Marshfield or Pembroke MA for first time buyers?? (Boston: skatepark, crime)

[laf28]

Marshfield vs Pembroke. Which would you prefer? Marshfield is closer to Boston and has better commuter options, good schools, and great community recreation programs, but a much higher crime rate. Pembroke is more rural feeling, is chock full of beautiful lakes and ponds, and has almost no crime. We'd be settling for a much smaller house in Pembroke because it's such a lovely, safe location. But coming from Boston, is the crime in Marshfield so bad that it would outweigh a skatepark and sailing lessons for the future young'uns? What would you prefer and/or suggest for a first time buyer who can't decide between the two communities? What are the positives and negatives of each place, from your personal experience? Thanks!

[WOODYRN]

Depends on what you are looking for. Marshfield is more of a beachy town,highercrime.Some really nice area,and other areas not so nice.More to do intown than Pembroke.But Pembroke is so nice because there is not alot there.Nobody cutting through your town, etc.
I prefer Pembroke and visit Marshfield in the summer.

[Beachcomber4]

What type of crime is happening in Marshfield? It's not a town that I would think you would be concerned for your children's safety- unless it has changed dramatically.

A town that is great for little ones is sometimes not so for teens and tweens. Just my experience but as my kids got older, I saw the need for walkable downtowns and places where kids could go and do things on their own but not be so isolated from adults should they need assistance. A beach community provides that and it's a great way to grow up. There are pizza and ice cream shops to grab lunch with friends and beaches to swim, explore, fish and sail.

Pembroke is a nice little town but there isn't much going on. Anyone I know with kids there have them in lots of organized activities for the simple fact there is little for kids to do on their own.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by laf28

But coming from Boston, is the crime in Marshfield so bad that it would outweigh a skatepark and sailing lessons for the future young'uns?

You're coming from Boston and you're worried about crime in Marshfield? I would not stay away from Marshfield because of crime worries. As far as I know the crime there is largely limited to petty thefts near the beach and some brawls at a couple of sketchy bars.