Is North Plymouth Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Plymouth

North Plymouth, a neighborhood within Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers a distinct living experience shaped by its historical roots and evolving community. It’s a place where the echoes of its industrial past, particularly the Plymouth Cordage Company, blend with the conveniences of modern suburban life.

This area provides a unique blend of residential living with access to amenities and a sense of community that appeals to many. Understanding the various facets of life in North Plymouth is key for anyone considering a move to this part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts.

Is it Safe to Live in North Plymouth?

North Plymouth generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is considered lower than the average for U.S. neighborhoods, earning it a B+ grade for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary within the neighborhood, with southern areas typically being the safest.

Violent crime rates in North Plymouth are comparable to the national average, with a C+ grade indicating a similar risk level to many U.S. neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While northwest areas experience more crime incidents annually, the western parts of the neighborhood see the fewest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is also noted to be less than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Crime Statistics

The crime rate in North Plymouth stands at 25.60 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure places it in the 75th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 75% of neighborhoods nationwide (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often feel safer in the southern portions of North Plymouth, with chances of being a crime victim ranging from 1 in 23 in the north to 1 in 55 in the south (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime specifically occurs at a rate of 4.520 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate is also considered about the same as the average U.S. neighborhood, ranking North Plymouth in the 48th percentile for violent crime safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of crime in North Plymouth is estimated to be around $4.75 million annually, which translates to about $309 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in North Plymouth presents a mixed picture, with some expenses being more manageable than others. Housing costs in North Plymouth are considered less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home value in North Plymouth was approximately $577,610 as of March 2026, showing a slight increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices in North Plymouth can vary, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $2,824 and two-bedroom apartments around $3,791 (as reported by Rentometer). For context, the median rent in Plymouth, MA, as of May 2026, is $2,800, which is 44% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This suggests that while homeownership might be a significant investment, rental options are also priced at a premium relative to national figures.

Housing Costs

The median home value in North Plymouth was $577,610 as of March 2026, reflecting a 2.1% increase over the previous year (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates a robust real estate market in the area. For those looking to rent, one-bedroom apartments are typically priced around $2,824, and two-bedroom apartments are around $3,791 (as reported by Rentometer).

Fair Market Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the broader Brockton, MA HUD Metro FMR Area, which includes North Plymouth, is $1,761 (as reported by HUD FMR FY2026). This figure is lower than the current market rents, suggesting that actual rental prices may be higher than federally determined fair market rates. The overall housing market in North Plymouth is described as “hot” (as reported by Massachusetts State).

Income and Employment

The average annual household income in North Plymouth was $88,421 in 2023 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). This income level has seen a notable increase of 15% from the previous year. The median income for households in North Plymouth was $71,205, showing a 19.3% shift over the same period (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

The average salary in North Plymouth is approximately $56,266 per year, or $27.05 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Unemployment rates in North Plymouth CDP have shown an upward trend, reaching 16.5% in 2023, a significant increase from 6.3% in 2017 (as reported by CensusDepth). In comparison, the overall employment rate in Plymouth, MA, was 95.11% in 2023 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Major Employers

While specific major employers for North Plymouth are not detailed, the broader Plymouth, MA area has several key industries and companies. These include manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. For example, Walmart Supercenter, Aker Plastics Co Inc, Swan Lake Resort, and St Joseph Health Syst Plymouth are listed as significant employers in the Plymouth area (as reported by Hoosiers by the Numbers). These contribute to the local job market and economy.

Climate and Environment

North Plymouth experiences a climate typical of the Massachusetts coastal region, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm, while winters are cold, often accompanied by snow and wind. The temperature typically ranges from 22°F to 81°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside this range (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with November being the wettest month, averaging around 4.0 inches of rain. January receives the least amount of rain, with an average of 2.6 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The area does not experience significant seasonal variations in the frequency of wet days, with the percentage of days having precipitation remaining relatively consistent.

Weather Patterns

The warm season in Plymouth, MA, extends from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 72°F. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 80°F and lows near 63°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cold season lasts from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures falling below 46°F.

January is the coldest month, with average lows of 23°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Plymouth does not experience drastic seasonal shifts in precipitation frequency, with wet days occurring around 23% to 33% of the time throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Demographics

North Plymouth is served by the Plymouth Public School District, with Plymouth North High School being a prominent educational institution in the area. Plymouth North High School has received a B overall Niche Grade and is rated 3.71 out of 5 stars based on 213 reviews (as reported by Niche). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, and 46% of students are proficient in math, while 68% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).

The demographic makeup of North Plymouth shows a population of approximately 4,458 residents, with a near-even split between males and females (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in North Plymouth is 39 years, with a diverse age distribution across different life stages (as reported by Point2Homes).

School Ratings

Plymouth North High School is rated as an above-average public school in Massachusetts, ranking in the top 30% for overall test scores (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency at the school is 46%, exceeding the Massachusetts state average of 42% (as reported by Niche). Reading proficiency is at 68%, also higher than the state average of 44% (as reported by Niche).

The student-teacher ratio at Plymouth North High School is 11:1, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1 (as reported by Niche). Plymouth Community Intermediate School, serving grades 6-8, also receives positive ratings with a 4 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

North Plymouth has a population of 4,458 residents, with 50.4% being male and 49.6% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age is 39 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial composition is varied, with 77.7% of residents being U.S.-born citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).

The population includes approximately 12.3% children under 15, with adults between 25 and 44 making up the largest age group at 38.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). The average household size is two people, and the median household income was $71,205 (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in North Plymouth

North Plymouth offers a blend of community appeal and practical living, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The neighborhood’s historical significance, combined with its residential character, makes it an attractive option for many seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban proximity.

The relatively lower crime rate compared to national averages is a significant pro for residents. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a considerable con, requiring careful financial planning. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for potential residents.

Pros

North Plymouth benefits from a crime rate that is lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The community is generally considered safe, especially in its southern areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The area offers a strong sense of community, partly due to its smaller population size compared to other Plymouth neighborhoods, fostering a more peaceful atmosphere (as reported by Proximitii). This can translate to quieter streets and easier access to local amenities, creating a desirable living environment.

Cons

The cost of living, especially housing expenses, is a notable drawback in North Plymouth. Housing costs are less affordable than the U.S. average, and home values have seen an increase (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute, Zillow). This can make homeownership a significant financial commitment for new residents.

Additionally, the unemployment rate in the North Plymouth CDP has seen a significant increase in recent years, reaching 16.5% in 2023 (as reported by CensusDepth). This trend may present challenges for those seeking employment within the immediate area.