"America's Hometown," is the fastest growing community in Massachusetts. Steeped in history and offering 17 miles of coastline, 360 freshwater ponds and 12,000 acres of woodland, Plymouth comfortably blends tradition and nature into the fiber of 20th Century living. As the largest community in land area in the state - 103 square miles - Plymouth has easily absorbed the impressive growth that has doubled the population over the past decade without sacrificing the town's beauty and character.

History: History comes alive in Plymouth where historical sites and museums preserve the past for modern-day Americans and visitors from all over the world. Plymouth Plantation recreates life in the early years of the colony while the Mayflower II, a gift from Great Britain, gives visitors a sense of the courage possessed by the Pilgrims who crossed the unpredictable Atlantic on this small vessel. Museums contain artifacts of the original settlers, focus on our nation's ethnic heritage and offer exhibits on centuries' old industries that are still practiced today.

Recreation: Plymouth is a naturalist's paradise with many outdoor recreational sites and beaches. Myles Standish State Forest is 16,000 unspoiled acres of trails, woods and ponds with Campsites, bicycle paths and bridle paths. The Manomet Bird Observatory provides acres of space for watching birds in their natural habitats while the Web of Life's Camp Discovery and private campgrounds throughout the town provide other recreational facilities. Whale watches, marine life study programs, canoe trips. bicycle tours, road races, golfing, festivals, harvest celebrations and Thanksgiving Week events highlight the seasons.

Theater: The critically acclaimed Priscilla Beach Theater has been staging summer productions for more than four decades. A number of its former performers have gone on to successful career in Hollywood and on Broadway. The Old Colony Theater features musicals, comedies and reviews while the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra offers four concerts a year of classical and "pops" numbers. Fine restaurants, a cinema complex and excellent shopping facilities complete Plymouth's all-encompassing amenities.

Transportation: Located only 38 miles from Boston and just minutes away from Cape Cod, Plymouth is an ideal environment for business and industry and boasts one of the most attractive tax rates in Massachusetts. Plymouth is 45 miles from downtown Boston via Route 3. The Plymouth Public Transit System provides local transportation to the MBTA rail stations, the Historic Downtown and Waterfront, Plymouth Public Library, Jordan Hospital, West Plymouth, North Plymouth, and Plymouth Industrial and Commerce Park. The MBTA Old Colony Rail line offers commuter service to Plymouth. The new Route 44 project, scheduled for completion in late 1999/early 2000, will connect Route 3 to Route 495, thereby opening east/west access for business and tourists. Plymouth is also served by the Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway, which provides full bus service to Boston, Logan Airport and points along the South Shore and Cape Cod.
Plymouth Municipal Airport is located just 35 miles southeast of Boston and ranks within the top 9% of the 13,000 airfields in the U.S. with regard to safety and efficiency. The airport serves more than 5500 passengers and visitors annually. Single and multi engine aircraft maintenance facilities are located within the airport, as are flight schools.

Education: Anticipating the rapid growth in their community, town officials have expanded services and added new schools to accommodate the influx of children. Plymouth Public Schools are comprised of nine elementary schools, a pre-kindergarten, an intermediate school and two high schools, one of which (Plymouth South) offers twelve technical studies and occupational majors.

The 1996 school population was nearly 9,000 students. Nearly 70% of graduating students continue their education beyond their Plymouth school experience. Highlights of the public school program include: Awards to students at regional, state and national levels in a wide range of categories, such as: writing, drama, athletics, mathematics, science, vocational education and student government. A system-wide long-range technology plan adopted at all grade levels. Every elementary student has access to a computer. Recognition for efforts in implementing a K-I 2 Health and Family Living Curriculum, as a member of the Governor's Alliance Against Substance Abuse.