Norwell, MA. History
The town of Norwell is a suburb of Boston, MA. located approximately 20 miles south of it and along the North River, originally settled in 1636 as part of Scituate. It was officially created in 1849 and soon became known as South Scituate. The town changed its name by a vote to Norwell in 1888 after Henry Norwell, a dry goods merchant who provided funds for the maintenance of the town roads. Building ships was the major industry in the 18th through the early 19th centuries, and some of the finest ships ever crafted were made there, including the Columbia, which was the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe.
Norwell, MA. Today
Today, Norwell is rated the #1 best place to live in Plymouth County, and one of the best places to live in all of Massachusetts. The population is 10,987 and the average home is valued at well over half a million dollars, at $615,700 and with a whopping 93% of residents owning their own home. Norwell is an upper middle class community. Its high level of public services, amenities and geographical location have made it an attractive place to live for professional families. Its highly ranked school system is one reason many move to Norwell. There are a number of recreational areas throughout the Town offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Norwell, MA. Business
Norwell, MA. business today is outstanding, with healthcare as one of the leading industries. One of the largest employers in Norwell is South Shore Medical Center, at Longwater Place. The other largest employer is Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services. This company offers a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Another place worth mentioning is EOS CCA, in the clothing, fashion and textiles industry, also a large employer in Norwell, MA. The average person’s median annual income is $151,306, above the national average by nearly 3 times.
Other Facts About Norwell, MA.
42% of the residents in Norwell, MA. are aged 18-54, and 29% are age 55 and over. And amazingly, 84% of all adults have a college education and only 3% do not have a high school diploma. This correlates with the fact that there are some excellent schools in Norwell, including Norwell Middle School, Norwell High School and Grace Farrar Cole Elementary School. Norwell has invested millions of dollars in paved pathways and boardwalks that now connect the high school and middle school that ultimately lead to the center of town and Gaffield Park. There is little crime in Norwell, no murder or robberies to speak of and low averages annually of other crimes, the highest rating being simple theft. Norwell, Massachusetts is known for its rural charm dotted with country roads, an active dairy farm, corn fields and ball fields makes people feel like they are far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family, find seclusion and enjoy life and the outdoors.