Peaceful and quiet living in Plymouth County
Hanson is a South Shore town with a rural character that is located less than 30 miles south of Boston. Narrow, tree-lined roads connect the countryside homes with stores and restaurants along Main Street and Route 58. The town’s many ponds serve as a cool escape and provide opportunities for water activities throughout the year. Hanson is also in proximity to downtown Plymouth and the beach, and the commuter rail station in town also makes trips to Boston accessible and convenient. “Hanson is a great little town,” says Realtor Bill D’Entremont, who has 20 years of real estate experience and is the founder of The D'Entremont Group at Keller Williams Realty Signature Properties. “I sell homes here, and this used to be home for me.”
Eclectic single-family homes with sizeable lots in Hanson
Tucked behind by densely populated trees, single-family homes in Hanson sit on acre-sized lots and are often accompanied by long driveways. Housing styles include Colonial Revivals and Queen Annes from the 1800s and 1960s Cape Cods and raised ranches. Smaller cottages and bungalows start around $400,000, while newly developed Colonial-inspired estates may go for $900,000. Townhouses, which are relatively new to town, range from $400,000 to $700,000.
Cool off at Cranberry Cove, the town's public beach
Hanson is home to many ponds that allow for fishing and water activities. Wampatuck Pond is known for paddling and seasonal ice skating. Camp Kiwanee is a 68-acre camping ground situated by Maquan Pond, and the pond’s public beach, Cranberry Cove, is open for swimming in the summer. Kayaking and paddling are also popular recreational activities in town, while Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area is a locals’ spot for walks. Sports fields such as the Hanson Soccer Field are located throughout the community for little leagues and sports organizations.
Restaurants along Main Street and Route 58
Damien’s, a self-proclaimed dive bar, is more well-known locally as a pizza place. “They have the best pizza,” D’Entremont says. “It’s a small pie with a thin crust. People often wait an hour or so for it.” Venus III Sports Bar & Restaurant is a popular spot to catch a sports game or listen to live music, and The Meadow Brook Restaurant & Functions serves steaks, seafood entrees and juicy burgers. Pick Your Own Farms, such as Lipinski’s Farm, make for popular grocery options, and Shaw’s is also centrally located in town. Target is about 6 miles north in neighboring Hanover, while Walmart is about 7 miles south in Halifax.
Commuter rail station in Hanson
Over a decade ago, commuter rail service came to town and “that was when the town really expanded,” D’Entremont says. Many folks who live in Hanson now commute to Boston via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Kingston Line. Those who drive can expect a 32-mile trip to Boston, and the Boston Logan International Airport is 35 miles away with Interstate 93. Plymouth is 16 miles southeast through Massachusetts State Route 27, and the South Shore Hospital is 9 miles north.
Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
Indian Head Elementary School has a C-plus Niche score and serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade. Hanson Middle School and Whitman-Hanson Regional High School are both rated B-minus, and Whitman-Hanson High offers career pathway coursework in health, business and finance. During their senior year, students enrolled in the program are also required to complete a 100-hour internship. According to the CAP Index, Hanson's crime score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Fishing events in Hanson
In Hanson, Little League is a big deal. Each season kicks off with an opening ceremony, refreshments and a parade in the town green. “The kids march through the town, and everyone cheers,” D’Entremont says. “This is when you know you’re somewhere special.” Fishing also has a prominent presence in the community, and tournaments, such as the annual Youth Fishing Derby, are also held throughout the year. The town’s senior center offers activities including quilting and crafting, while the Hanson Public Library provides story time events, bake sales and movie days.
Photography Contributed By
Al Straggas
