ABINGTON /Ashland Street
A quiet, country setting near major roads

By TERI BORSETI
For The Patriot Ledger Area: 10.14 square miles

POPULATION
2000: 14,605
2007: 15,463

Density: 1,551 res./square mile
Median age: 38
Median household income: $65,527

FINANCES
Tax rate: $10.80
Town budget: $32 million
Avg. water/sewer bill: $700/year

HOUSING
Median home price
2006: $310,000
2007: $290,250 (112 through Nov.)
Median condo price
2006: $305,000
2007: $272,900 (61 through Nov.)

SCHOOLS
Number of students: 2,332
Number of teachers: 145
H.S. grads to 4-yr. college: 59%
H.S. grads to 2-yr. college: 26%
Median SAT score (2006): 1491

Locals think of Ashland Street as a shortcut between Routes 18 and 123. But a drive down Ashland is more like a trip down a country lane than a road connecting two busy routes.

Colonials, ranches and capes sit on large, well-landscaped lots, some with stone walls. Highfields Road is a horseshoe-shaped street off Ashland.

Together, they form a quiet setting for professionals, empty nesters, and some families new to the neighborhood.

"This neighborhood is starting to become new again. A few people here have high school kids, but I've seen quite a few families with babies and young children move in recently," said Eric Wilson of Trufant Realty, a resident of Highfields Road.

Wilson decided to build his colonial home six years ago when the last lot in the neighborhood came on the market. "It's kind of off the beaten path and quiet here. Lots average about a half-acre and houses are a good size," he said.

Vicky Suziedelis was living in Brockton 15 years ago and drove to Highfields Road to buy some day lilies from a neighbor well-known for hybrids. She saw a house that she fell in love with and bought it .

"My husband and I have always been in the teaching profession, and there are several teachers in this neighborhood. The town has an active garden club, we're right near the golf course and Peaceful Meadows (ice cream) is just down the street," said Suziedelis, who is considering moving back to Brockton now that her children are grown.

Wilson recently listed two houses in the neighborhood. One is a four-bedroom cape with a two-car garage, breezeway, pool and beautiful landscaping on Ashland Street, and the other is a four-bedroom colonial on Highfields Road. The broker said both homes are good representations of the neighborhood and priced at $499,500 and $479,500, respectively.

William Tuttle, a lawyer, has lived in the neighborhood since his now-grown sons were children. Tuttle, who has an office in town, said he enjoys being able to work from home some days.

"I don't know why people want to sell the house once the kids are gone. We plan to renovate and stay there and enjoy having the house to ourselves," Tuttle said.

Highfields Road residents have an annual block party as a way for newcomers and longtime residents to get to know each other, Tuttle said.

"It's the kind of place where people are friendly but private, and they look out for each other," he said.

Highfields Road has new sidewalks making it pedestrian friendly. Mature trees and shrubs nicely frame each house. The only cars that drive through the neighborhood belong to people who live there.

Ashland Street is busier.

The neighborhood is minutes away by car from shopping, churches, schools and the commuter rail station.

Strawberry Valley Golf Course is around the corner.

"We're very conveniently located, and it's easy to get to Route 3 or 24. Even 495 isn't that far away so no matter where you work it's manageable from here," Wilson said.