Gloucester Real Estate
Gloucester is a coastal city on Cape Ann that combines its maritime traditions with tourism and a thriving arts culture that have energized the city’s downtown. The book and film “The Perfect Storm” in 2000 helped revitalize interest in this North Shore destination. The city center is just steps from the harbor while the famed Rocky Neck Art Colony includes bars, restaurants and numerous art galleries. Gloucester occupies most of the eastern end of Cape Ann and is split in half by the Annisquam River. The city comprises 41.5 square miles with 37% of that area occupied by water. The north side of the harbor is the most densely populated by the city’s 29,000 residents. A popular summer destination, Gloucester houses a few secluded ocean view properties that give off an “end of the world” ambiance. Neighborhoods include Annisquam, Bay View, East and West Gloucester, among others. Read more about Gloucester.
Gloucester Homes & Condos For Sale
More About Gloucester
Gloucester Location
Gloucester is tucked between Ipswich Bay to the north and Massachusetts Bay to the south. Rockport borders the city on the east while Ipswich, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea border Gloucester to the west. Gloucester lies 31 miles northeast of Boston and is home to the Cape Ann Transportation Authority which serves the city and surrounding towns. There are two railway stops in Gloucester that provide access to the MBTA Commuter rail which extends from Rockport along the North shore to Boston’s North Station.
Gloucester Recreation
Gloucester is home to Good Harbor Beach and to the white sands and tide pools of Wingaersheek. Known as a family-friendly beach, Wingaersheek Beach extends forever at low tide with shallow waters, gentle waves and tide pool formations ideal for kids to discover varying forms of marine life. Both beaches are accessible to the public and with facilities that include restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Whale-watching is also a popular activity with tours exploring the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary where dozens of humpback whales make their home. Harborwalk, a 1.2 mile path through the town, provides the best views of Gloucester’s coastal landscape from all angles. The Fisherman’s Memorial, Gloucester’s best known landmark erected at harbor side, is inscribed with the names of those lost at sea.
Gloucester also boasts the Gloucester Stage Company, a renowned professional theater company whose works have gone to critical success on Broadway as well as internationally.
Gloucester History
Gloucester was one of the first English settlements that would later become the Massachusetts Bay Colony although it was only formally incorporated in 1642. Because of its poor soil and rocky hills, Cape Ann was not well suited for farming. Gloucester struggled as an outpost until it came to dominate the finishing industry in the mid-1800s. The area’s fishing roots and wind-swept beauty have attracted and inspired painters since the early 19th century. Many local and nationally recognized artists are showcased in the Cape Ann Museum. The Rocky Neck Art Colony lives on as America’s oldest working art colony.
