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Duxbury, MA

Frequently asked questions

Duxbury, MA

Duxbury (alternative older spelling: "Duxborough") is a historic seaside town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. A suburb located on the South Shore approximately 35 miles (56 km) to the southeast of Boston, the population was 16,090 at the 2020 census.

The area now known as Duxbury was inhabited by people as early as 12,000 to 9,000 BCE. By the time European settlers arrived here, the region was inhabited by the Wampanoags, who called this place Mattakeesett, meaning "place of many fish."

At first, those who settled in Duxbury came to work their new farms just in the warmer months and returned to Plymouth during the winter. It was not long, however, before they began to build homes on their land, and soon requested permission from the colony to be set off as a separate community with their church. Duxbury, which originally included land that is now Pembroke, was incorporated in 1637.

The theory has it that the town was named by Myles Standish after the family estate of his childhood in Lancashire. The ancient Standish family in northern England owned much land and large estates, including the two main family headquarters of Standish Hall and Duxbury Manor, in Lancashire, since before the Middle Ages. Myles Standish's will delineates his inheritance rights to very particular lands near and around Standish and mostly Duxbury Manor, stating his descent from both lines of the Standish family; and so it has been suggested that he named the new town in Massachusetts after the estate where he grew up.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.6 square miles (97 km2), of which 23.8 square miles (62 km2) is land and 13.9 square miles (36 km2) (36.87%) is water. Duxbury is bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the east, Duxbury Bay, Kingston Bay, and Plymouth to the southeast, Kingston to the southwest, Pembroke to the west and northwest, and Marshfield to the north. The town's border with Plymouth is due to the town's having the only land access to Saquish Neck, a thin, hook-shaped strip of land along Duxbury Bay, at the tip of which is Saquish Head in Plymouth.

Duxbury is the sixth-largest cranberry producer in Massachusetts and has oyster beds and other shellfish. The town has many ponds and bogs throughout. The Back River lies along the western edge of Saquish Neck and has many tributaries from the local rivers, brooks, and marshes. There are several sanctuaries, a conservation area, and other forests within the town, especially in the western half.

Duxbury places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care – Tremont Street offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Strive Fitness and Performance provides various fitness programs to suit different needs. For those who love outdoor adventures, visiting the Blackstone River & Canal State Park is a must for hiking and enjoying nature's beauty. Another great outdoor spot is Duxbury Beach Park, perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. If you prefer indoor fitness activities, check out CrossFit Magnitude for high-intensity workouts. For a unique wellness experience, try Susanne Hallisey Yoga events to enhance your mental clarity and relaxation. Duxbury Pilates provides specialized classes to improve your core strength and flexibility.

Top Sites in Duxbury, MA are the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation, Alden House Historic Site, Duxbury Beach Park, and Mass Audubon's North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. 
 

Population: 16,090 (2020). ZIP code: 02332. Area: 37.6 square miles (97 km2). Area code: 339 / 781. Elevation: 36 ft (11 m).

FAQs

What is Duxbury MA famous for?

The shipbuilding era brought great wealth and Duxbury became one of the largest and most famous shipbuilding centers in the New World. Many grand homes were built along the bay. The Weston family's merchant fleet was the largest in the world. Their home, now a Duxbury landmark known as The King Caesar House, is owned by the Duxbury Rural and Historic Society and is open to the public.

Is Duxbury MA a good place to live?

If you’re searching for a coastal town with some amazing beaches, high-ranking schools, and access to big city amenities in a city like Boston, then Duxbury is one of the best places to live on the South Shore of MA. Duxbury features tranquil beaches and scenic landscapes, providing residents with a peaceful and charming backdrop. The town boasts a rich history, showcasing well-maintained colonial architecture and landmarks like the iconic Alden House. Residents can partake in various recreational activities, from water sports along Duxbury Bay to hiking in nearby conservation areas. 

Is Duxbury, MA a suburb?

Duxbury is a quaint South Shore suburb located about 35 miles away from Downtown Boston, primely positioned on the Atlantic Ocean waterfront. New homeowners moving to Duxbury can take the scenic Route 3 to I-93 to reach Boston or drive over to Kingston to take the commuter line north. While residents give up immediate access to the Boston neighborhoods, buyers moving to Duxbury instead have numerous beaches, wetlands, and woodlands to explore.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Duxbury

Alante Real Estate

Boston Magazine

Coastal Neighborhoods

Myles Standish Monument State Reservation 

Alden House Historic Site 

Duxbury Beach Park 

Mass Audubon's North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care – Tremont Street

Strive Fitness and Performance

Blackstone River & Canal State Park

Duxbury Beach Park,

CrossFit Magnitude 

Susanne Hallisey Yoga

Duxbury Pilates

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