Our Region

From Quincy to Plymouth, the South Shore of Massachusetts is abundant with resources highly desired by residents, employers, and visitors.

Let's keep it that way for generations to come.

Why We Love the South Shore

Our region is made up of 25 towns and cities* that share a diverse a proud history, natural beauty, and diverse array of amenities. People and businesses choose us for:

Unique communities and strong quality of life
Access to public transit (rail, bus, and ferry to Boston)
High-performing schools and well run municipal governments
Historic and new-build commercial centers
Access to employment and recreation centers
Natural resources and open space, from beaches and harbors to rivers, ponds, and nature preserves

*Region defined as Abington, Braintree, Canon, Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Weymouth, and Whitman.

What are the South Shore's Challenges?

The world is changing, and we must adapt to those changes if we want the South Shore to continue to thrive. Here are the concerns:

The South Shore is aging faster than any other metro Boston region.

Our region's over-65 population is expected to double from 2010 to 2030, while the 25-64 age group will decline by 3%.

The South Shore's top industries are contracting and shedding jobs.

South Shore businesses are having trouble finding talent and workforce.

Baby boomers comprise 49% of our labor force. We have 1 million workers over age 40 (comprising 39% of the labor force) who will be retired by 2030. The existing population is insufficient to fill vacant positions.

The South Shore has a housing shortage.

Employers need workers and workers need places to live. Our region's suburban orientation and high housing cost hinder our ability to retain and attract skilled young professional talent.

We need to open up our water and sewer capacity.

How Can We Attract Workers to the South Shore?

To preserve the South Shore's high quality of life and long-term economic viability, it is imperative we attract new businesses and the younger workforces needed to staff those businesses. What will it take to achieve this?

Housing production. We must build more units and a variety of housing types for young people, families, and retirees. Read our plan to promote a housing production.
Interesting centers of activity. Think - restaurants, gyms, and coffee shops in walkable, accessible locations.
Infrastructure improvements. Water and sewer capacity to support future developments. Read our plan to support infrastructure investments and collaboration.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors. See which business and government leaders are South Shore 2030 trustees.

Who Lives and Works on the South Shore?

Plymouth County*
Covering Abington, Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Scituate, and Whitman

Population: 541,589
Median Age: 43
Housing: 77% own vs rent
Median Household Income: $92,906
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
Labor Force Participation: 67.5%

Stats provided by World Population Review

Norfolk County*
Covering Braintree, Canton, Cohasset, Holbrook, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth