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Named after John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts, the town was incorporated in 1852. Located in Suffolk County, the community is situated on a peninsular extending into Boston Harbor and is a quick commute to downtown Boston. Winthrop claims panoramic waterfront views and the Boston skyline as well as stately tree lined streets and beautiful beaches.

Although right next to the city of Boston, the town has retained its reputation for being a safe and pleasant place to live. Winthrop is a close-knit, family-oriented community which retains a small-town charm. There is a public bus route which travels throughout Winthrop and connects to the Orient Heights stop on the Blue Line of the MBTA. Shopping is convenient, with all necessities within walking distance.

Additionally, there are many active community organizations in Winthrop including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, American Legion, Amvets, Knights of Columbus, Oddfellows, Elks, Sons of Italy, Historical Society, Beautification Committee, Council on Aging, Winthrop Playmakers, Boy and Girl Scouts, and many youth programs including little league, soccer, football, and hockey. Houses of worship include Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Unitarian, and Jewish.

Winthrop is governed by a Town Council with a Town Manager. The population is 18,464 with an area of 1.6 square miles. The tax rate is: $8.64 Residential, $9.37 Commercial/Industrial. Public facilities include gas, sewer, water, electricity and cable television to the entire town and trash is collected weekly with provision for recycling. The town provides an excellent array of services, featuring a new Senior Center, vibrant Library, and many recreational opportunities including an indoor skating rink. Town of Winthrop Website.

Winthrop boasts numerous parks and playgrounds, six public beaches, four tennis courts, five athletic fields, three yacht clubs, a public landing for boats and a nine-hole golf course. The Recreation Department offers supervised programs for children during the summer as well as various programs and activities throughout the year for both children and adults. Parks & Recreation Website.

The Winthrop Public Library is a member of the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) which offers access to 28 local libraries. The library also has a museum on the third floor and a dedicated children’s room. There are over 83,000 volumes of books, 2,000 videos and DVDs, and 850 books on tape in the collection. There are 12 computers with internet access for public use. Library Website.

The Winthrop Senior Center is home to the Council on Aging and their many programs. A multifunction facility that is handicapped accessible, it contains an arts and crafts room areas for cards and games, classrooms for activities and lectures, small library enclave, and a hall for larger gatherings such as social dances and parties. There also is a health room for health screenings such as blood pressures, eye exams, and podiatry. The large commercial kitchen is used for cooking classes or catering larger celebrations, and the beautiful front porch is perfect for a nice sunny day. Van transportation is also available. Senior Center Website.

Winthrop is one of the safest communities in the Commonwealth, with a crime index of just 125.2 (national average is 329.7). The Winthrop Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest degree of law enforcement service for the town while maintaining the traditions of fairness, professionalism, and integrity. The Explorer Post is a co-curricular organization sponsored by the Winthrop Police Department. It provides young adults who have an interest in law enforcement a program that gives them an opportunity to learn about a possible career as an officer of the law. Police Website.

The Winthrop Fire Department serves the town out of two stations, one in the center and one in the beach section. One engine company (Engine 2) is based at Pauline Street station and one engine company ( Engine 1) and one ladder company (Ladder 2) is based at the Shirley Street station. The Fire Department has a staff of 31 professional firefighters and officers and is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Winthrop from fires and other emergency situations both natural and manmade and to responding to these and medical emergencies in an efficient, professional manner. Fire Website.

Winthrop is yours to discover. Peruse this website or contact the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce for more information about our lovely community.