Every week we take a look at a different neighborhood southeastern Massachusetts.

Maureen McCarthy / For The Patriot Ledger

Maureen Ford-Connolly grew up on the South Shore and was familiar with the town of Norwell and its picturesque beauty.

During her family’s home search in 2014, Maureen’s husband came across a listing for a Colonial on Hemlock Drive – a dual entrance, U-shaped neighborhood off Lincoln Street. Because of their familiarity with the area, the couple quickly viewed the property.

Although the home needed some work, the Ford-Connolly family weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and update.

“We jumped at the chance to get into a great neighborhood and purchase a home at an affordable price,” said Ford-Connolly. “Our house needed a lot of work but we knew it had great potential.”

Soon after move-in, the exterior updates and interior remodeling began.

“The plus of buying an older home that hadn’t been updated since it was built in the ’70s, was we were able to put our own stamp on it by changing the foot print, updating the bathrooms and more.”

Hemlock Drive is home to wooded landscapes and nearly 40 Colonials, Capes and split ranches. Each property is well back from the street, offering a touch of privacy. The neighborhood features lots of kids at play and outdoor activity.

“Hemlock is a great street to be on since it’s one where kids can play outside and run around the neighborhood,” Ford-Connolly said. “It’s also a great neighborhood for walking and being outdoors.”

According to Tracey Knox, a realtor with Coldwell Banker, one of the selling point of Hemlock Drive is its proximity to the center of town and commuter options. “It’s a good commuter location with easy access to the highway and the Greenbush commuter rail in Scituate.”

Homes on Hemlock Drive are valued between $500,000 to the mid-$600,000s, Knox said.

The town of Norwell is nestled along the North River and home to hundreds of acres of protected and town-owned open space – including Jacobs Pond, Valley Swamp and Stetson Meadows Conservation Land, Albert F. Norris Reservation and Black Pond Natural Preserve.

“The [walking] paths are really nice for walking … the best part of Norwell,” Ford-Connolly said.

Beyond Norwell’s rural appeal, grocers, restaurants, gas stations, banking, a pharmacy and athletic centers are only minutes away. Exit 14 off Route 3 is only four miles away.

Looking back on their home search and their decision to buy on Hemlock Drive, Ford-Connolly said she and her family couldn’t be happier with the place they call home.

“The neighborhood was a great selling point when deciding on placing an offer,” Ford-Connolly said. “It’s a perfect street to raise a family and we are very happy here.”

ON THE MARKET IN NORWELL

READ ABOUT MORE NEIGHBORHOODS