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Whitehead

Whitehead

Neighborhood in Hull, Massachusetts

Plymouth County 02045

$686,054 Average Value
$404 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Whitehead's beach living lies within commuting distance of Boston

Whitehead, a neighborhood at the southern end of Hull, offers a year-round beach lifestyle within commuting distance of Boston. “It’s one of the most affordable oceanfront communities in Massachusetts,” says Michelle Cooley, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has worked with Hull buyers for more than 10 years. “A vibrant year-round population lives there, and it’s become very attractive for retirees.” The town is one of the oldest settlements in Massachusetts, and before that, it was occupied by Native American tribes. Throughout the years, Whitehead has served as a home for fishermen as well as a haven for summer visitors who came to swim at Nantasket Beach and ride the wooden rollercoaster at Paragon Park. Though the park has long since closed, many Bostonians still make day trips down to relax on the beach, ride the carousel and eat at the many seasonal restaurants.

The Whitehead neighborhood is located at the southern end of Hull.
The Whitehead neighborhood is located at the southern end of Hull.
Residents of Whitehead can walk for miles along Natasket Beach.
Residents of Whitehead can walk for miles along Natasket Beach.
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Playing on Nantasket Beach and learning open water rowing

Whitehead residents spend a lot of their time enjoying the water. “On the ocean side, there are beautiful sunrises and surfing,” Cooley says. “On the bay side, the water is flatter, and you have views of the World’s End reserve in Hingham. The sunsets on the bay side are amazing — people are all out kayaking and paddleboarding.” Although Nantasket Beach has a public section with lifeguards, bathrooms and nearby ice cream stands, the majority of the miles-long sandy beach is set aside for town residents and their guests to use. Whitehead borders the more crowded, public area of the beach, but locals can purchase a beach pass and head a few blocks north to a quieter part of the shore. At Kenberma Park, adults meet for pickleball while kids explore the playground. The Hull Lifesaving Museum offers open water rowing lessons to middle and high school students throughout the school year. In summer, kids can strengthen their skills through safety training classes and additional rowing lessons. Residents can also drive around 4 miles to World’s End, where they can hike tree-lined paths through the 250-acre waterside reserve designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. When the summer crowds die down a little, locals venture over for a spin on the Paragon Carousel. It’s the last remaining ride from Paragon Park, an amusement park that drew millions of visitors each summer from 1910 to 1984.

Whitehead offers a year-round beach lifestyle within commuting distance of Boston.
Whitehead offers a year-round beach lifestyle within commuting distance of Boston.
Whitehead residents spend a lot of time enjoying the waters that surround the neighborhood.
Whitehead residents spend a lot of time enjoying the waters that surround the neighborhood.
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Harbor Illumination in honor of Hull's lifesavers

In addition to Hull’s allure as a summer destination, it has a long history and a growing reputation for art. One of the town’s most well-attended events is the Harbor Illumination, a fundraiser for the Hull Lifesaving Museum. In the 1800s and 1900s, volunteers would patrol the Hull Harbor and light flares whenever there was a ship in need of help. Lifesavers dressed in woolen coats and cork life vests would then rush out in boats to save those in need. Each July, the town gathers for the evening to remember these heroes as flares are lit all along the harbor. In October, the Hull Artists group hosts a craft show at the Hull Yacht Club. Each winter, the Hull Lifesaving Museum also transforms into an art museum, and in 2023, they received more than 200 entries to their exhibit. Rowers can compete in the annual Head of the Weir River Race, which takes place in Hull Bay in early October.

Whitehead residents can take tours of the Hull Lifesaving Museum.
Whitehead residents can take tours of the Hull Lifesaving Museum.
Children of Whitehead fall in love with reading at the local public library.
Children of Whitehead fall in love with reading at the local public library.
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Mid-1900s cottages and newer builds in Whitehead

Throughout the neighborhood, homes rest close together along the paved streets. The few hillside residences are surrounded by stone retaining walls in order to prevent erosion. Though some older houses have short foundations, the newer ones often have a primary level that is several feet above the ground. On the bay side, tall maples and picket fences lend a sense of privacy, but on the ocean side, the larger homes often take up more of the lot space. Most cars stay parked in driveways, though basketball nets sometimes take priority. Buyers may find some early to mid-1900s wood-sided bungalows, Dutch Colonials and cottages priced from around $500,000 to $850,000. There are also some more expansive, post 2000s homes outfitted with balconies to overlook the ocean and bay. These sometimes list between $1.8 and $1.9 million, but prices are on the rise as more people discover the area, Cooley says.

Large porches and decks of Whitehead homes are the perfect place to entertain family and guest.
Large porches and decks of Whitehead homes are the perfect place to entertain family and guest.
Newer contemporary homes have begun to spring up in the Whitehead neighborhood.
Newer contemporary homes have begun to spring up in the Whitehead neighborhood.
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Breakfast at Toast and shopping in Hingham

In the warmer months, the restaurants and ice cream shops along Nantasket Avenue are all open to serve the waves of tourists who come to the beach. Many of them put their shutters up in early fall, but a few remain open for the year-round population. A favorite breakfast spot among locals and visitors is Toast, about 1 mile from Whitehead. One of their specialties is burnt French toast, or French toast that has a caramelized sugar outer shell. Schooner’s, a long-standing staple, offers fried seafood, meatball subs and steaks throughout the winter. There are a few convenience stores within walking distance of the neighborhood, but most people head into Hingham for their weekly grocery trips, Cooley says. Stop & Shop, the Fresh Market and Trader Joe’s are on state Route 3A, around a 5-mile drive from Whitehead.

