Newburyport, MA Real Estate And Community Resources Guide

On the south bank of the Merrimack River at the mouth of the Atlantic, Newburyport is a residential city of cobblestone streets and architecture that predates our nation’s birth. Although at 10.6 square miles and 17,144 inhabitants Newburyport is one of the smallest cities in Massachusetts, it is a place that leaves nothing to be desired. Thirty-eight miles north of Boston, Newburyport offers a lively downtown of shops and museums, the tranquility of beach wildlife reserves, and an active community that partakes in numerous annual events.

Newburyport was originally inhabited by the Pawtucket Indians and then became the city of Newbury once settled by European immigrants. The port’s prosperity with maritime trade led it to be so popular that in 1764 the port broke off and became its own city. The historic shipyards and elegant, Federalist-style homes that line High Street attest to Newburyport’s fame in shipbuilding and trading in the 19th century. Of particular note is the First Presbyterian Church built in 1756 that boasts a clock tower bell cast by Paul Revere. The city has placed a lot of emphasis on historic preservation since a redevelopment campaign in the 1960s, which used federal and state funds to reclaim granite and cobblestone neighborhoods while adding more modern infrastructure.

These efforts have made Newburyport a very beautiful and practical place to live today, with a variety of real estate options. Between March 2008 and March 2009, the median selling price for a single-family home was $452,000. Older, more economical houses sold at an average of $231,167, while fancier homes around 4,000 square feet averaged $1,223,250. The range of real estate options in terms of price, size, and style in Newburyport is truly diverse. Situated on the major north-south Interstate 95 and not far from Interstate 495, many Newburyport residents make the reasonable commute to Boston by car. Commuter rail and Merrimack Valley bus service are also available.

Newburyport is a proud city that celebrates its history and identity. Newburyport is the birthplace of the United States Coast Guard and the location where its first ship, the frigate Massachusetts, was built. Other bits and pieces of maritime history can be explored at the city’s Custom House Maritime Museum or Lowell’s Boat Shop. Lowell’s is the nation’s longest continuously operating boat building business; the shop opened in 1793 and still produces dories. Another popular museum is the Cushing House, a federal home that houses the Historical Society of Old Newbury and offers exhibits and lectures on the region’s history. Other historic destinations include the Tannery District, the Coffin House and The Little Farm, which tribute the area’s agricultural heritage, and the Chain Bridge, a 225-foot single-span suspension bridge completed in 1910.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events in Newburyport is the Yankee Homecoming, an annual 8-day long festival. Consisting of over 200 events, the festival includes an art show, road races, an antique car parade, street vendors, fireworks, and concerts. During the summer, Newburyport also hosts the Waterfront Concert Series. Public concerts for all ages are held on Friday evenings in the city’s downtown park. The city’s students are asked to create projects for the annual Newburyport Literary Festival, which aims to increase interest in reading and brings authors into the schools.

The Newburyport Public School System is home to one of the oldest public high schools in the United States: Newburyport High. The high school enrollment is 730 students, while R.A. Nock Middle teaches 486 sixth through eighth students. Molin Upper Elementary serves grades 4 and 5, Brenshan Elementary serves grades 1 through 3, and PreK and kindergarten students attend Brown Elementary. The Immaculate Conception Catholic School is one private option for kids from kindergarten through 8th grade, and other private options can be found in neighboring cities.

Perhaps the most attractive feature of Newburyport is the seaside location. In addition to the quaint harbor and downtown waterfront, there are many opportunities to take advantage of the coast. A small drawbridge from Newburyport is the only road access to the clean, peaceful beaches of Plum Island. Hundreds of bird species and other animals that make salt marshes and coastal waters their homes can be seen at the Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, and others inhabit the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For those looking for never-logged White Pines, bald eagles or adventure, the Maudslay State Park offers 450 acres for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and biking.

Rich in natural resources and history, Newburyport is a residential community full of activities and beautiful enough not to do anything at all.

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