Although Braintree is officially considered a town, it operates as a city under Massachusetts State law. Despite this and its growing population of more than 35 thousand residents, Braintree still maintains that small-town charm.
Originally, Braintree’s limits were made up of the surrounding cities of Quincy, Randolph, and Holbrook. In the 1640s, however, these towns formed separate municipalities. Still, thanks to its early ties to the surrounding towns, Braintree is also considered home to famous figures like John Quincy Adams, John Hancock, and General Sylvanus Thayer of West Point.
Today, Braintree is home to thousands of families and several historically famous sites, like the General Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace House. Locals also enjoy several park and recreation locations like Sunset Lake and the Blue Hills Reservation—all of which unfortunately bring unwanted pests like ticks, mosquitos, and rodents to properties around Braintree.