East Braintree - Braintree, MA

Originally named Mount Wollaston, East Braintree was incorporated in 1640 and named after the English town of Braintree. In addition to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Braintree was home to the co-inventor of the telephone, Thomas Watson. East Braintree was also home to the famous statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock.

For a family fun outing, locals recommend traveling to The Forbes House Museum. Built in 1833 for Margaret Perkins Forbes, the museum houses four generations of personal treasures. The museum keeps a changing calendar of events, including drawing and essay competitions. Flo Markowitz, a beloved art gallery, also hits a soft spot with lovers of the arts.

Whether seeking an intimate meal or a night out with foodie friends, locals love Sintra Restaurant. A gem on Washington Street, Sintra's houses a quiet setting with exemplary service. The mussels with grilled chorizo and garlic toast come highly recommended. For a meal that melts in your mouth, try the braised beef short rib served with cannellini beans and Brussels sprouts in tomato puree topped with freshly-shaved parmesan cheese.

Known for its pizza but also praised for other delectable dishes, Wamps Pizzeria & Cafe accommodates numerous cravings. Locals recommend the exclusive Mardi Gras (Jambalaya) pizza, which consists of Cajun shrimp, linguica, onions, green peppers, and rice. For breakfast, customers rave about the Wake Up Wrap made with a flour tortilla, scrambled eggs, American cheese, hash browns, and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage. Tasty and reasonably priced, Wamps remains a local favorite.

For a fun night out, residents often visit Southside Tavern on Washington Street. With a sporty and social atmosphere, this bar provides guests with an array of beers and cocktails. Ideal for hanging with friends and watching a game, Southside also serves some of the area's best wings to complement the drinks. Four Square Restaurant and Bar hosts live music after 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A popular venue, the bar also has half-off appetizers on Sundays and Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m.

Though walkable, the neighborhood may prove too far to travel on foot for those who work in Boston and the surrounding areas. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides a subway, bus, commuter rail, and boat as means of transportation for residents. Riders have the option to download a mobile ticket on their smartphones and can purchase single-ride, daily or 10-ride tickets, allowing riders to bypass any waiting. Fares vary based on the type of transportation the rider uses.

Though available, cabs cost more than public transportation, but both Uber and Lyft accommodate residents. The Abington MBTA parking lot provides convenient parking for those utilizing MBTA services. LAZ Parking Lot on Forbes Road accommodates drivers in the area. Parking meters in the surrounding area cost $1.25 per hour or $0.25 for 12 minutes. More abundant near downtown Boston, many meters stand close to the Downtown Crossings and the Financial District.

The area remains safe for bikers and encourages green living. In fact, the area has multiple biking trails and roads with bike lanes. Residents enjoy easy access to major highways from East Braintree, including I-95 and I-495.

Pond Meadow Park, located on Liberty Street, consists of 320 acres of land and a 20-acre pond. With walking and biking trails available, the park remains open all year. Each year, the park hosts Dagmar's Walk in the Park in honor of the Myositis Association.

Locals also enjoy traveling to Weymouth-Fore River Canoe Access, which allows visitors to canoe and kayak along magnificent stretches of the Fore River. This recreational gem remains open to the public and also allows fishing. Watson Park, particularly friendly for kids, hosts basketball and tennis courts as well as a splash pad and batting cages. Located off of Quincy Avenue, the park remains open every day of the week.

The cost of living in East Braintree dips 0.9 percent lower than Boston, but sits 42.4 percent higher than the national average. If using public transportation to get to the city center, residents should take the orange line. Fees run $1.60 for the bus and $2.10 for the subway. Free on-site parking stands available.

The average cost for renting a one-bedroom apartment in East Braintree runs about $1,393 per month. On average, residents pay around $5 for a beer at a local pub. The average price of gas typically sits 8.7 percent higher than the national average.

Patrons adore South Shore Plaza, a mall with designer and mid-range stores along with various restaurant options for shoppers. Every year, the mall runs special hours for the holiday season.

Bradbury's Boutique, a gem in the neighborhood, sells women's and children's clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Located on Elm Street, Bradbury's also accommodates gift ideas for reasonable prices. Francesca's Boutique, an eclectic and exciting shop for women, carries some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. Its range focuses on casual, playful clothing, and it also proffers a broad range of bags, shoes, and gifts.

For grocery needs, residents often go to Roche Bros. South Shore India Market, a popular stop for locals, carries fresh Indian fruits and veggies as well as Indian spices. Braintree Farmers Market, another local favorite, sets up every Saturday in front of the Braintree Town Hall Mall.