South Weymouth Weymouth, MA

Founded in 1622, the town of Weymouth has gone through many cultural shifts as it transformed from a fishing community into a manufacturing center and finally into a peaceful bedroom community in the 1900s. South Weymouth played an important part in the area's history, holding a successful shoe factory for some years in its thriving commercial area that sprouted from Columbian Square The area holds no museums except for a few exhibits at Tuft's Library, but residents can stroll past numerous historic landmarks like the Fogg Library and the Fogg Opera House built in the late 1800s. Don't miss annual events like the Great Pumpkin Give-a-Wey in East Weymouth and the Weymouth Carnival at the high school to get to know this vibrant community.

South Weymouth serves up the most eclectic blend of restaurants in the city with a host of breakfast cafes, seafood restaurants, upscale steakhouses and all-American grills. Whether you crave spicy hot wings, homemade blueberry muffins or sage ravioli, this neighborhood's trendy dining scene has something for every taste scattered throughout historic Columbian Square. Join the regulars at Warren's Place for pizza and tender steak tips in a cozy dining room that feels more like a home than a restaurant. This family-friendly grill has become famous in the neighborhood for food prices that rival those of McDonald's without sacrificing quality. The bar pizza never disappoints with its thin, crispy crust, and the chicken wings with honey mustard sauce always come hot and crunchy. Named one of the top restaurants for steak by the Phantom Gourmet Food Guide and voted best steakhouse south of Boston by The Patriot Ledger, Stockholders keeps residents coming back day after day with perfectly cooked steaks and seafood. Get the Fisherman's Platter for an eclectic taste of the sea. If you crave some red meat, go for the king-size cut of prime rib. For a casual lunch filled with deep-fried goodies, make your way over to Jenna's Drive In. The fish and chips, portobello panini and tater tots stuffed with cheese and bacon make up just a few of this hometown favorite's guilty pleasures. Don't forget to end your meal with a banana sundae or chocolate shake. Although many residents head to nearby Quincy for its strong nightlife scene, you can always stop by the Union Brew House to enjoy some craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere. Because the bar stays open till 1 a.m. most days, you've plenty of time to chew the fat over a few frothing brews.

South Weymouth residents enjoy easy access to Boston and its surrounding cities via highway and public transportation. Take the Pilgrims Highway to the Southeast Expressway for direct access to the downtown area. When you're running your errands around South Weymouth, take advantage of the free parking available in nearly every area. For a quick ride, call up Uber or a Weymouth Town Taxi. The MBTA buses make frequent stops in South Weymouth for a quick local or regional trip, and the MBTA commuter rail station provides train service to Kingston and Plymouth. You find only a few bike lanes and trails in this neighborhood including those along Memorial Grove Avenue. Although Columbian Square provides plenty of walkways for pedestrians, most errands require a car.

When you want to get away from the suburban sprawl, kick back at one of South Weymouth's public parks. Although most of these parks remain undeveloped green areas with tall hardwoods and winding trails, nature lovers wouldn't have it any other way. Head to Bradford Torry Bird Sanctuary to take your canine companion hiking on the trails, or go bird-watching with your kids in this hidden oasis. Keep an eye out for deer as you stroll past brooks, rocky outcrops and thick forests.

South Weymouth residents enjoy a cost of living that falls below average for the Boston area. If you want to live in one of the neighborhood's charming condos and apartment complexes, expect an average rental rate of $1,277 for a one-bedroom home. Taking the bus into the central Boston area generally costs $2.10 for a one-way trip, and gas prices tend to hold steady around 11 percent above the national average. When you go out for a drink, be ready to pay around $5 to $6 for your favorite brew.

Whether you're running errands, going on a shopping spree or searching for a gift, you find everything you need in South Weymouth's diverse mix of national chains and local shops. Discover a trove of department stores, vintage boutiques, jewelers and shoe stores housed in the historic buildings of Columbian Square. You can also take a short drive to Braintree to find upscale fashions in the South Shore Center. Head to Pleasant Shops shopping center to discover a range of fabulous outlets. The Paper Store, Edible Arrangements and For Eyes Optical all have units here, but other vendors change on a more regular basis, so it's always worth another visit. Customers come all the way from Boston to see what's for sale at Resale Therapy, a trendy consignment shop where you find vintage jewelry, stylish fashion choices and a collection of hand-crafted beaded handbags. Pick up a handmade Halloween costume, a pair of Uggs or a gently used sweater during one of your stops. Keep an eye out for special events, including blow-out sales and tarot card readings. For your weekly grocery shopping, head to Whole Foods Market to pick up organic veggies and natural food products, or grab some staples at the Pleasant Street General Store. Head up to East Weymouth to check out the Weymouth Farmers Market for some fresh local produce.