South Shore Relocation Guide for Boston Homebuyers: Best Towns, Homes & Commute Tips

South Shore Relocation Guide: From The City To The Burbs

If you're thinking about trading in your Boston brownstone for a backyard and some breathing room, you're not alone. Every year, more homebuyers are making the move from the city to the South Shore in search of space, affordability, and a lifestyle that still keeps them close to everything they love about Greater Boston.

Whether you’re looking for better schools, a quieter neighborhood, or simply a driveway you don’t have to parallel park into, this guide is here to help you navigate your move.

Why the South Shore?

The South Shore stretches from Quincy down through Plymouth County, offering a mix of charming seaside towns, suburban neighborhoods, and rural retreats. It's ideal for Boston buyers who want:

• More square footage without doubling their budget

• Outdoor space for kids, pets, or entertaining

• Access to beaches, trails, and nature

• Top-rated public schools and family-friendly communities

• Commuter options via the Red Line, commuter rail, or Route 3

What Kind of Home Can You Get?

In Boston, $800K might get you a 1-bedroom condo. In towns like Weymouth, Hanover, or Pembroke, that same budget could land you a 3-4 bedroom single-family home with a yard, garage, and maybe even a pool.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what buyers are getting in popular South Shore towns:

Source: MLS PIN data, 2025 YTD

Featured Listings by Town

Here are a few (affordable!) active listings you can explore right now:

Quincy

• Hamilton Bay Condo – $460,000: 2 beds, 2 baths with elevator, pool, and tennis.

Hingham

• Historic Commercial/Investment Property – $750,000: In the heart of downtown Hingham—mixed use or retail/investment opportunity.

Weymouth

• Classic Colonial on Beals St – $749,999: 3 beds, 3 baths with porch, fenced yard, and home office.

• Union Point Condo at Woodstone Crossing – $549,900: 2 beds, 2 baths with elevator, garage, and modern amenities.

Listings sourced from StephCrawfordGroup.com. Availability subject to change.

What’s the Commute Like?

Commuting from the South Shore to Boston is easier than many expect. Most towns offer:

• Commuter rail service into South Station (Greenbush, Kingston, and Middleborough lines)

• Red Line access (Quincy, Braintree, and beyond)

• Ferries from Hingham and Hull for a scenic start to your workday

• Route 3 + I-93 for drivers heading into the city or suburbs

Working hybrid or remote? Even better—you’ll get more space while commuting only a few days a week.

Which Town Is Right for You?

Each South Shore town has its own personality. Here are a few standouts:

• Quincy: Urban-suburban feel, T-accessible, lots of restaurants and development

• Hingham: Historic, upscale, great schools, coastal charm

• Weymouth: Affordable, diverse, and central—great bang for your buck

• Scituate: Seaside living, strong community vibe, great for summer lovers

• Hanover: Newer homes, family-focused, strong school system

• Plymouth: Coastal, historic, and growing quickly—lots of new construction

Things to Know Before You Move

• Septic systems are common the further south you go—make sure your agent knows how to navigate Title V inspections

• Property taxes vary widely—ask for a full breakdown of ongoing costs

• School ratings can impact resale—even if you don’t have kids

• Flood zones can affect insurance premiums—especially in coastal towns

Ready to Explore the South Shore?

If you’re thinking about leaving the city but don’t want to lose access to everything Boston offers, the South Shore might be the perfect next chapter.

With deep knowledge of both the city and the suburbs, our team can help you find the right town, right home, and right price for your move.

Contact Steph Crawford Group to start your South Shore search!