Holbrook, MA
About Holbrook
Holbrook was originally part of Braintree (incorporated in 1640). In 1793 present day Holbrook and other parts of Braintree were separated to form Randolph and East Randolph. In 1872 the village of East Randolph was incorporated as Holbrook. The town is named for Elisha N Holbrook who provided funds for the Town Hall and Library. Holbrook was known in the 19th century as a leading producer of shoes and boots - as were many Massachusetts towns.
Holbrook is located 18 miles south of Boston and is bordered by Braintree, Randolph, Avon, Brockton and Abington and is located in Plymouth County.
Quick Facts
Total Area: 7.4 square miles
Population: 11,335 (estimated 2021 US Census)
Density: 1,532 per square mile
Holbrook’s 2023 residential tax rate is $15.38.
Explore more about Holbrook at DataCommons.org
Holbrook, MA
Why choose Holbrook?
Holbrook has a small town feel while convenient to public transit and a short distance from the highways.
The Holbrook/Randolph MBTA Commuter Rail station is located on the Holbrook Randolph town lines. It offers parking for 362 cars and can be accessed by MBTA buses. In addition Holbrook is serviced by MBTA Buses:
Route 240 runs between Holbrook/Randolph commuter rail station and Quincy Center
Route 238 which runs between Holbrook/Randolph commuter rail and Quincy Center
Route 230 runs through Holbrook along Route 37 between Montello (Brockton) and Quincy Center with a stop at Braintree T Station
More house for the money. Compared to some of the surrounding towns home buyers can purchase a house for less. In January 2023 the median single family homes price was $410,000 which was less than all the abutting towns.
5 things about Holbrook
Lake Holbrook
Lake Holbrook is a 37-acre lake where you will find homes dotting its shoreline! There is public-access along North Shore Road. The lake is picturesque and can be used for paddle boating, recreational fishing (check with Town of Holbrook or Mass.gov on restrictions), and ice sports in winter.
The major historical use of Lake Holbrook was that of the ice cutting operation which originated in the 1800s. At that time there was a wooden ice house owned by the Porter ice Company. This ice house burned down several times and was eventually abandoned. The second ice cutting operation with an ice house constructed of concrete was started between 1910 and 1920 by the R.H. White Ice Company. This was discontinued after the hurricane of 1938. Lake Holbrook was not originally a year-round lake. It used to be drained in the summer and would be dammed in the fall in order to support the ice industry. - Source: “Lake Holbrook Diagnostic/Feasibility Study,” Holbrook Conservation Commission, April 1989
The neighborhood around Lake Holbrook is called “The Grove” by the town residents.
Holbrook School Complex
In 2017 the town of Holbrook was proud to open its new school complex that services students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12! The school complex is located at 254 South Franklin St, Holbrook, MA.
Holbrook Town Forest
Holbrook Town Forest is 115 acre protected area founded in 1955 on undeveloped land. The Town Forest is located within the Cranberry Brook Watershed Area of Critical Concern (ACEC). The Town Forest includes several trails and connects to the Braintree Cranberry Brook Conservation Area. This area is a great place to walk and bike or walk your leashed dogs. The town forest trails are accessed from either the end of Park Drive or at 255 Pine St - you can park at the end of Park Drive or at a small cutout on Pine St. Learn more and find maps at https://www.holbrookma.gov/town-forest-committee.
Holbrook Town Hall
The imposing brick Holbrook town hall anchors the historic town center at 50 North Franklin St, Holbrook, MA and near the intersection of Routes 37 and 139. The Town Hall was built around 1879 and is a great example of Gothic Revival style buildings!
Baird & McGuire
The Baird & McGuire facility was a chemical company that operated in Holbrook from 1912 to 1983. It was located off South Street and consisted of 20 acres. The location of the facility was declared an EPA superfund site on the National Priority List in 1983. Cleanup activities were extensive for close to 40 years and the location is off limits to the public. To learn more see the Holbrook Community Involvement Plan available from the Town of Holbrook.
* cover photo copyright