Wollaston, Quincy MA: Neighborhood Guide, Home Prices and What It's Like to Live There (2026)
Wollaston is a Quincy, MA neighborhood known for Wollaston Beach, its Red Line stop, and easy Boston access.
Quick facts about Wollaston
| ZIP code | 02170 |
|---|---|
| Nearest Red Line stop | Wollaston Red Line, about 25 minutes to Park Street |
| Recent median sale price | $759,736 for all home types, three months ending June 2026 |
| Price source | Redfin, based on MLS and/or public records, retrieved November 12, 2026 |
| Single-family and condo medians | Not reported separately in the cited neighborhood extract |
| Schools | Wollaston Elementary School is listed by Quincy Public Schools at 205 Beale Street. Depending on the address, students may continue through Quincy middle and high schools. Confirm the current assignment with the district before relying on a school reference in a home search. |
| Beaches and parks | Wollaston Beach is on Quincy Shore Drive in ZIP code 02170. The City says the formal Quincy Shore Reservation includes Wollaston Beach, Caddy Park, and Moswetusset Hummock, with DCR managing Wollaston. |
Where Wollaston Is and What It Is Known For
Wollaston is a neighborhood of the City of Quincy in Norfolk County, not part of Boston. The neighborhood is generally associated with ZIP code 02170 and sits along the Quincy shore. Its identity comes from the combination of Wollaston Beach, established residential streets, and the Wollaston Red Line station.
The City of Quincy identifies Wollaston Beach as part of the Quincy Shore Reservation, along with Caddy Park and Moswetusset Hummock. DCR manages Wollaston, including maintenance and lifeguards. The beach is not a private neighborhood amenity, so its value is both practical and civic: it gives residents a long waterfront landscape without requiring a waterfront home.
Housing Stock and Home Prices
Wollaston is a mixed older housing market rather than a single building type. Single-family homes include colonials, Cape Cods, and bungalows from the early and middle twentieth century. Multi-family homes and smaller condo buildings are more common near major streets and transit. Renovation quality varies widely, so two homes with similar bedroom counts can have very different ownership costs.
Redfin reported a $759,736 median sale price for all home types in the three months ending June 2026, using MLS and/or public-record data. The extracted report did not expose separate single-family and condo medians. Treat the figure as a dated all-home benchmark, and compare properties by school assignment, station or beach proximity, parking, flood exposure, and condition.
Commute and Daily Convenience
The Wollaston Red Line stop is the neighborhood's clearest transportation advantage. The MBTA lists the station at 90 Woodbine Street, and the ride to Park Street is about 25 minutes under typical scheduled service. For many residents, the station makes Boston commuting more predictable than driving on the Southeast Expressway.
Wollaston is not uniformly walkable. The blocks closest to the station, Hancock Street, and the beach offer the easiest mix of walking and transit. Other streets still work best with a car, especially for larger grocery trips, school activities, and errands outside Quincy. The right address can change the daily experience considerably.
Who Wollaston Suits
Wollaston suits buyers who want a neighborhood with a real sense of place and more transit access than the outer Quincy peninsulas. It is a logical fit for professionals commuting to Boston, families who want established streets, and people who will actually use a beach for walking, running, or family time.
It is also a fit for buyers who appreciate older homes rather than expecting a turnkey new-build experience. Before making an offer, check the roof, heating system, wiring, insulation, sewer line, drainage, and any coastal insurance questions. A charming exterior is a starting point, not a substitute for inspection.
Honest Pros and Cons
Wollaston's appeal is its combination of access and atmosphere. The Red Line connects it to Boston, while the beach and older streets give it a quieter coastal identity. Buyers can find more architectural character and outdoor access than in a dense station-area condo district.
The drawbacks are equally concrete. Summer beach activity can mean traffic and parking pressure. Older housing can require capital. The beach is public and weather-dependent, and not every address is an easy walk to both the station and the shore. Wollaston is strongest for buyers who want a balanced neighborhood, not a fully car-free or fully resort-style lifestyle.
Schools, parks, beaches, and daily life
Wollaston Elementary School is listed by Quincy Public Schools at 205 Beale Street. Depending on the address, students may continue through Quincy middle and high schools. Confirm the current assignment with the district before relying on a school reference in a home search. Wollaston Beach is on Quincy Shore Drive in ZIP code 02170. The City says the formal Quincy Shore Reservation includes Wollaston Beach, Caddy Park, and Moswetusset Hummock, with DCR managing Wollaston. The Hancock Street corridor and nearby Quincy Center provide the broadest restaurant selection. Around Wollaston, expect a mix of casual restaurants, cafes, takeout, and beach-season businesses rather than a dense downtown nightlife district.
Is Wollaston right for you?
Buyers who want a beach-oriented Quincy neighborhood with direct Red Line access Families and long-term owners who value established streets and public schools Professionals who want a Boston commute without living in Boston People who like older homes and are prepared for renovation and maintenance
Pros include Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Reservation Direct Red Line access Established streets and varied older housing stock More walkable daily pattern near the station and Hancock Street A balance of coastal access and urban convenience
Tradeoffs include Beach traffic and parking pressure in warm weather Older homes can need electrical, roof, sewer, or insulation work Coastal exposure and insurance deserve attention Not every part of Wollaston is equally walkable Limited nightlife compared with Boston
Frequently asked questions
Is Wollaston part of Boston?
No. Wollaston is a neighborhood of the City of Quincy in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It is not part of the City of Boston.
Is Wollaston a good place to live?
Wollaston can be a good place to live for people who want Wollaston Beach, established residential streets, and a direct Red Line commute. Buyers should budget for older-home maintenance and seasonal beach traffic.
What ZIP code is Wollaston?
Wollaston is generally associated with ZIP code 02170.
How long is the Red Line ride from Wollaston to Boston?
The Red Line ride from Wollaston to Park Street is about 25 minutes under typical scheduled service, before the walk to or from the station.