Exploring the South Shore: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Different Neighborhoods?

What Is Considered the South Shore of Massachusetts?

The South Shore stretches south of Boston along the coast, including towns like Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Duxbury, Marshfield, Norwell, Hull, Quincy, and Weymouth. It’s known for its coastal charm, top schools, and commuter access via the MBTA ferry and trains. As of 2025, the region’s median single-family home price ranges between $750,000 and $1.6 million, depending on town, proximity to the water, home condition and lot size.

Hingham: History and Harbor Living

Hingham offers a blend of historic downtown homes and newer construction near the harbor.

• Median home price (2025): $1.4 – $1.7 million

• Average price / sq ft: ≈ $550

• Lifestyle: Walkable downtown, commuter ferry, top-rated schools, strong resale value

• Best for: Families relocating from metro areas who value schools and community feel

Cohasset: Luxury Coastal Living

Cohasset is one of the most picturesque coastal towns on the South Shore, with oceanfront estates and a quaint village center.

• Median home price: $1.8 – $2.5 million

• Price / sq ft: ≈ $650+

• Vibe: Upscale, quiet, and scenic — with a true “seaside village” atmosphere

• Notable perk: Direct coastal access, Cohasset Harbor, and strong architectural preservation

Scituate: The Classic Beach Town

Scituate balances year-round residents and seasonal coastal life.

• Median home price: $900,000 – $1.2 million

• Price / sq ft: ≈ $475

• Lifestyle: Beach walks, harbor dining, fishing village feel

• Best for: Buyers wanting ocean access with more attainable pricing than Cohasset or Hingham

Norwell: Space and Suburban Comfort

Norwell offers larger lots and newer construction away from the coastline but still close to Route 3 for commuters.

• Median home price: $900,000 – $1.1 million

• Price / sq ft: ≈ $420

• Vibe: Quiet and wooded with strong schools

• Appeal: More land for your money than coastal towns

Marshfield & Duxbury: Family-Friendly Coastal Towns

Both towns offer strong school systems and beach proximity, but Duxbury skews higher in price.
Marshfield:

• Median ≈ $800,000

• Lifestyle: Active beach community, Route 3 access
  Duxbury:

• Median ≈ $1.3 – $1.6 million

• Lifestyle: Historic coastal homes, sailing culture, high-ranking schools

Hull: Ocean Views and a Laid-Back Coastal Lifestyle

Hull offers some of the South Shore’s most stunning waterfront views at more accessible price points. It’s a narrow peninsula community known for Nantasket Beach, scenic drives along the bay, and quick access to Boston via the Hingham ferry. 

• Median home price (2025): $725,000 - $900,000

• Average price / sq ft: ≈ $475

• Lifestyle: Relaxed and beach-oriented, with a mix of year-round homes and summer cottages.

• Best for: Buyers seeking ocean views, a strong sense of community, and lower entry prices than neighboring Cohasset or Hingham and second home shoppers that want Cape lifestyle without Cape traffic

Quincy: City Access with Suburban Prices

Closer to Boston, Quincy offers condo and multifamily options with MBTA Red Line access.

• Median single-family: ≈ $750,000

• Condos: $500,000 – $700,000

• Vibe: Urban-suburban mix, diverse housing stock, restaurants, and nightlife

Weymouth: Coastal Access at an Attainable Price

Weymouth offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, condos, and waterfront pockets with direct MBTA access, making it one of the South Shore’s most accessible communities.

• Median home price (2025): $650,000 – $825,000

• Average price / sq ft: ≈ $420

• Lifestyle: Urban-suburban blend with commuter rail and ferry access, beaches, and revitalized village centers

• Best for: First-time buyers or downsizers who want proximity to Boston with lower costs than neighboring Hingham or Cohasset

Comparing Costs Across the South Shore

Other Living Costs

• Property taxes: Typically 1.0 – 1.3 % of assessed value

• Commuting: MBTA Ferry → Boston ≈ 45 min; Commuter Rail → South Station ≈ 40 min

• Utilities: Higher than state average due to coastal exposure

• Home insurance: Varies — waterfront homes may require flood coverage

FAQ: Living on the South Shore

Is the South Shore expensive?
Yes, but prices vary widely — from under $800K in Marshfield to $2M+ in Cohasset.

Which town offers the best value?
Norwell and Marshfield provide the most space per dollar with strong schools.

What’s the commute like?
Ferry or commuter-rail options average 40–50 minutes to Boston.

Are South Shore schools good?
Most towns rank above state averages for academics and community engagement.

About Erin

Erin Freeman is a dual-licensed Realtor with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty and Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in both Massachusetts and Florida. She lives in Hingham and helps clients explore South Shore towns with a balance of lifestyle, location, and long-term value.