quincy is 35% more costly than in other areas of the country, and 15% more expensive than the average for Massachusetts. Utilities and goods & services are similarly expensive.
As with most cities, the main cost of living in Quincy comes from the housing market. The median home price in Quincy is $366,500, compared to the national median of just $184,700. Rent in Quincy is also higher than the national average, with a median rent of $1,305 per month. The average property taxes in Quincy are more than $3,000 per year, with less than 10% of the Quincy population spending less than $2,000 per year on property taxes. However, high incomes in Quincy helps balance out the cost of living. Families in Quincy have a median household income of $64,890, and 44% of people living in Quincy make more than $75,000 per year.
Quincy Jobs
Wondering about employment opportunities in Quincy, MA? The most popular occupations in Quincy are in management, business & finance and sales. Quincy also markets itself as a prime location for BioPharma companies, and sports a Platinum rating from MassBio, which means that Quincy has features that are attractive to biotech companies! Top employers in Quincy include Stop & Shop Supermarket, Granite Telecommunications, and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
Schools in Quincy
The Quincy public school system includes 11 elementary schools, five middle schools and two high schools, Quincy High School and North Quincy High School. Schools in Quincy have ample support from the community, and offer small class sizes and rigorous studies, including Advanced Placement classes for high school students. North Quincy High School also offers an Air Force Junior ROTC program to its students. Families living in Quincy can also choose from variety of private schools in Quincy, including The Woodward School, Quincy Catholic Academy and Noble Academy.
Best Places to Live in Quincy
As the 8th largest city in Massachusetts, Quincy offers a variety of neighborhoods for you to choose from! From North Quincy to Squantum to Merrymount, neighborhoods in Quincy feature waterfront views, great dining and tons of affordable housing. Here are a few of our favorite places to live in Quincy:
- North Quincy: North Quincy is one of the largest neighborhoods in Quincy, containing the subdivisions of Atlantic, Norfolk Downs, and some of Wollaston Beach. This area is known for its large Asian-American population, and is home to Quincy’s top business district at the intersection of Billings Street and Route 3A.
- Squantum: Located on a barrier island, and connected to the mainland by causeways, Squantum offers homes with amazing waterfront views and has a close-knit community feel. Most of the people living in Squantum own their homes, and this is one of the most expensive Quincy neighborhoods to live in.
- Quincy Point: Quincy Point is a diverse Quincy neighborhood, with origins as a safe haven for Italian and Lebanese immigrants. Close to the downtown district, Quincy Point offers easy access to both the shoreline and business sectors in Quincy.
Hough’s Neck: Referred to as “The Neck” by Quincy natives, this peninsula off the Massachusetts shore features beautiful coastline and four community beaches. The residents here love the small-town, community feel, and the proximity to fresh-caught lobster.
What’s the Weather Like in Quincy?
If you love the changing of the seasons, moving to Quincy, MA might just be the perfect choice for you! Like most of New England, Quincy enjoys a full four seasons, with warm, sunny summers, foliage-filled falls and chilly winters. The average temperature in Quincy can vary from the mid-80’s in July, to lows in the 20’s in January. People living in Quincy also have to deal with a fair amount of snowfall from November to April. The average snowfall in Quincy is 49 inches, which is almost double the American average of 26 inches per year.
Things to do in Quincy
Quincy is a vibrant city that offers tons of dining, shopping and entertainment options for residents and visitors. When the weather is sunny, one of the most fun things to do in Quincy with kids is visit the beach! Quincy features 27 miles of coastline and numerous public beaches that are perfect for enjoying a summer day. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy sailing a rental, or harbor their own sea vessel and partake in social events, boating classes and races throughout the year! If you love outdoor activities, you can also enjoy exploring Blue Hill Adventure and Quarry Museum.
History buffs will always have plenty to do in Quincy, MA. At Adams Historical Park, you can learn all about Quincy’s famed presidential residents, and see where they lived. The USS Salem U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum offers another perspective on Quincy’s history, with exhibits on the city’s long history of shipbuilding. Other historic sites include the Hancock Cemetery, the United First Parish Church and the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Moving to Quincy
After learning about Quincy, we hope you’ll consider making this wonderful city your new hometown. Quincy has something to offer everyone, with stunning views, a welcoming community and tons of work opportunities. If you have more questions about living in Quincy, what it’s like to move to New England, or need help with your Quincy move, call our Quincy movers anytime! One of our friendly staff members will be happy to help.
