$1,155,126Average Value$418Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Norwell is a rural town with historic roots
The past and the present are brought together in Norwell, a sleepy town in rural South Shore about 24 miles south of downtown Boston. People have lived in this area since the early 17th century, but it wasn’t until 1888 that the town was officially named Norwell. For much of its history, the town was known for its prominent shipbuilding and agricultural industries. In the modern era, however, Norwell has transitioned into a primarily residential community with homes, schools and other amenities spread out across the countryside. “People come here for our top-rated school system and proximity to both the city and the beach,” says Melissa McNamara, a Norwell resident and Realtor with The Melissa McNamara Group at William Raveis. Norwell Public Schools is a small district comprising two elementary schools, one middle and one high school. The support from Norwell’s community drives the district’s success and excellent student outcomes. Regarding employment, McNamara says that the town has a mix of people who work in the immediate area and residents who commute to large employers in Boston. While the town has mostly adapted to the modern age, its history remains preserved in Norwell Center, a protected historic district at the heart of the community.
Lush vegetation surrounds the quiet streets of Norwell.
Welcome to Norwell founded in 1888.
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Old and new homes with New England architecture
Norwell has a vast range of housing options, most of which incorporate classic New England architecture in some way. Potential homebuyers can find everything from quintessential Cape Cods and colonials to farmhouses and Craftsman-style builds. “There’s a mix of old and new housing in Norwell; I would say the average build year is around the mid-1900s,” McNamara says. While some properties date all the way back to the late 1600s, others were built as recently as 2024. There are also plans for future building projects in Norwell; a highly-anticipated new construction development called Cranberry Crossing is set to launch in 2025. Many homes sit on sizeable lots that offer privacy and back up into the surrounding forests. Closer to Massachusetts Route 3 – also called Pilgrims Highway – lot sizes shrink, and homes sit closer together. “I would say entry-level pricing for a home in Norwell is between $800,000 and about a million,” McNamara says. As of mid-2025, the median price of a single-family home was estimated to be a little more than $1.1 million.
A craftsman and colonial home line the streets of Norwell.
Large custom-built homes can be found throughout Norwell.
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Norwell Public Schools is a top-rated district
The Norwell Public Schools district receives an overall A rating from Niche and is only comprised of four schools: William Gould Vinal Elementary and Grace Farrar Cole Elementary School receive A-minus ratings, while Norwell Middle and Norwell High School are both rated A. Norwell High is ranked the No. 21 best public high school in Massachusetts by U.S. News and World Report, which also reported that the school had a 99% graduation rate. High school students can enroll in honors and Advanced Placement courses; Norwell High also offers a Senior Internship Program and compiles a roster of companies interested in bringing on a student intern. Extracurricular activities at Norwell High School include several athletic teams, academic clubs and performing arts groups.
Norwell students attend Norwell Middle School which received a B+ from Niche.
William G Vinal in Norwell was given an overall A grade from Niche.
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Town recreation amenities, hiking areas and water access
Norwell’s rural location lends itself to an abundance of parks and outdoor spaces for residents to explore. In addition to surrounding nature reserves and state parks, Norwell also has a designated department that oversees recreation throughout the developed parts of town. “Norwell is full of community walking trails and bike paths,” McNamara says. The recreation department also helps organize local youth sports, which typically use school athletic facilities to host practice and games. When it comes to things like hiking trips, McNamara says that the Norris Reservation is a popular destination with an extensive trail system. In the northern part of Norwell, residents can access Wompatuck State Park, which sprawls across more than 3,500 acres of land. People can also access the North River and enjoy boating, fishing or canoeing. The river travels through Plymouth County and out to the coast, which sits approximately 10 miles from Norwell and is lined with several public beaches.
Ride the terrain at Wompatuck State Park in just outside Norwell.
Take a long stroll on the trails at Norwell Recreation Department in Norwell.