A favorite breakfast spot among locals and visitors is Toast, about 1 mile from Whitehead.
A favorite breakfast spot among locals and visitors is Toast, about 1 mile from Whitehead.
Residents of Whitehead travel 10 minutes to Hingham for larger retail stores.
Residents of Whitehead travel 10 minutes to Hingham for larger retail stores.
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Sunsets and cocktails during evening commutes by boat

Though the neighborhood is just 21 miles from Boston, during rush hour or on busy summer weekends, the trip can take well over an hour. One option for those who work in the city is to drive or take a Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority bus 3 miles to Hingham, where they can catch a MBTA commuter rail train into Boston. “Most people take the commuter boat. It gives you quick access to the city,” Cooley says. “On the way home, they serve cocktails, and sometimes you can watch the sunset.” Whitehead residents can catch the boats from the ferry terminals in Hull or Hingham, which are 4 and 5 miles away respectively. Though residents often go into Boston for scheduled medical appointments, in emergencies, patients can find closer care at the Level II Trauma Center in South Shore Hospital, about 11 miles from the neighborhood.

The Ferry makes for a scenic commute for Whitehead residents.
The Ferry makes for a scenic commute for Whitehead residents.
Public transportation makes it easy for Whitehead residents to get around the Neighborhood.
Public transportation makes it easy for Whitehead residents to get around the Neighborhood.
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Preparing for storms

Some of Whitehead’s homes have stood strong for more than 100 years, but flooding and storm damage are very real threats. Homeowners within the Special Flood Hazard Areas are advised to purchase flood insurance, and all owners should familiarize themselves with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recommendations for protecting their homes and families against storms.

Beachfront homes stand shoulder to shoulder in the Whitehead neighborhood.
Beachfront homes stand shoulder to shoulder in the Whitehead neighborhood.
Rough surf will wash buoys ashore and be repurposed as home decor in Whitehead homes.
Rough surf will wash buoys ashore and be repurposed as home decor in Whitehead homes.
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Hull Public Schools

Children who live in Whitehead year-round may attend Hull Public Schools, a district with fewer than 800 students and a B-plus Niche score. In 2024, the district tapered down from three schools — an elementary, middle and high — to just two. The B-rated Lillian M. Jacobs School now offers preschool through seventh grades, and busy working parents can take advantage of their before- and afterschool care program. From eighth through 12th grade, students can attend Hull High School, which receives a B-plus rating. Despite the school’s small size, students still have access to a range of extracurriculars, including theater, football and sailing. Some families send their children to nearby private schools, such as the A-rated South Shore Christian Academy in Weymouth.

Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School in Hull got a B- for diversity by Niche.
Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School in Hull got a B- for diversity by Niche.
Welcome to Hull Memorial Middle School.
Welcome to Hull Memorial Middle School.
Hull Students finish their academic studies at Hull High School.
Hull Students finish their academic studies at Hull High School.
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Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Shawn Miller
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Debi Hauer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

39 min drive

Bus

Nantasket Ave From Water St To Kenberma St (Flag)

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$640,000
Median Single Family Price
$649,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$404
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Months of Supply
5.30
Median List Price
$725,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
426
Median Year Built
1930
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,516
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,536
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
879
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
594
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,445

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    74 Kenberma St, Hull, MA 02045

    $625,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,521 Sq Ft
    • 74 Kenberma St
    • New 2 days ago

    Part way to the beach and part way to the bay, this Colonial style home is situated walking distance to both and conveniently to the center of town for all one's shopping needs. It features a welcoming front porch to relax or entertain family and friends. The living room is very spacious with a fireplace, the kitchen has butcher block counters and a quaint dining room off of it for every day or

    Andrea Cohen Charisma Realty, Inc.

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 12pm

    55 Whitehead Ave, Hull, MA 02045

    $649,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 2,241 Sq Ft
    • 55 Whitehead Ave

    HULL ON THE HILL=JUST HAD A HUGE PRICE CHANGE! Please take notice & Come View this Beautiful 5 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Corner Lot Colonial. Freshly Painted with some TLC still needed. But wait until you see the Amazing Views of the Water from Most of the Rooms in the House. Features include, a New Roof, an Eat in Kitchen, New Laminate Flooring in the Livingroom & Dinning room, Hardwood Floors, a

    Mark Maraglia EXIT Premier Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 2pm

    17 Whitehead Ave, Hull, MA 02045

    $875,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,337 Sq Ft
    • 17 Whitehead Ave

    NO FLOOD INSURANCE NEEDED! Fabulous Property! Walk to the beach, sit out on the porch or sit on the deck or sit in the yard all have excellent views of the ocean and bay. This beauty has 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, one bath has a large spa tub in it. This home is in a lovely well sought after neighborhood. The large eat in Kitchen has newer appliances, the dining room has an 8-foot picture

    Virginia Mills Conway - Hull

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Debi Hauer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,081
Median Age
54
Population under 18
14.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$125,980
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$152,641

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.9%
% Population in Labor Force
70.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

37 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

68 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Whitehead