ABINGTON /Martin, Isabelle, Allen Streets
A family friendly haven for first-time buyers

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

Developed in the early 1950s as a place where World War II veterans could raise families, it has become a haven for first-time home buyers looking for affordable properties in which to raise a new generation.

The neighborhood off Route 123 that includes Martin, Isabelle and Allen streets is a flat, bicycle-friendly area near the Brockton line. Many houses have taken on a look of their own thanks to additions that include garages, screened porches, kitchens, bedrooms and even some second floors.

Kendra and Phil Delcore grew up in Abington, and Phil grew up in the house where he now lives with his wife and their two young sons.

“We’ve lived here for about eight years and because my husband grew up here, we know several of our neighbors,” Kendra said. “Some are original owners and others, like us, have bought their homes from their parents.”

The couple’s house was built as a ranch but now has a second floor built by Phil’s parents years ago.

The Delcores say they love living in the family-oriented neighborhood.

“There’s a park just one street over that the kids love,” Kendra said. “When they get a little older, they’ll even be able to walk over there by themselves.”

Dennis Connolly of Allen Street and his family moved into their ranch home in 1998. Connolly, who grew up in Dorchester , said he likes having a yard and a few trees.

Yards in the neighborhood average about 5,000 square feet, so yard work is manageable.

“There are quite a few kids here that range in age from 4 to 14 and they all play together. It’s great. And the schools are good too. I have one in the Abington public school system and one at St. Bridget’s and both are picked up by a school bus,” Connolly said.

House prices in the neighborhood have held up pretty well despite the hard economic times, Connolly said.

“We paid $137,500 for the house, and shortly after we moved in, the value rose considerably. Now, even though so many houses have lost their value, this house is still worth $230,000 to $250,000. So I’m still ahead of the game.”

Suzan Galpin of Molisse Realty Group in Hanover said a 700-square-foot house on Isabele Street is for sale. “It’s a great first-time buyer house and neighborhood. The average price for a starter home is $230,000 to $260,000 across the boards and that one is listed at $260,000 .... Houses on the perimeter of that neighborhood back up to woods, so it’s pretty private,” she said.

Glenna Goodnow of Century 21 Tullish and Clancy Real Estate in Weymouth said “The neighborhood is still a great place for first time buyers and young families to find a house with prices starting at about $230,000. I currently have a three bedroom ranch house there that’s under agreement for $238,000. Most of the houses were built small but many have been changed or added on to. It’s also very convenient to the commuter train station making it easy for those who work in Boston,” Goodnow said. The neighborhood is also within walking distance of public transportation.