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Local shopping and dining at Norwell Center
Alongside Norwell’s countryside setting are pockets of suburban convenience with local businesses and basic shopping and dining options. “Norwell Center is comprised of pretty much everything you need from a gas station to a coffee shop,” McNamara says. She notes that the center – which lines the town’s Main Street – is home to Beacon Marketplace, where residents can purchase gourmet food and some basic food items. “We’ve also got a gift shop that just opened up; I would say Norwell Center is up and coming,” she says. Local restaurants in this pocket include Cheever Tavern and The Tinker’s Son, an Irish-themed eatery with regular live entertainment performances. Four miles down the road from Norwell Center are larger chain grocery stores like Stop and Shop; just across the highway from there is Hanover Crossing, an indoor shopping mall with dozens of national retailers.
Head to The Tinker's Son in Norwell for some live music.
Stop by the Norwell Package and General Store for all your daily needs.
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Getting around the South Shore area and up to Boston
Norwell residents are car-dependent; most town roads are low-traffic country roads like Main Street. The most prominent thoroughfare in Norwell is Massachusetts Route 3, also known as Pilgrims Highway, which commuters can take north to merge onto Interstate 93 towards downtown Boston. The closest rail service station is the Greenbush train station, just under 5 miles from Norwell Center in the neighboring town of Scituate. At the station, people can access the MBTA’s Greenbush Line, which connects to Boston. For domestic and international air travel, the Boston Logan International Airport is a 26-mile drive away. South Shore Hospital is 10 miles away and has a 24-hour emergency service department.
Written By
Hayley Simms
Photography Contributed By
Shawn Miller
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anne Galvin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Norwell, MA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Norwell, MA over the last 12 months is $1,140,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 131 Cross Street, where natural light, quality updates & indoor-outdoor living blend seamlessly in a prized Norwell setting. Perfectly positioned adjacent to the coveted Ford’s Crossing neighborhood, this home offers the comfort of community w/the privacy of your own retreat, minutes from Scituate Harbor, Norwell Center & top rated schools! Sunlight pours through Andersen windows,
A Colonial that redefines move-in ready with style, comfort, and thoughtful updates. Set on a stonewalled lot adjacent to Norwell’s desirable Tara Drive neighborhood, this home welcomes you with sun-filled spaces including a formal dining room, family room, and living room with fireplace. The renovated chef’s kitchen (2011) features a center island, stainless appliances, and eat-in dining that
Filled with potential and awaiting your personal touch ! Nestled on a lush half-acre in Norwell’s Ridge Hill, this Craftsman Colonial Farmhouse blends timeless character with modern potential. Handcrafted woodwork, intricate moldings, and hardwood floors flow throughout, while oversized windows illuminate the living and dining areas. A bright four-season sunroom overlooks serene wooded
Engineering Complete! *Demo approved!* Rare Opportunity | For the first time in 75+ years, the JACOB REED BARN c. 1817 comes to market offering a rare balance of existing structure, engineering approvals in hand, and significant redevelopment potential in one of Norwell’s most desirable neighborhoods. Set on a private, mature parcel framed by stone walls, the property offers both privacy and
Perched atop a gentle hill in one of Norwell’s most coveted neighborhoods, this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, & resort-style outdoor living. Step inside to a welcoming foyer that flows seamlessly into a spacious living room, a formal dining room ideal for entertaining, & a large eat-in kitchen perfect for everyday gatherings. A 2nd generous
Endless water views and a private dock! Perfectly situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in the historic North River shipbuilding district, this custom shingle-style expansive Cape offers timeless charm with modern amenities. Enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds with deeded river access and scenic views from nearly every room. The main level features formal living and dining rooms, a chef’s kitchen, and
Stylish Interiors and Modern AmenitiesA Blend of Convenience & CharmNestled in the heart of Norwell, 15 High Street Residences is a special place to call home. Here, classic aesthetics blend with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient living spaces. A visit to 15 High Street will confirm that you’ve found something unique; here, you’ll discover your village. This neighborhood is built
YEAR ROUND RENTAL, INCLUDES ALL UTILITIES, including central air conditioning, heat, electricity, WIFI, trash removal etc. Adorable apartment located in the heart of Norwell center. This apartment has a private entrance with a half bathroom and cute mudroom space. Upstairs you have a front to back kitchen area with living room, an office (currently used as the 3rd bedroom) along with the second
Melissa McNamaraWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
