Choosing between Cohasset and Hingham can feel like deciding between two great versions of coastal New England living. You want walkable charm, water access, and a smooth commute to Boston, plus a home that fits your budget and lifestyle. The good news is that both towns deliver, just in different ways. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, side‑by‑side look at lifestyle, housing, commute options, and what to expect in each market so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Cohasset vs. Hingham at a glance
| Category | Cohasset | Hingham |
|---|---|---|
| Village feel | Compact coastal village near the harbor with independent shops and historic homes | Multiple hubs: Hingham Center, downtown, and the Shipyard waterfront district |
| Waterfront access | Cohasset Harbor, yacht clubs, and oceanfront neighborhoods | Hingham Harbor, Shipyard marinas, and mixed‑use waterfront |
| Recreation | Sailing, small marinas, coastal trails, seasonal harbor events | Year‑round programs, waterfront activity, nearby Trustees properties like Worlds End |
| Typical home types | Historic colonials, shingle‑style homes, seaside estates, limited condos | Historic homes, mid‑century houses, new subdivisions, robust condo and townhouse options |
| Commute options | MBTA Greenbush Line from Cohasset station to South Station | MBTA ferry from Hingham Shipyard to Boston plus proximity to nearby Greenbush stations |
| Price and inventory | Generally higher median prices and tighter single‑family inventory | Wider price range and more options, including condos and townhomes |
| Community rhythm | Quieter off‑season with seasonal coastal events | Larger, more varied town life with consistent year‑round activity |
Note: Always verify current market stats and MBTA schedules before you decide. Start with the MBTA Greenbush Line timetable and the MBTA ferry schedules.
Lifestyle and village character
Cohasset’s coastal village charm
You get a classic New England harbor town feel in Cohasset. The village center clusters around Cohasset Harbor with independent shops, restaurants, and small marinas. Historic homes frame the green and side streets, giving you a walkable, intimate setting that feels distinctly seaside.
Seasonally, the harbor comes alive with regattas and community events. Off‑season, the pace is calmer, which many second‑home owners and hybrid workers love.
Hingham’s hubs and everyday convenience
Hingham offers more than one center of gravity. Hingham Center has the traditional town green and shops. Downtown adds historic character and dining. The Shipyard brings a modern waterfront district with restaurants, retail, and condos in a mixed‑use setting.
You also have broader shopping nearby, including national retail in surrounding corridors. If you prefer year‑round activity and more dining choices, Hingham’s setup often feels easier day to day.
Waterfront and recreation
Harbors and marinas
Cohasset Harbor supports a tight boating community with private moorings and yacht clubs. Many waterfront neighborhoods have direct harbor or ocean access, which is a major draw if you plan to spend a lot of time on the water.
Hingham Harbor and the Shipyard area offer larger marina infrastructure with slips. If you want a marina lifestyle with immediate access to dining and the ferry, the Shipyard is a practical base.
Beaches, parks, and trails
Both towns give you coastal beaches and walking paths. In Hingham, Worlds End is a standout for sweeping harbor views and easy trails. You can check current access and parking at the Trustees page for Worlds End.
Cohasset and Hingham both offer family‑friendly outdoor options, sailing programs, and spots to launch kayaks or paddleboards. You can expect an active, outdoors‑forward lifestyle either way.
Boating and moorings
If boating is central to your decision, compare mooring and slip availability in each town. Start your research with the Town of Cohasset and Town of Hingham websites. For department contacts, rules, and permitting, visit the Town of Cohasset and the Town of Hingham.
For oceanfront properties, plan early for winter storage and service needs. Marina capacity and waitlists can affect your first season on the water.
Housing and market dynamics
Home types and architecture
In Cohasset, you’ll see historic colonials, shingle‑style seaside homes, and a number of prominent waterfront estates. Many lots are larger and homes show that classic coastal architecture buyers move for. Condo choices are more limited compared to Hingham.
Hingham’s housing stock spans historic center homes, mid‑century houses, newer subdivisions, and a healthy mix of condos and townhomes. The Shipyard and nearby corridors add modern, low‑maintenance options that appeal to commuters and downsizers.
Prices and inventory
A common pattern holds: Cohasset usually carries a higher median price for single‑family homes, especially near the harbor and along the water. Inventory has been tight in both towns through the 2020s, with Cohasset’s waterfront supply especially constrained.
Hingham tends to offer more price variety. Entry points are sometimes more accessible through condos and smaller single‑family homes, with higher‑end options available along the waterfront and in established neighborhoods.
Taxes, insurance, and coastal due diligence
Property taxes in both towns are consistent with affluent Boston suburbs and will vary based on assessed value and exemptions. If you are evaluating homes near the coast, include a flood risk review early. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to check zones and potential insurance needs at the FEMA map portal. Factor in premiums for ocean‑exposed properties, plus routine coastal maintenance like landscaping, storm prep, and potential HOA or condo fees.
