Kingston, MA (Boston, Plymouth, Braintree: appointed, cliquey, house)

[halfandhalf]

Hi, My husband and I are looking at a house in Kingston, MA, and since we're now living in Jamaica Plain, we're a little worried about what we'll miss out on, not living in the city any more ... but we're really drawn to the area. Can anyone clue us in on interesting cultural happenings in the area? What are the people like? We're both musicians and relatively creative and we also wonder about fitting in. Any insight would be appreciated.

[baystater]

Originally Posted by halfandhalf

Hi, My husband and I are looking at a house in Kingston, MA, and since we're now living in Jamaica Plain, we're a little worried about what we'll miss out on, not living in the city any more ... but we're really drawn to the area. Can anyone clue us in on interesting cultural happenings in the area? What are the people like? We're both musicians and relatively creative and we also wonder about fitting in. Any insight would be appreciated.

Don't know much about any artistic community in Kingston. Never considered it a place for artists. It just a nice quiet town on the south shore mostly for people who prefer to live in the suburbs and commute to the city when I lived a couple of towns up.
Granted I believe the whole south shore is changing from more of a blue collar area to more professional career people. So the opportunity maybe there for artists to have a bit more culture now.
As for the people. Well it a little cliquey in most of the south shore. It's easier is you have small children to break the ice with other people in the towns down there. But in general most people are nice and won't jump on your back for how you are or act. But I warn you, don't think you will make friends right away. Trust is something that is earned not given way. So if your not prepared to wait a while to have friends you will be disappointed. But the good news is that once you do make friends down here. You have them for life.

[capecodcathy]

You'll find that most of the arts will be found in Plymouth and on the Cape. Not a long drive at all. The Arts in Plymouth County, MA
I don't think Kingston or Plymouth are any more cliquey than any other small town. If you get involved with the local arts community I'd bet you'll make friends and have a very active social life.

[Mr.Mortgage]

I live in and love Kingston. Plymouth, next town over, is very culturally diverse and artsy. Kingston is more homogenous, though the people are very nice and the general community has everything without fighting crowds and traffic.

[halfandhalf]

Thank you, this is all great information. On average, what's your drive-time/commute like living in Kingston? We both work in Boston.

[beachlady58]

take the train - the commute will differ based on what time you leave - but the commuter rail is in Kingston so take advantage!

[halfandhalf]

Yes, I'd like to, but it seems much more expensive then carpooling. I will probably be working from home two days a week.

[cbrew26]

The school system in Kingston is average at best. Kingston should get out of the Silver Lake district and have their own high school. You can send your kids to Sacred Heart or Thayer in Braintree.

[BogieOrangeman]

Originally Posted by cbrew26

The school system in Kingston is average at best. Kingston should get out of the Silver Lake district and have their own high school. You can send your kids to Sacred Heart or Thayer in Braintree.

Cbrew is correct about this. I was viewing the rankings of the schools on the south shore, and Silver Lake was one of the lowest! I never realized this. Now Silver Lake used to be Pembroke and Kingston (any other towns?). Now Pembroke has it's own high school. Is Silver Lake just Kingston now? Or am I mistaken with this?

[CaseyB]

Halifax, Kingston + Plympton.