Explore South Shore Massachusetts Real Estate

The South Shore is the coastal area south of Boston, and people draw its edges in different places. This guide focuses on Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate, three neighboring harbor towns. Hingham and Scituate are in Plymouth County, and Cohasset is in Norfolk County, so the county records, registries of deeds, and some services differ even though the towns sit side by side.

Each town has a different feel. Hingham is the largest and the most closely tied to Boston by ferry and rail. Cohasset is the smallest, with a rocky coastline and a village center. Scituate is a working harbor town with a long coastline and its own commuter rail stops.

Commuting often decides the search. The Greenbush Line serves Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate, and Hingham also has a commuter ferry. Ask where the nearest station or terminal is for any home you consider, and check the current schedule.

Ferry. The MBTA commuter ferry runs from the Hingham Ferry Terminal at Hewitt’s Cove to Boston, with service to Rowes Wharf and Long Wharf. Trips take about 35 minutes. Some boats also stop in Hull, so check the schedule for the one you want.

Commuter rail. The Greenbush Line runs from South Station through Quincy, Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate. Scituate to South Station takes about an hour, and the Nantasket Junction station in Hingham is about 39 minutes from South Station.

Driving. Route 3 and the Southeast Expressway connect the South Shore to Boston. Drive times depend heavily on traffic, so test the route at the times you would travel.

World’s End, Hingham. A 251-acre peninsula with about 4.5 miles of walking paths, managed by The Trustees of Reservations. See The Trustees.

Old Scituate Light. A lighthouse on Cedar Point at the entrance to Scituate Harbor, completed in 1811. See the Scituate Historical Society.

The Red Lion Inn, Cohasset. A historic inn on Main Street that has operated since 1704.

Dining, shopping, and school options vary by town, so ask our advisors about the areas you are considering, and confirm school assignments directly with each town’s school district.

Listing sites show price and photos. On the South Shore, a few other points often decide whether a property works.

Know the county. Hingham and Scituate are in Plymouth County and Cohasset is in Norfolk County, so records and registry filings differ. Ask your attorney which registry applies.

Check the commute for the exact address. The ferry, the Greenbush Line, and the highways each serve different parts of each town. Find the nearest terminal or station and test the trip.

Check septic and sewer. Ask whether a property is on town sewer or a private septic system. Massachusetts requires a septic inspection when a property with a septic system is sold.

Check coastal risk. Look at flood maps, erosion history, and insurance costs for any shoreline or low-lying property.

Confirm schools directly. Each town runs its own public schools, so confirm assignments and current performance data with the district.

Ask about private opportunities. Some properties sell privately before they reach public listings. Our Cohasset office and Boston advisors can tell you what is available now.

Local Market Authority

Corcoran Property Advisors

Boston & Cohasset Real Estate Advisors

Corcoran Property Advisors serves clients throughout the greater Boston area from a flagship office on Newbury Street and a second office in Cohasset on the South Shore. Our advisors can talk through the South Shore towns, commutes, and current opportunities.

Cohasset office: 17 South Main St, Cohasset, MA 02025 | Boston office: 14 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 | Phone: (617) 203-2005