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Scituate, MA

Frequently asked questions

Scituate, MA

Scituate is a seacoast town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States, on the South Shore, midway between Boston and Plymouth. The population was 19,063 at the 2020 census.

The Wampanoag and their neighbors inhabited the area for thousands of years. The name Scituate is derived from "satuit", the Wampanoag term for cold brook, which refers to a brook that runs to the inner harbor of the town.

European colonization brought a group of people from Plymouth about 1627, who were joined by colonizers from the county of Kent in England. They were initially governed by the General Court of Plymouth, but on October 5, 1636, the town incorporated as a separate entity.

The Williams-Barker House, which still remains near the harbor, is believed to have been built in 1634. Twelve homes and a sawmill were destroyed in King Philip's War in 1676. In 1710, several Europeans from Scituate emigrated to Rhode Island and founded Scituate, Rhode Island.

In 1717, the western portion of the original land grant was separated and incorporated as the town of Hanover, and in 1788, a section of the town was ceded to Marshfield. In 1849, another western section became the town of South Scituate, which later changed its name to Norwell. Since then, the borders have remained essentially unchanged.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.8 square miles (82.4 km²), of which 17.6 square miles (45.7 km²) is land and 14.2 square miles (36.8 km²), or 44.60%, is water. Scituate is bordered on the east by Massachusetts Bay, on the south by Marshfield, on the west by Norwell and Hingham, all of which are in Plymouth County, and on the northwest by Cohasset, in Norfolk County. The town is 19 miles (31 km) northeast of Brockton and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Boston.

Scituate is considered a South Shore community, located just south of the mouth of greater Boston Harbor. The town is not contiguous; Humarock is a part of Scituate which can only be reached from Marshfield. The latter was formerly connected to the town, but that connection was lost when the mouth of the South River shifted northward as the result of the Portland Gale of 1898. The town's shore varies, with the south (along the mouth of the North River) being surrounded by salt marshes, the middle (around Scituate Harbor) being sandy, and the coast of Scituate Neck (Minot) in the north exhibiting exposed granite bedrock. It is off these rocks that Minot's Ledge lies, home to the town's most famous lighthouse. The inland of the town is mostly wooded, with several brooks and rivers (including Satuit or "Cold Brook", for which the town is named) running through.

Scituate has five public beaches: Minot, Sand Hills, Egypt, Peggotty, and Humarock. The town has no freeways running through it; Massachusetts Route 3 runs through neighboring Norwell. Route 3A runs through the town, and is known as Chief Justice Cushing Highway for this stretch, named for Chief Justice William Cushing (1732–1810). The only other state highway in town is Route 123, which terminates at Route 3A, just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from the town line.

There is no air service in town; the closest regional airport is Marshfield Municipal Airport, and the closest national and international air service is at Logan International Airport in Boston. There are two MBTA commuter rail stations. One is just off Route 3A in North Scituate, and the other is just east of the intersection of Routes 3A and 123 in the Greenbush neighborhood, which is the line's eastern terminus. The line is connected to an existing line in Braintree, providing service to South Station in Boston.

Scituate places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Brigham and Women's Harbor Medical Associates in Scituate, MA provides you with the highest quality of health care available in one convenient location. Baystate Fitness provides a welcoming environment for members of all ages and fitness levels. Explore yoga and massage therapies at Be Well Studios, promoting relaxation and overall wellness. Discover the diverse marine life and participate in eco-friendly activities at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary like whale watching for a refreshing outdoor experience. Engage in Pilates and fitness classes at Shred for a dynamic workout experience focused on strength and flexibility. Join invigorating yoga sessions at Studio143 for physical and mental well-being.

Top Sites in Scituate, MA are Scituate Lighthouse, Lawson Tower, and Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum.

Population: 19,063 (2020). ZIP Code: 02066. Area code: 339 / 781. Elevation: 30 ft (9 m). Area: 31.8 square miles (82.4 km²).

FAQs

What is Scituate, MA known for?

Historic points of interest include: Scituate Lighthouse, The Old Oaken Bucket Homestead and Well, The Lawson Tower, Stockbridge Mill and the Cudworth House as well as the Little Red School House which is the home of the Scituate Historical Society. Residents pride themselves on the strength of their school system and on the achievements of the great percentage of students (85%) who go on to higher education from Scituate Public Schools. The Town of Scituate is a delightful mix of rural, suburban and seaside lifestyles within a 25 mile ride to the City of Boston.

What is the average income in Scituate, MA?

In 2022, Scituate, MA had a population of 5.44k people with a median age of 52 and a median household income of $108,194. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Scituate, MA declined from 5,670 to 5,442, a −4.02% decrease and its median household income declined from $110,477 to $108,194, a −2.07% decrease. The economy of Scituate, MA employs 2.47k people.

Is Scituate, MA most Irish town in America?

Scituate has been called "the most Irish town in America." In a 2010 census, almost half of all the residents in Scituate, Massachusetts reported Irish ancestry. That's more than any other town in the country. That heritage can mostly be traced back to Irish Mossing, an industry that exploded during the 1800s when Irish immigrants began harvesting and selling seaweed from Scituate's five beaches. So it's no surprise this town has its own St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Sources

Town of Scituate

Wikipedia

CBS News

Data USA

Brigham and Women's Harbor Medical Associates

Baystate Fitness

Be Well Studios

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Shred

Studio143

Scituate Lighthouse

Lawson Tower

Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum

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