Quincy Point - Quincy, MA

Quincy Point started as a fishing settlement during the colonial times. Later, the busy shipyard developed, employing local laborers to build and launch ships commissioned by the U.S. Navy in World War II. The Point showcases its part in nautical history at the U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum at the Fore River Shipyard, featuring the USS Salem, a cruiser open to the public.

Cuisine styles in Quincy Point reflect its diversity and its proximity to water, ranging from middle eastern to Italian, Irish, seafood, and Indian. After-hours activity stays low-key, consisting of a smattering of local pubs and lounges.

The majority of restaurants and bars center around the downtown district, Quincy Center, next door to the Point. Those looking for breakfast or brunch head to Craig's Cafe, where the coffee stays fresh, the bacon is crispy, and the omelettes are packed with fresh ingredients.

Satisfy cravings for spicy Indian cuisine at Punjab Cafe, where customers recommend the tender chicken tikka masala, flavorful vegetable pakora, and homemade garlic naan. Sepal may look like a hole in the wall, but residents head to this low-priced, family-owned Middle Eastern restaurant to fill up on the crispy falafel and perfectly spiced grape leaves.

Seafood lovers get their fix with fresh lobster rolls, fried clams, or fish and chips in the laid-back atmosphere of the Lobster Stop. Meanwhile, Kelly's Cellar provides Irish and comfort food, strong mixed drinks, well-priced beer, and free wings for regulars watching Sunday football. The Friday Sinatra Jack Daniels, pulled pork nachos, and whiskey poutine come highly recommended. Kelly's also serves as a nighttime entertainment option with open mike night Wednesdays and live music Saturdays.

For another nightlife spot, residents opt for Maggy's Lounge for jazz jamming Mondays, comedy and improv on select Wednesdays, and live bands most Fridays and Saturdays. The Sly Fox Tavern stands solid as the classic neighborhood bar with a dartboard and satisfying comfort food.

Two state highways, route 53 and 3A, run through Quincy Point, providing drivers a way of getting to other parts of Massachusetts, including Boston. Public transportation also gives residents the options of subways and buses with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Locals can catch bus route 220, route 221, and route 222 to Quincy Center's red line subway stop, which provides access to Boston. Public parking depends on the street, with more commercial streets costing a moderate amount for street parking and parking garages.

Between athletic fields, jogging and biking trails, historic parks, and great fishing, Quincy Point provides a range of outdoor recreation activities. Sitting at the top of a hill, Faxon Park features walking and jogging trails, a few sports fields, and a small playground for the little ones. Merrymount Park offers a solid number of leisure activities, from horseshoes and baseball to canoe rentals and running trails. Parks are free and highly kid-friendly, as well as welcoming to dogs.

Wear a windbreaker out to Quincy's MWRA Nut Island to catch a beautiful view of the Boston skyline and all the Harbor Islands. Locals like to visit Quincy Quarries Reservation for a climb to gain breathtaking views of Boston's skyline and the sunset.

The cost of living in Quincy Point sits three percent lower than the average cost in Boston. Inhabitants still pay a decent amount for their abode, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Quincy Point running $1,371 per month.

If you choose to take public transportation to get to Boston, pay $1.50 for a Charlie Card with the MBTA which gives you free local bus transfers, then pay $2.10 to take the red line 'T' from Quincy Center to Government Center in downtown Boston. Drivers pay 10 percent higher than the national average cost for gasoline.

South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Massachusetts is the closest shopping mall. In the neighborhood, Kam Man Marketplace is great for groceries. For larger bulk, grab supplies at B.J.'s Wholesale Club. Eat fresh and healthy while supporting local farms at the Quincy Farmer's Market. Be sure to grab fresh-brewed coffee while browsing, and pick up fresh seafood with some locally-made wine for dinner.

Take your mom or girlfriends to Urban Beauty Lounge to receive a makeover and grab new cosmetics. Check out Don's Joke Shop for a unique, wide range of fun gags and tricks. Search for hidden gems of clothes and household goods at the independent consignment store Finders Keepers.