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Pembroke, MA

Frequently asked questions

Pembroke, MA

Pembroke is a historic town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. Pembroke is a South Shore suburb of the Boston metropolitan area. The town is located about halfway between Boston and Cape Cod. The town is considered rural with pockets of suburban neighborhoods. The population was 18,361 at the 2020 census with a median household income of $119,827. Neighborhoods include Bryantville (along the Hanson town line), North Pembroke, and East Pembroke.

The earliest European settlers were Robert Barker and Dolor Davis, who settled in the vicinity of Herring Brook in 1650. It has been said that the Barkers were about to go down the Indian Head River, at "The Crotch" of the North River in modern-day Pembroke/Hanover. However, the Barkers went down the Herring Run to the South, thus landing on Pembroke land. For thousands of years until that time, the Wampanoag and the Massachusett were sustained by this land, fishing, and farming along the rivers; they called the area Mattakeesett, which means "place of much fish", because of the annual springtime run of herring in the local rivers. The land was part of the Major's Purchase, a large tract of land bought from Josias Wampatuck of Massachusetts by a group of English investors. The area was once a part of Duxbury, before incorporating as a separate town in 1712, and was ultimately named for the town of Pembroke, Wales, the name of Brookfield being rejected because it was already in use by the town in Worcester County that still bears this name.

The town took its current form in 1820 when the western half of town known as the "West Parish" was separated and incorporated as Hanson. Shipbuilding was among the area's industries, with five yards along the North River. Famous among these were the Beaver, a vessel made famous for its role in the Boston Tea Party, and the Maria, memorialized on the Pembroke town seal. It was along the same river, on the Norwell side, that the Columbia, namesake of the Columbia River in Oregon, was launched. By the turn of the 20th century, mills had sprung up along the river, and the town's ponds and streams provided the water for cranberry bogs. Because of rail service from Brockton, the town's ponds also provided recreation and vacation spots for city dwellers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 23.5 square miles (61 km2), of which 21.8 square miles (56 km2) is land and 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2), or 6.95%, is water. Statistically, Pembroke is slightly smaller than the state average in terms of land area. Pembroke is bordered by Norwell to the north, Marshfield to the northeast, Duxbury to the east, Kingston to the southeast, Plympton to the south, Halifax to the southwest, Hanson to the west, and Hanover to the northwest. Pembroke is approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Brockton, 13 miles (21 km) northwest of Plymouth, and 27 miles (43 km) southeast of Boston.

Pembroke's geography can be divided in half. The northern half is dominated by the rivers and streams of the area, flowing through thick forests that once provided the lumber for the North River's shipbuilding industry. The southern half is dominated by several ponds and Silver Lake, where the towns of Pembroke, Kingston, Plympton, and Halifax come together. The town has its municipal forest, which is divided into sections around the town.

One notable water resource in Pembroke is Great Sandy Bottom Pond, the water of which is currently leased to the Abington-Rockland Water Commission. A website displays many pictures of the plants and animals of the area, for example, eagles, herons, egrets, turtles, raccoons, and foxes.

Pembroke places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center in Pembroke, consisting of Brigham and Women’s Hospital clinicians, provides patients with a convenient setting and access to world-class primary and specialty care. Start your fitness journey at Fit Factory Kingston, where you can enjoy a range of classes and modern gym facilities. Yoga enthusiasts can join classes at Holding Space. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking at Pembroke Town Forest, a perfect place for a peaceful nature walk. Enhance your wellness with a session at Empower Pilates & Personal Training, offering comprehensive Pilates programs. If you prefer group workouts, Orange Theory Fitness in nearby Kingston provides high-intensity interval training classes. Stay active with martial arts at South Shore Tae Kwon Do, offering classes for all ages.

Top sites in Pembroke, MA are Hobomock Arena, Pembroke Country Club, and iGolf Pembroke.

Population: 18,335 (2023). ZIP codes: 02359, 02327, 02358. Area code: 339/781. Elevation: 70 ft (21 m). Area: 23.5 square miles (61 km2).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Pembroke, MA?

Pembroke is safer than the majority of cities, towns, and villages in America (83%) and also has a lower crime rate than 80% of the communities in Massachusetts, according to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime data. How risky is that? Your chance of becoming a victim in Pembroke is one in 295 based on the total crime rate (violent and property crimes, combined). In America overall, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 43.

Is Pembroke, MA a good place to live?

This picturesque town offers a unique quality of life for its residents, with access to various recreational activities and natural beauty such as the miles of beaches along the coast. The town also features many small businesses and is home to numerous historical sites. Very large metro area set on the coast and rolling hills of New England. Primary industries include technology and college. College town, big city resources, and arts & culture make Pembroke a great place to live.

What is Pembroke, MA famous for?

The Town also had vast tracts of woodlands that provided timber for homes and industry and provided cover for abundant wildlife. Because of its proximity to timber and location on the river, the Town in its early years was known for its shipbuilding industry. The North River was the location of five shipyards – Brick Kiln Yard, Seabury Point, Job’s Landing, Turner’s Yard, and Macy’s.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Pembroke

Best Places

Neighborhood Scout

Hobomock Arena 

Pembroke Country Club 

iGolf Pembroke

Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center

Fit Factory Kingston

Holding Space

Pembroke Town Forest

Empower Pilates & Personal Training

Orange Theory Fitness

South Shore Tae Kwon Do

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.