Commuting to Boston
Cohasset’s commuter rail
Cohasset has a station on the MBTA Greenbush commuter rail line with service to South Station. Depending on the schedule, you can expect roughly 35 to 50 minutes on the train. Verify current times and parking rules using the MBTA Greenbush Line timetable.
Hingham’s ferry advantage
From Hingham Shipyard, the MBTA ferry runs to Boston’s waterfront. Typical trip times are about 20 to 30 minutes on the water, depending on the route and schedule. It is a scenic, straightforward option if your office is near downtown or the waterfront. Check the latest service and seasonality on the MBTA ferry schedules.
Driving and airport access
Both towns connect to Boston via Route 3 and 3A. Drive times vary with traffic, and peak hours can extend into 45 to 60 minutes or more. Logan Airport is reachable by car or by combining ferry or rail with subway connections, depending on your flight time and weather.
Remote and hybrid realities
If you are in the office two or three days a week, weigh the feel of each commute as much as the minutes. Some buyers value the ferry’s predictable routine and easy walk from the Shipyard. Others prefer Cohasset’s direct rail link to South Station. Try both during your search to see what fits your rhythm.
Neighborhood spotlights
Cohasset Village and Harbor
Near the green and Cohasset Harbor, you will find historic homes, boutique retailers, and a walkable, small‑town feel. Harbor‑adjacent streets bring you close to marinas and seasonal events. If you want a classic coastal village experience, this is a top area to consider.
Other Cohasset neighborhoods
Beyond the village, you will see larger lots, shingle‑style homes, and ocean‑adjacent streets that combine privacy with coastal access. Inventory is limited at any given time, so be ready to move when the right fit appears.
Hingham Center and downtown
Hingham Center offers the town green, local shops, and historic properties with New England character. Downtown adds dining and services, making daily errands straightforward.
Hingham Shipyard lifestyle
The Shipyard blends waterfront living with restaurants, retail, marinas, and the ferry. Condos and townhomes here minimize exterior maintenance. If you want convenience and direct ferry access, it is a strong match.
South Hingham
In South Hingham, you will find a suburban mix of mid‑century homes and newer subdivisions with larger lots. It is a practical base for buyers who want space and quick access to regional shopping and highways.
Schools and education context
Both Cohasset and Hingham operate well‑regarded public school systems with a range of programs. For performance data, enrollment, and district profiles, review the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at the DESE school profiles. Private and parochial options are available in nearby towns and Boston.
How to decide: simple decision frame
- Choose Cohasset if you want a compact harbor village, historic seaside character, and a direct rail link to South Station. Be prepared for higher median prices and a tighter waterfront inventory.
- Choose Hingham if you want more housing variety, a modern waterfront district at the Shipyard, and a ferry option to Boston. You will typically find more choices at different price points, including condos.
A practical home search checklist
- Test your commute. Ride the Greenbush Line from Cohasset and the Hingham ferry during typical work hours.
- Walk the villages. Visit Cohasset Village, Hingham Center, and the Shipyard to compare daily convenience and vibe.
- Review flood maps early. Check your target addresses in the FEMA flood map portal and get insurance quotes.
- Explore recreation. Hike Worlds End via the Trustees page and visit local beaches and marinas.
- Compare school information. Use the DESE profiles to review programs and performance.
- Align budget with inventory. Expect tighter supply near Cohasset Harbor and wider price bands in Hingham, including condos and townhomes.
- Confirm local rules. Use the Town of Cohasset and Town of Hingham sites for permits, parking, and harbor policies.
Ready to tour with local guidance
If you are deciding between Cohasset and Hingham, you deserve clear, tailored advice. The Doran Hall Team pairs deep South Shore roots with a high‑touch, concierge approach to help you weigh tradeoffs, shortlist neighborhoods, and secure the right home. From commute test runs to flood and insurance checks, we coordinate the details so you can move with confidence.
If you are ready to compare properties or list a home, reach out to the Doran Hall Team to start a focused plan.
FAQs
Which town is better for daily commuting to Boston?
- It depends on your route. Cohasset’s Greenbush Line goes to South Station, while Hingham’s ferry serves Boston’s waterfront; try both to see which fits your schedule and destination.
Where will I find more affordable options between the two?
- Hingham typically has a wider range of price points, including condos and smaller single‑family homes, while Cohasset often has higher single‑family medians near the water.
How do the school systems compare in Cohasset and Hingham?
- Both are well‑regarded public school districts; review programs, enrollment, and performance at the Massachusetts DESE profiles to match your priorities.
What should I know about flood risk and insurance near the coast?
- Many waterfront parcels fall in FEMA flood zones and may require additional insurance; check addresses on the FEMA map portal and get quotes early in your search.
Which town is better for boating and marina access?
- Both are strong; Cohasset has a close‑knit harbor community, and Hingham offers larger Shipyard marinas with more slips; verify mooring and slip availability with each town’s harbor authorities.
