(masechoo´sits) , most populous of the New England states. It is bordered by New York to the West, Vermont and New Hampshire to the North, the Atlantic Ocean to the East, and Rhode Island and Connecticut to the South. Area, 8,257 sq mi (21,386 sq km). Pop. (2000) 6,349,097, a 5.5% increase since the 1990 census. Capital and largest city, Boston.  Nickname, Bay State. Motto, Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem [By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only under Liberty]. State bird, Chickadee. State flower, Mayflower. State tree, American Elm. Boston is the capital and largest city. Other important cities include Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, New Bedford, Cambridge, Brockton, Fall River, and Quincy . The state is famed for its historic points of interest such as Concord, Lexington, Bunker Hill, the Freedom Trail, and many others. There are a multitude of historic attractions and interesting cultural events. As a recreation and vacation land, Massachusetts has great stretches of seashore in the east and many lakes and streams in the wooded Berkshire Hills in the west. There are numerous state parks, forests, and beaches, and Cape Cod is the site of a national seashore. Provincetown, on Cape Cod, and Rockport, on Cape Ann, are artist colonies; Marblehead is a noted yachting center. Martha's Vineyard and Nantackut are famed island retreats. High-technology research and development, finance, and trade are all prominent in the commonwealth's economy. The service sector, in which tourism is primary, now employs over one third of Massachusetts workers. The South Shore is a general area of MA, which mainly consists of Plymouth County. The South Shore is a wonderful place to live. Each town offers something unique and with most towns being well over 200 to 300 years old, there is also quite a bit of local history and pride in each town as well. The obvious example of such history is the Town of Plymouth itself which is famed as the first successful settlement of this country and draws many tourists each year to view the Plymouth Rock, and Mayflower reproduction. The South Shore offers opportunities to live in many different settings. Whether you prefer a quiet retreat lot, farmland, a horse farm, luxurious waterfront property, condominum or subdivision living; chances are very good that you will find something that suites your needs on the South Shore. Please enjoy browsing my site to get an idea of the area, and of course, feel free to contact me if you should need further details about the area. I'd love to share my knowledge of this beautiful area with you. Sincerely, Marybeth Muldowney Crescent Realty Group