What is it like to live in Holbrook?
Its location south of Boston, proximity to highways, and varied public transportation options “would interest anyone,’’ one resident said.
Shirley Austin officially moved to Holbrook in her late teens, but her family has always had a foothold in this town south of Boston. Her grandmother lived in Holbrook, her father grew up in town, and Austin spent her summers here as a child. Along a path in Union Cemetery, and in the woods at the end of Summer Street, “my grandmother taught me how to pick blueberries to make pies,’’ she said. “I loved all the beautiful trees and the country feel.’’
Austin, who lives on Cedar Hill Road, took an early interest in town government, and in 1972 was elected Holbrook’s town clerk — a post she would hold for 39 years. “It’s a really unique office. You’re in a position to help people in so many ways,’’ she said. When she stepped down in 2011, her retirement party drew family, friends, a raft of public officials, and a proclamations from legislators, among other honors.
Austin raised three boys and one girl in town; one of her sons still lives on her street and serves on the town’s board of health. “He got interested in government from watching his mother,’’ she said with a laugh.
She is aware that some might scratch their heads when they hear Holbrook mentioned. “I really think a lot of people don’t even know where it is,’’ she said, acknowledging that it’s a small town. But its location south of Boston, proximity to highways, and varied public transportation options “would interest anyone,’’ she said.
The big news in town is that construction of a new pre-K-12 school has begun. “That was a weak spot that’s now being addressed,’’ Austin said. Now, “there’s nothing that I don’t like about the town.’’ And while Austin also has a home on Cape Cod, she said, “that’s my recreation place. Holbrook is my hometown. I tell people I’ll never leave.’’
BY THE NUMBERS
10,791
Population in the 2010 Census, an increase of six people since 2000
35
Holbrook’s official age. It was incorporated on Feb. 29, 1872, so in 143 years, the “Leap-Year Town’’ has celebrated fewer than three dozen birthdays
115
Acreage of Holbrook Town Forest, great for hiking and snowshoeing
28
The number of minutes it takes to travel from Holbrook’s commuter rail station to South Station in Boston on a typical weekday morning.
PROS & CONS
Pro
Educational facility
In June, the town broke ground on a state-of-the-art $103 million school that will house preschool classes through Grade 12. The building, which is replacing two aging elementary schools and the junior-senior high, is scheduled to open in 2017.
Con
Taxes
Holbrook’s tax rates ($19.08 residential and $36.62 commercial) are on the high side.
Pro & Con
Convenience
The commuter rail offers quick access to Boston, and the town, which is tucked between routes 3 and 24, is not far from Interstate 93. That’s good news for your commute, but what if you need to pick up something to make for dinner? Sorry, there is no large grocery store in town.
Rachel Lebeaux can be reached at [email protected].
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