Braintree, MA
About Braintree
Braintree is the first suburban town located south of Boston that is considered the South Shore. Braintree is located in Norfolk County. Braintree is one of the oldest communities in Massachusetts being settled in 1625 and incorporated in 1640. Colonial Braintree originally included a much larger area than the current boundaries - colonial Braintree included the current towns of Braintree, Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook and part of Milton. Learn more about Braintree's history.
Braintree is located just 10 miles south of Boston and is bordered by Holbrook, Quincy, Randolph and Weymouth.
Quick Facts
Total Area: 15.5 square miles
Population: 38,822 (estimate July 2021 - US Census)
Density: 2,504 per square mile
Braintree 2023 residential tax rate is $9.76.
Explore more about Braintree at DataCommons.org
Braintree, MA
Why choose Braintree?
Braintree is a great location for commuters offering direct access to public transit via Braintree Station on the MBTA's Red Line, the Braintree Commuter Rail station, and MBTA bus service to Braintree Station, Quincy Center Station, South Shore Plaza and Montello. Braintree also offers highway access to Routes 93 North to Boston, Route 93 South to Routes 128/95 and Route 3 South towards Cape Cod.
In addition to location, Braintree residents enjoy incredible shopping convenience - just about every type of store is located in or near Braintree! From the South Shore Plaza to numerous shopping centers, Braintree is convenient!
But do not think Braintree is only about business and commerce - as you move about Braintree you will notice the great number of suburban homes and cozy neighborhoods making Braintree a great place to live!
5 things about Braintree
Braintree Runs on Dunkin'
Braintree has 10 Dunkin' Donut locations (as of Feb 2023). Most people in the area know that Dunkin' Donuts first started in Quincy MA in 1950 and the headquarters is in Canton, MA, however Dunkin Donuts University is located in Braintree. Anywhere you go in Braintree it seems there is 1 or 2 Dunkin’! This translates to 1 Dunkin Donuts for every 3,882 people (based on 2023 Dunkin count and the 2021 US Census estimate).
Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) - hometown electric!
Braintree offers electric service to residents through a municipal light department called BELD (Braintree Electric LIght Department). Longtime town residents swear Braintree has some of the most reliable electric services around - and I know people who have moved BACK to Braintree due to the electric service reliability. In fact you’ll be hard pressed to find a home in Braintree with a backup generator - it doesn’t seem to be needed!
My Dad used to tell the story that when he drove from Boston to our home in Abington during the NorthEast Blackout of 1965, Braintree was the only community along the way that continued to shine brightly!
Braintree Farmers Market
The Braintree Farmers Market is one of the best local markets around! This takes place every Saturday from June 1 through the end of October, before Thanksgiving and usually once a month in winter at the Braintree Town Hall. The Braintree Farmers Market features local produce, meat, seafood and dairy, baked goods and more! In addition to the excellent vendors, the Braintree Farmers Market features plenty of parking nearby and is a short distance from Braintree MBTA station!
Braintree Beaches
While Braintree does not feature miles of shoreline like many South Shore towns there are 2 town-owned beaches in Braintree. Smith Beach in East Braintree is on the Fore River and offers public access. Given the tidal nature of the Fore River, this beach is a salt water or brackish water beach. Also nearby is the Braintree Yacht Club.
The other town beach is located on scenic Sunset Lake which has parking, a gazebo, picnic areas, playground and sponsors free seasonal events for residents including summer concerts and Braintree Day (usually the Saturday before July 4th).
Famous Specialty Cakes!
Braintree is home to the Konditor Meister Bakery which offers some of the most interesting and delicious wedding, custom and all-occasion cakes in the Boston area! In addition to special event orders, you can order online or call ahead for one of their signature cakes such as Strawberry Grand Marnier to bring to your next event - both you and the cake will be the star!!
* Braintree cover photo copyright Christine McLellan