The Metro South region offers the best of many worlds, all of the cultural and corporate advantages of the city with the natural beauty and serenity of historic New England. Residents of Metro South, located just south of Boston, can always find an array of recreational, cultural and community events throughout the region.

The eighteen communities that comprise the Metro South region are home to nearly 350,000 people, making this region the fastest growing area in Massachusetts. The diverse economies of the area prosper from manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade and service industries. Employment opportunities are plentiful and several business resources are available for entrepreneurs.

Education

The Metro South region is particularly proud of its innovative community-based schools. Many new public and private schools provide exceptional technology and preparation for the children of the region. Higher education is attainable within the region at Bridgewater State College, Massasoit Community College, and Stonehill College. Harvard, MIT, Brown, and many prestigious universities are within minutes of Metro South.

Housing

Housing costs are extremely competitive in Metro South. Prices are substantially lower than in the immediate suburbs of Boston. The region offers many housing options including modern condominiums and apartments.

Health Care

The Metro South region offers a number of fine health care facilities including four major hospitals. Brockton Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, and the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center provide state-of-the-art medical care to area residents. Combined, these healthcare facilities represent the regions largest segment of employment.

Transportation

One of the greatest assets of the region is its location. The area has great access to major highways, including Routes 128, 95, 495, 3, and 24. Public transportation is available through Brockton Area Transit (BAT), which provides inter-city bus service and the Mass Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), which provides rail service to Boston. Newly expanded commuter rail service from the MBTA runs three lines through Metro South and provides passengers direct transit to and from Boston. The region is centrally located between two major airports, Logan International in Boston and T.F. Green in Rhode Island. In Metro South, all your transportation options are safe and convenient.

Media

Numerous media outlets are available in the region. The daily newspaper, The Enterprise, boasts a circulation of over 62,000, serves 31 communities in the area, and includes a Sunday edition. Several weekly community newspapers provide additional coverage of local affairs and events. The area's local radio stations include WBET (1460 AM) and local college stations. All major television network programming is clearly received from Boston and Providence, as well as educational programs from Boston's Public Broadcasting Station. All eighteen communities provide cable service to residents.

Culture

Metro South is close enough to Boston to enjoy its theater, symphony, sports arenas, and museums, but far enough away to have developed its own dynamic cultural and recreational resources. The region takes pride in the Fuller Museum of Art, Brockton Symphony Orchestra, Brockton Shoe Museum, Brockton Fire Museum, The Children's Museum in Easton, Ames Nowell and Borderland State Parks, and D.W Field Park.

The area has several public golf courses, tennis clubs, racquetball courts and fitness centers. Metro South is less than one hour from Boston, Providence, Plymouth and Cape Cod where additional day trips may be enjoyed.

Employment
Tax Rates/Population
Largest Employers in Metro South Region
Community Information

Employment 2000
City/Town	Population	Labor Force	Unemployment Rate	Number of Businesses	Average Annual Wage
Abington	14,605	8,387	3.3%	300	$26,667
Avon	4,443	2,538	3.0%	272	$38,981
Bridgewater	25,185	12,544	3.1%	447	$31,867
Brockton	94,304	46,678	5.4%	1,934	$31,867
Canton	20,775	12,197	2.5%	916	$44,693
East Bridgewater	12,974	7,080	3.1%	231	$29,338
Easton	22,299	12,453	3.2%	688	$31,535
Halifax	7,500	3,940	3.8%	91	$17,672
Hanover	13,164	7,802	2.4%	657	$29,144
Hanson	9,495	5,521	3.0%	185	$25,537
Holbrook	10,785	6,336	3.5%	266	$32,255
Norwell	9,765	5,783	2.1%	524	$42,393
Randolph	30,963	17,728	3.9%	631	$36,845
Rockland	17,670	9,849	2.8%	480	$36,883
Sharon	17,408	9,888	2.7%	400	$36,669
Stoughton	27,149	16,250	3.5%	909	$37,545
West Bridgewater	6,634	3,794	3.0%	321	$30,345
Whitman	13,882	7,852	3.7%	250	$28,338