📍 Location & Geography
Norwell is a charming town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated on the South Shore of the state, approximately 20 miles southeast of Boston. Norwell covers a total area of 21.2 square miles, of which 20.9 square miles is land, and 0.3 square miles is water. The town is surrounded by several bodies of water including the North River on the east and several smaller streams and brooks.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Norwell, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1615° N latitude and 70.7928° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Norwell is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located within Plymouth County, which is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is surrounded by other Massachusetts communities, including Hanover to the west, Pembroke to the south, Marshfield to the southeast, and Scituate to the northeast.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Norwell had a population of approximately 10,506. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of the population being of Asian, African American, and Hispanic or Latino origin. The median age in Norwell is around 44 years, and the town has a slightly higher female to male ratio.
🏛️ History
Norwell was first settled in 1634 as a part of the settlement of Satuit (later Scituate), which encompassed present-day Scituate and Norwell. It was officially created, in 1849, from the eastern part of Scituate and was originally named South Scituate. The town changed its name to Norwell in 1888, after Henry Norwell, a dry goods merchant who provided funds for the maintenance of the town roads. Over the years, Norwell has maintained its rural charm while also developing into a thriving residential community.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Norwell is known for its scenic beauty, with numerous parks, trails, and open spaces. The town is home to the Norris Reservation, a 129-acre nature reserve that offers walking trails, a boathouse, and views of the North River. The town is also part of the South Shore Natural Science Center, which focuses on the ecology of the region. Norwell’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its active Conservation Commission and numerous preservation initiatives.
🏫 Education
Education in Norwell is managed by the Norwell Public Schools district, which operates four schools: Vinal Elementary School, Cole Elementary School, Norwell Middle School, and Norwell High School. The town is known for its strong educational programs, with Norwell High School frequently ranking among the top public high schools in the state. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Norwell is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 3 (a major north-south highway) passing through the eastern part of the town. The town is also served by Route 123 and Route 53. Public transportation is provided by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), which operates bus services in the area. The nearest airport is Boston’s Logan International Airport, approximately 25 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Norwell is home to the South Shore Music Circus, a popular venue for concerts and other performances. The town also hosts several annual events, such as the Norwell Summer Fest, a street fair that features food, music, and activities for all ages. Trivia lovers might be interested to know that Norwell is the birthplace of Abigail Adams, the wife of President John Adams and mother of President John Quincy Adams.