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History of Houghs Neck
Houghs Neck is one of the older neighborhoods in Quincy, and it's an area steeped in history. It draws its name from Atherton Hough, once a mayor of Boston, England, who used this land as a farm and orchard. The area continued to be used for agricultural purposes through the 1880s. It also drew the attention of fishermen, gaining Houghs Neck the title of "Flounder Capital of the World" thanks to the winter flounder that can be caught from Boston Harbor.
Today, this peninsula is home to a mixture of old and new homes. Thanks to its relative isolation, Houghs Neck avoided much of the urbanization that's spread across the rest of Quincy.
Houghs Neck is also one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Quincy. If you don't need the convenience of living in the heart of an urban center or are interested in a quieter, more suburban neighborhood, Houghs Neck real estate can be a great value. It's especially great for people looking to buy their homes rather than renting them as houses can go for a premium in the city's more urban neighborhoods.
Houghs Neck: A Seaside Getaway
Houghs Neck is a narrow peninsula bordered by Quincy Bay and Rock Island Cove. This strip of land has long been regarded as one of the best fishing spots on town, and tourists flocked eagerly to the area throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to enjoy the quiet beaches, stunning salt marshes and gorgeous seaside views. By the mid 20th century, many of the visitors chose to build summer homes or take up permanent residence, edging out hotels with private residences. Today, the majority of Houghs Neck is made up of single-family homes, with some apartments and townhomes available to rent as well.
Although the primary draw of Houghs Neck is its sleepy neighborhood vibe, there is plenty to see and do in this seaside community. There are two nearby beaches: Rhoda Beach, which has two 50-yard stretches of waterfront, and the larger Edgewater Drive Beach, which offers 200 yards of beach to enjoy. This park takes up six acres and is packed with playground equipment, outdoor basketball, soccer and baseball fields.
The most well-known restaurant in Houghs Neck is Louis's Crossing, an eatery offering some of the best seafood in Quincy. Every September, Houghs Neck also hosts ChowdaFest, an annual celebration of the best chowder from local restaurants and home cooks.
Houghs Neck is far enough from the hustle and bustle to feel quiet and remote, but it's just 30 minutes from nearly anything you might want to do in Quincy, giving you the best of both suburban and urban life. Its affordable property values, some of the lowest in Quincy, sweeten the deal even more.
The Neighborhood of Houghs Neck
Quincy is an amazing city with plenty to offer, from the thrilling nightlife of Marina Bay to the sleepy neighborhood of Houghs Neck. While there are plenty of places to live and play in Quincy, Houghs neck is one of the quieter and more suburban neighborhoods. It's well known for its tight-knit community built from several generations of what locals call "Neck Birds."
Houghs Neck is sometimes called "God's Country" by the locals, and the stunning views of the bay make it easy to see why. The neighborhood is located on a peninsula bordered by Hingham Bay and Rock Island Cove. During stormy weather, the area can sometimes be prone to flooding, isolating it from the rest of Quincy, but its isolation also makes it seem quieter and more relaxed than much of the rest of the city.
The neighborhood of Houghs Neck served as a summer resort for tourists and fishermen well into the 20th Century.
There's plenty to see and do in the area. Kids of all ages enjoy the six-acre La Brecque Playground, which includes ball fields and playground equipment. There are also two beaches, Rhoda Beach and Edgewater Drive Beach, offering plenty of seaside views to enjoy without leaving the peninsula. After a fun day out, be sure to stop off at Louis's Crossing for some of the best seafood in the city.
Homes in Houghs Neck are often older, with plenty of classic New England cottages as well as a few newer properties. Since the area is less densely populated than most of Quincy, property values are also lower, making it easy to find a good deal on a home. This is especially true if you don't mind investing in an older house. Just be sure that you choose a property that can withstand some occasional flooding as the peninsula can catch severe weather during storms.
What to Do In Houghs Neck
Whether you're looking to move to Houghs Neck or just visiting for a while, "God's Country" has plenty to offer. This peninsula was originally gifted to Atherton Hough, the mayor of Boston, England. He used it as a private orchard and farm, and the area continued to be used for agriculture well into the 19th Century. It also become a well-renowned fishing destination, particularly for people looking to catch winter flounder.
Despite its reputation as a sleepy beachside getaway, Houghs Neck offers plenty of things to see and do, including two beaches and a very nice six-acre park with activities for kids of all ages. Every year, the community enjoys several holiday traditions, including an Independence Day fireworks display over the water and the lighting of an outdoor Christmas tree. There's also the annual ChowdaFest, held every September, celebrating the best chowder from local cooks and restaurants.