Cohasset, MA, is a small but highly sought-after town on Boston’s South Shore. Located about 15 miles south of the city, this coastal community blends natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities. With a population of under 8,500 residents, Cohasset offers a tight-knit feel while still being accessible to the energy of Boston. Families, professionals, and retirees alike are drawn to its neighborhoods, each offering something unique. From family-friendly enclaves to luxury oceanfront estates, Cohasset’s neighborhoods highlight the variety and appeal of this seaside town.
Best Neighborhoods
Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks is one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Cohasset. It contains 51 homes arranged in a large loop with only one entrance and exit via Sawyer Street, making it free of through traffic and safe for children to play and bike outside. The homes are primarily Colonial-style properties with three to four bedrooms, and some feature five bedrooms. Spaced generously with both front and backyards, these homes provide ample room for families to grow without needing to upsize. Community traditions, including block parties and Halloween gatherings, are part of the neighborhood’s appeal, and turnover is very low, with only two to three sales per year. Recent home sales have ranged between $1.2 million and $2 million, with the highest recorded sale reaching $2 million in 2025. Proximity to Route 3A, downtown Cohasset, local schools, and the Music Circus further enhance Fair Oaks’ reputation as a long-term neighborhood of choice.
The Estates at Cohasset
The Estates at Cohasset is a newer, upscale neighborhood built primarily by Toll Brothers around 2014 and 2015. The development consists of 42 homes in total, including 41 new builds and one original property. Streets such as Walnut Hill Lane, Hemlock Way, Orchard Drive, and Hickory Circle wind through the community, which was carefully landscaped with mature trees and inviting entrances. The homes offer between two and four bedrooms, and several feature backyard pools. Initially sold in the $900,000 to low $1 million range, homes in the Estates have seen remarkable appreciation, with a recent listing at $2.35 million at the time of recording. The neighborhood is popular with families, and on weekends children are often seen riding bikes and visiting friends. A former cut-through road to Route 3A was closed to prevent speeding traffic, preserving its quiet, residential feel. Located just off Beechwood Street and minutes from downtown, the Estates at Cohasset also benefit from nearby grocery stores and amenities, making it both convenient and exclusive.
Premium Coastal Areas
Jerusalem Road
Jerusalem Road is one of Cohasset’s most scenic and prestigious addresses. Known for its oceanfront views, this stretch begins at Black Rock Beach and winds along the coastline. With 161 homes carrying a Jerusalem Road address, the area offers a mix of longtime residences, renovated properties, and new builds, many with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. Some homes even have private beaches of their own. In 2024, only six sales took place, averaging $2.8 million, highlighting both the exclusivity and the high value of real estate here. The beauty of the route, with its dramatic vistas and proximity to Minot Lighthouse in the distance, makes it one of the most desirable parts of Cohasset.
Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic Avenue connects seamlessly with Jerusalem Road and continues the tradition of Cohasset’s coastal luxury. This address is home to 58 properties, with notable sales activity documented in recent years. In 2024, one home sold for $1.3 million, while in 2023 three homes sold with an average price of $2.75 million. Many homes along Atlantic Avenue have commanding ocean views on one side and Inner Harbor views on the other, creating a rare blend of maritime scenery. In addition, several properties feature private paths to Sandy Cove, a smaller private beach distinct from Sandy Beach. Together, Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Avenue showcase the town’s premier coastal living, offering residents not only breathtaking views but also proximity to the heart of downtown.
Sandy Beach and Sandy Cove
Sandy Beach is one of Cohasset’s most treasured assets. This private town beach is open only to residents who hold a parking sticker, ensuring a relaxed and community-oriented atmosphere. The beach features a snack shack, bathrooms, and lifeguard coverage during the summer season, making it a favorite spot for families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In contrast, Sandy Cove is a smaller and more secluded private beach that can be accessed directly by some Atlantic Avenue homeowners. Together, these beaches highlight the exceptional coastal lifestyle available to Cohasset residents.
Downtown & Harbor Lifestyle
Downtown Village
Downtown Cohasset, often referred to as the Village, is a walkable and charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural amenities. Restaurants and cafes such as Seabird Coffee, Five South Main, Beia, Atlantic Bagel, French Memories, Salty Days, Peel Pizza, and Lenny’s Hideaway create a diverse dining scene. The Barrel serves as a general store with a deli and candy section, while the Red Lion Inn operates as a restaurant, hotel, and wedding venue. Seasonal attractions such as the Split Rock beer garden and the Music Circus add to the appeal. Together, these amenities contribute to a thriving community center that combines history, culture, and convenience.
The Harbor and New Developments
Cohasset’s harbor area has seen significant investment in recent years. The Harbor at Cohasset condominiums introduced new housing options with underground parking and a pool, while the forthcoming Cohasset Wharf project promises to bring restaurants, shops, and public dock access. The Cohasset Sailing Club adds to the maritime character, offering sailing lessons and dock space for boats. Local traditions, including bridge jumping at the inner harbor during summer tides, reflect the community spirit and seaside culture. These additions and activities ensure that the harbor remains both a residential and recreational focal point for the town.
Cohasset Overview
The neighborhoods and areas highlighted here reflect the diversity of Cohasset, MA. The town combines quiet, family-oriented enclaves like Fair Oaks with luxury new builds such as the Estates at Cohasset, alongside historic and scenic stretches like Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Avenue. With private beaches such as Sandy Beach and Sandy Cove, and a lively downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and cultural amenities, Cohasset presents a variety of living options within a small coastal community. Commute options to Boston, including the Greenbush commuter rail line and the Hingham Shipyard ferry, make the town accessible for professionals, while its highly rated schools and active community life appeal to families.
A Town with Lasting Appeal
Cohasset’s neighborhoods each contribute to the town’s enduring reputation as one of the South Shore’s most desirable places to live. Whether the goal is raising a family in a safe and friendly setting, enjoying luxury waterfront living, or experiencing the balance of small-town charm and modern amenities, Cohasset offers it all. The town’s blend of community traditions, coastal beauty, and accessible location ensures that each neighborhood has lasting value for current and future homeowners.
Find Your Home in Cohasset
For anyone considering buying or selling in Cohasset, MA, the time to act is now. The market shows both strong demand and appreciation across neighborhoods, from Fair Oaks to Atlantic Avenue. With a professional real estate partner like Benjamin Lincoln Real Estate, navigating this process becomes straightforward and rewarding. Whether seeking a family-friendly enclave or a luxury coastal property, Benjamin can help clients make informed decisions and secure their dream home in Cohasset.