WHITMAN / Pine Haven Drive
Quiet, family-oriented and convenient to stores

By TERI BORSETI
For The Patriot Ledger Area: 6.98 sq. mi.

POPULATION
2000: 13,882
2007: 14,072

Density: 2,100 res./square mile
Median age: 35
Median household income: $61,806

FINANCES
Tax rate: $10.74
Town budget: $27.8 million
Average water-sewer bill: $460-$500/year

HOUSING
Median home price (# sales)
2007: $301,825 (86)
2008: $250,000 (9 through March)
Median condo price
2007: $278,000 (23)
2008: $236,000 (3 through March)

SCHOOLS
Number of students: 4,372
Number of teachers: 273 H.S. grads to 4-yr. college: 54%
H.S. grads to 2-yr. college: 27%
Median SAT score (2006): 1466

The Pine Haven Drive neighborhood in southernmost Whitman is within walking distance of busy Route 18 and its many stores, but residents say you would never know it. The residential area – which also includes Woodlawn Circle, Windsor Terrace and Pine Circle – is quiet.

The neighborhood was developed in the 1950s and was first settled mostly by World War II veterans and their families. Most homes are ranches, but many now have additions including breezeways, sunrooms and second floors.

Realtors say the area is among the more affordable in the region and a great place for first-time buyers.

“Houses in that area range from $230,000 to $275,000 and most are in very good shape and have been well maintained,” said Doug Crane of Jack Conway Realty in Whitman.

Sally Wilson left nearby East Bridgewater nine years ago and bought a house on Pine Haven Drive. Wilson volunteers in the gift shop at the elderly housing complex at the end of her street. She walks there every day.

“I enjoy being able to walk to work or to CVS. This is such a nice neighborhood. There are still a few of the original owners living here, but it’s a nice mix of families, retirees and young couples,” Wilson said.

Marianne Lyons has lived four year in her home on Woodlawn Circle. She just had a baby.

“It’s always seemed very friendly here, and while walking our dog, we’ve gotten to know other people who have dogs. But I think with the baby I’ll probably get to know many more of my neighbors now,” she said.

Lyons’ 5-month-old daughter will have a wooded half acre to run around on as most of the homes have spacious backyards.

Colorful ornamental trees and shrubs brighten the streets which are flat and good for walking and biking. The only traffic if from neighborhood residents.

At the end of Pinehaven Drive, a cul de sac leads to the Harvard Court-Stetson Terrace which was built in 1987.

Sam Jones has lived in the pet-friendly complex for eight years and loves it there (residents must be 62 or older to move in). Jones has nerve damage that makes walking difficult, but in his battery-operated mobile chair he drives all the way to Whitman Center.

“This is a friendly neighborhood in both the senior complex and in the residential part. I’m very happy here,” he said.

The neighborhood is convenient to Routes 18, 14, and 27, which lead to Routes 3 and 24. It is also relatively close to Whitman Center and Whitman Town Park, which is currently being restored. The commuter train is also nearby.

See more Neighborhood stories at http://tinyurl.com/patriotledger-neighborhoods.