Is The Pinehills Safe, Pros and cons of living in The Pinehills
The Pinehills, a master-planned community within Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers a distinct living experience characterized by its planned amenities and suburban atmosphere. This community, established in the late 1990s with its first home sale in 2001, is designed with a focus on preserving natural beauty while providing modern living conveniences. It comprises approximately 3,000 homes spread across over 3,000 acres, organized into nearly 40 distinct neighborhoods, each with unique architectural styles and builders.
The Pinehills is situated in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, a region known for its historical significance and coastal charm. Its location provides residents with a tranquil retreat that is still conveniently accessible to urban centers, offering a blend of peaceful residential living and proximity to cultural and recreational opportunities. The community’s design emphasizes a classic New England aesthetic, aiming to create a welcoming and family-friendly environment.
Is it Safe to Live in The Pinehills?
The Pinehills boasts a very low crime rate, significantly below national averages. With only 195 incidents per 100,000 residents, it is 92% below the national average for crime (as reported by Proximitii). This exceptional safety record extends to both violent and property crimes, with violent crime rates being 88% lower and property crime rates 92% lower than the national average.
The community’s commitment to safety is further evidenced by its overall crime statistics. The Pinehills has a crime rate that is 83% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 77% lower and property crimes 84% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes it a place where residents have a low chance of becoming a victim of crime, with only a 1 in 270 likelihood.
Demographics and Lifestyle
The Pinehills is characterized by a mature and affluent demographic. The median age is approximately 70.2 years, with a significant majority of residents (63.7%) being 65 or older (as reported by The Pinehills, MA Population 2026). This demographic profile suggests a community geared towards retirees and older adults, with a smaller percentage of residents under the age of 30.
The community is also highly educated and predominantly White. Nearly all residents (99.9%) hold a high school diploma, and a substantial portion (64.3%) have a bachelor’s degree or higher (as reported by The Pinehills, Plymouth, MA). The racial composition is overwhelmingly White, with over 95% of residents identifying as such (as reported by The Pinehills, MA | Data USA and The Pinehills, MA Population 2026).
Housing Market and Costs
The housing market in The Pinehills reflects its upscale nature, with a median home price of $975,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This is a notable increase of 3.2% year-over-year, indicating a strong and appreciating market. The median price per square foot is $419, also up 5.5% from the previous year.
Rental costs in The Pinehills are also on the higher side, with median rents around $3,000 per month (as reported by The Pinehills, MA Housing Market & Rental trends). This high cost of housing is a significant factor in the overall cost of living within the community, which is higher than both the national and Massachusetts averages.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in The Pinehills is substantially higher than the national average, largely driven by housing expenses. The overall cost of living index for the Plymouth area is 132, meaning it is 32% more expensive than the rest of the U.S. (as reported by The Pinehills, Plymouth, MA). Housing costs in The Pinehills are particularly high, with median home prices significantly above the national average.
While specific cost of living data for The Pinehills itself can vary, the broader Plymouth area indicates higher expenses across various categories. For instance, housing expenses in Plymouth are 53% higher than the national average, and utility prices are 54% higher (as reported by Payscale). This suggests that residents of The Pinehills can expect to pay a premium for housing and other essential services.
Job Market and Economy
The Pinehills exhibits a strong local economy with a low unemployment rate. The unemployment rate in The Pinehills is reported to be as low as 2% (as reported by Proximitii), indicating a robust job market and economic stability. This low rate suggests a high level of employment and active local businesses within the community.
While specific major employers are not detailed for The Pinehills itself, the broader Plymouth area’s economy is diverse. Plymouth’s main industries include tourism, healthcare, real estate, and technical and scientific research (as reported by The Pinehills, Plymouth, MA). The top employer in Plymouth is Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, indicating a strong presence in the healthcare sector.
Climate
Plymouth, which encompasses The Pinehills, experiences a hot summer humid continental climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, with July being the warmest month, featuring average high temperatures of 84.0°F (28.9°C) and average lows of 64.1°F (17.8°C) (as reported by Wikipedia). Winters are cold, windy, and often snowy.
The region receives ample precipitation year-round, averaging about 52.8 inches annually (as reported by Wikipedia). December is typically the wettest month, while September is the driest. Plymouth’s coastal location influences its climate, leading to warmer temperatures compared to inland New England locations and high humidity levels throughout the year.
Education
The Pinehills is noted for its well-educated resident population, with nearly all residents having a high school diploma and a significant percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (as reported by The Pinehills, Plymouth, MA). While specific school ratings for The Pinehills CDP itself are not readily available, the broader Plymouth Public School District serves the area. Niche ranks The Pinehills as #200 out of 347 for “Best Places to Live in Massachusetts” and highlights it as having above-average public schools.
The community’s demographic, with a high proportion of retirees, may mean that fewer families with young children are currently residing in The Pinehills. However, the emphasis on education among its residents underscores a value placed on learning and intellectual pursuits within the community.
Recreation and Amenities
The Pinehills offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance residents’ lifestyles. It features two championship golf courses, a village center with shops and dining, and numerous parks and walking trails. The village center serves as a community hub, hosting events and providing a social gathering space for residents.
Residents also have access to recreational facilities such as a community pool, playgrounds, and extensive green spaces. The community’s design prioritizes outdoor activities and a connection with nature, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy an active and engaged lifestyle within a planned environment.