COHASSET /Fairoaks Lane
A place where newcomers can feel welcome

By MAUREEN MCCARTHY
For The Patriot LedgerArea: 10.06 square miles

POPULATION
2000: 7,261
2007: 7,525

Density: 763 res./square mile
Median age: 43
Median household income: $100,938

FINANCES
Tax rate: $10.50
Town budget: $35.3 million
Avg. water/sewer bill: $1,450

HOUSING
Median home price
2006: $815,000
2007: $713,750 (114 through Dec.)
Median condo price
2006: $446,700
2007: $481,000 (20 through Dec.)

SCHOOLS
Number of students: 1,489
Number of teachers: 103
H.S. grads to 4-yr. college: 78%
H.S. grads to 2-yr. college: 8%
Median SAT score (2006): 1,637

The McCann family was in search of their dream home – one that would accommodate their young family, offer a welcoming, child-friendly neighborhood and was nearby the commuter rail and the ocean. They found all they were looking for on Fairoaks Lane in Cohasset.

“I really like the small-town feel,” Brian McCann, 42, said.

Fairoaks Lane is off Sohier Street near Route 3A. Houses in this sought-after subdivision with only one entrance were built from 1965 to the early 1970s. Fifty-three homes line the street. Hip roof, Dutch and traditional New England colonials are in abundance, as are lush grounds, stone walls and intricate exterior detail.

Frank Neer, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker, said the quiet side street is highly desirable. “The area is always in demand because of its close proximity to shopping on 3A, (Cohasset) Village and schools,” he said. “Many families are drawn to this neighborhood because it is such a welcoming neighborhood. It is known for helping newcomers become acclimated.”

The McCanns, who lived on the North Shore, bought their new home in the summer. Since then, they have attended a neighborhood get-together in their honor, gone to the annual Oktoberfest block party and were part of the multi-home visit from Santa Claus two days before Christmas.

“The neighbors have been very helpful and welcoming,” McCann said. For example, a neighbor cleared their driveway of snow while they were away recently. “It isn’t something you expect to see anymore.”

Joe Nedrow, 71, and his wife, Ruth, 70, raised their three children here, have witnessed the transformation of their neighborhood during the past 31 years.

“It is just a great location because of its proximity to the school, swim center and the (South Shore) Music Circus,” Joe Nedrow said. “Families here feel so comfortable with their children playing in the neighborhood.”

The Deer Hill and Osgood Elementary schools are nearby on Sohier Street and the neighborhood is also within walking distance of the public library. Eateries, grocery, specialty shops and the commuter rail are minutes away, too.

Homes in this tranquil subdivision have sold upward of $1 million in recent years. Currently, a Dutch colonial is being listed for $980,000.

“What is nice about this street is that it is a family neighborhood and the families are cognizant of other children,” Nedrow said. “It is just a great place to live.”