Newburyport, MA
“Our Town” is our insiders’ look at the communities of New England. “Our Town” gives you the key, top-line facts and figures any home buyer needs to know. But, just as importantly, “Our Town” will give you a sense about what statistics can’t tell you, but what you really need to know: what’s the character of the community?
For this personalized view, we ask our agents to share their “Five Faves” about the towns where they not only do business, but in which they live. Our hope is that you may find some special tidbit on “Our Town” that could help make it your town.
This month’s “Our Town” takes a look at Newburyport, MA.
The smallest city in Massachusetts, with a population of 18,000, Newburyport was first settled in 1635 as “Newberry Plantation”, and the sense of history is knitted right into the fabric of the community. Situated near the mouth of the Merrimac River at the Atlantic Ocean, Newburyport offers outdoor activities to suit any taste, cultural attractions like historic homes and museums, an active arts community. People come to the Newburys from around the world to enjoy the quintessential New England experience. Wonderful shops, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, live theatre and the smell of salt air add to the allure of our wonderful little city by the sea.
For this issue of “Our Town,” we spoke with Deb Hamilton of RE/MAX On the River.
1. What is the median price of a Single Family home?
From townhouse condominiums to riverside mansions, High Street Federals and Plum Island cottages, there are wonderful homes in every price range and style, making Newburyport a diversified market with something for everyone. Consider a water-view cottage for $279,000, or a museum quality brick Federal for $1.35 million, and everything in between.
2. What is the public transportation system like?
Only 28 miles north of Boston, commuters can get to the city or the airport via train, car or bus in about an hour.
3. What is access to major highways?
Located at the northern junction of I-95 and I-495, the New Hampshire lakes and mountains, the Maine seacoast, and all of metropolitan Boston are easily accessible, and traffic back-ups are a rarity.
4. How are the school systems in the area?
Newburyport, Newbury and West Newbury are each part of quality school districts, and Newburyport also offers a Charter School. Nearby private schools include The Governor’s Academy. Many home-schooled youngsters take advantage of programs offered by the Massachusetts Audubon, the Newburyport Art Association, dance, tumbling and the many organized sports programs throughout the area.
5. Who is attracted to this area?
Young professionals, families and empty nesters are all attracted to our vibrant atmosphere because of its genuine feeling of community. Newburyport visitors and residents take advantage of a multitude of cultural events, and many public parks and playgrounds. Maudslay State Park is a 400 acre state park offering wonderful vistas, gardens and walking trails that attract dog walkers, joggers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Our waterfront is bustling with pleasure boaters and fishermen and the waterfront park is alive in the summer with concerts and activities throughout the season. Plum Island includes the seven-mile long Parker River National Wildlife Sanctuary, is a birders paradise and is also home to the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s largest northeast facility.
6. Demographics
Greater Newburyport’s population is around 26,000, including the more countrified towns of Newbury and West Newbury, and the median age is around 40.
Deb’s Five Faves in Newburyport:
1. Best Way to Spend a Day: Walking or bicycling the new rail trail or along the river under the mountain laurels at Maudslay. Or maybe it’s kayaking in the Merrimac, fishing for stripers from the beach at Plum Island or taking in the current exhibit at one of the local galleries.
2. Best Eatery: Although we do boast a Starbucks right downtown, most Newburyport restaurants are one-of-a-kind. Classics for breakfast include Angie’s on Pleasant Street and Taffy’s on State Street. Fried seafood at Michael’s Harborside and Starboard Galley are served with a front-row river view. Indian or Mexican, vegan or gourmet, there are dozens of great options.
3. Best Areas to Explore:
- The Beaches and boardwalks of Plum Island, where surf, sun and wildlife are ever present.
- Maudslay State Park: 400 Acres of natural beauty along the Merrimac River. Hiking trails and riding trails are also great for cross country skiing. Local theater groups put on plays and sponsor musical and artistic events on a regular basis. In addition, dozens of smaller parks located throughout the city offering wonderful landscaped environments for nature lovers and space for kids and dogs to romp and play.
- Our Waterfront: A spectacular waterfront park and boardwalk teems with activities year round including concerts on the lawn, visiting yachts, harbor tours, whale watching and fishing charters. Visitors enjoy our unique outdoor sculpture park, lush landscaping and quiet benches to sit and people watch.
- Custom House Maritime Museum and the Cushing Mansion: A treasure trove of information and artifacts can be examined relating to the history of our city, its illustrious citizens like William Lloyd Garrison, Lord Timothy Dexter, authors John P. Marquand and Andre Dubus III.
4. Best Hamburger: Nothing like a cheeseburger and onion strings on the deck of the Black Cow. You can throw French fries over the rail and watch the Stripers go into a feeding frenzy! For historic ambiance, try the burgers or chowder at the Grog on Liberty Street; a landmark restaurant in Newburyport for over 40 years.
5. Snack time? If you’re in the mood for ice cream stop by Gram’s on State Street, Haley’s on Rte. 1, or try the new Gelato shop on Market Square.
To learn more about Newburyport, MA, please contact Deb at RE/MAX On the River.
Deborah Hamilton, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, CLHMS, CDPE
RE/MAX On the River
50 Water Street Mill #3
Newburyport, MA 01950
Cell: 978-270-9129 | Office: 978-499-8808
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