Opinions of Marshfield MA - specifically Kent Park area? (Hingham: violent crime, homes)

[laf28]

My husband and I are looking to buy our first place and are hoping to get out of the city to a quieter, more family oriented town on the South Shore. We're not rich by any means, so we've been looking at Marshfield, which seems to have some reasonably priced homes with good sized lots. The proximity to the water is a huge plus for us too.

I've read the statistics, but it's hard to get a real feel for the atmosphere of a place through crime stat percentages, so I'm hoping that some "locals" can help us out. There are a couple of places that caught our interest in the Kent Park neighborhood, but my husband heard from a coworker that it used to be a rough neighborhood. Rough like Dorchester or rough like maybe people just aren't as well off as they are in Hingham or Duxbury? What are the locals like (friendly, down to earth, is there a community feel?) and what is "normal" as far as crime, vandalism, and drugs?

I've had a long look at the Marshfield town site and related links and it looks like there's a lot going on as far as recreation and the school system seems to be good. I guess it's the crime that I'm most concerned about. Also, I know that there was a hate crime in Marshfield a few years back - this causes me much concern and any input on "race relations" and community atmosphere would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

[Beachcomber4]

What are the crimes you are reading about? I do not think there is alot of violent crime in Marshfield. Many south shore towns are dealing with alot of larceny, breaking and entering etc but I think it is more of a sign of the tough economic times and not an indication that a particular town is "Bad".

[SouthShoreDad]

Kent Park used to be referred to as the slum of Marshfield by many. It has come a long way since then. There are some very nice homes there now, but there are still a few spots that are rough as well. It saw alot of change when the housing craze was going on...good influx of new people and their money.

As for crime...I wouldn't rate Marshfield as dangerous by any means...not by a long way. The hate crime you are referring to...those idiots are going to crawl out from their rock anywhere in the world...that time happened to be Marshfield...It sucks when it happens anywhere...but I can say without hesitation that Marshfield does not a race problem...again the people who act that way need to live somewhere but Marshfield is def. not their choice destination nor is the town inviting that lifestyle.

Marshfield is pretty diverse town...almost like a lot of smaller towns formed into one. I like that myself...different is good...who wants everything the same.

[laf28]

Wow! Great info! Thanks so much. Real opinions from real people make so much more sense than statistics! This sounds like a place that we could definitely feel good about moving to. The fact that it is comprised of a number of different neighborhoods and is not homogeneous is something that we really like. Thanks again!

[kaioak36]

Marshfield is a great town. Shouldn't have a lot of problems with crime.