Cities & Towns in Norfolk County, MA

Located just south of Boston, Norfolk County contains a blend of colonial history and modern suburbs across its cities and towns. Though considered part of Greater Boston, each Norfolk County community has cultivated its own identity and appeal. Some of the most prominent cities include Quincy, Weymouth, Franklin, Brookline, and Braintree.

Quincy stands as one of the oldest municipalities in the county with historic sites like the Adams National Historical Park. Brookline contains the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site along with boutique shops. Weymouth and Braintree offer more residential locales while Franklin provides retail options.

• Quincy: The largest city in the county and the eighth-largest in the state, with a population of 94,4214. It is located south of Boston, on the coast of Massachusetts Bay. It is known as the “City of Presidents” because it is the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as the home of John Hancock and Josiah Quincy. It also has a rich maritime and industrial heritage, featuring the Quincy Shipyard, the Granite Railway, and the Quincy Historical Society.
• Brookline: The second-largest town in the county and the 11th-largest in the state, with a population of 59,0224. It is located west of Boston, and is an enclave of Norfolk County surrounded by Suffolk County. It is a diverse and affluent community, hosting many cultural and educational institutions such as the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and Boston University.
• Weymouth: The third-largest town in the county and the 12th-largest in the state, with a population of 58,1044. It is located south of Boston, on the shore of Hingham Bay. It is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts, dating back to 1622. It has a historic downtown area with shops and restaurants, as well as several parks, beaches, and ponds.
• Franklin: The fourth-largest town in the county and the 14th-largest in the state, with a population of 34,7114. It is located southwest of Boston, on the border with Rhode Island. It is named after Benjamin Franklin, who donated books to the town library, the first public library in America. It also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring the Franklin School for Performing Arts, the Franklin Art Association, and the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Beyond these larger cities, Norfolk County also includes college towns like Wellesley, seaside communities like Cohasset, and bedroom communities like Walpole. From the rocky Atlantic coastline to historic village centers, the cities and towns of Norfolk County present plenty of opportunities to experience New England charm just minutes from Boston proper. Each contributes its own unique set of attractions and assets.