Manchester Real Estate
Manchester-by-the-Sea is a fishing town located on Cape Ann, approximately 24 miles northeast of Boston. This North Shore coastal town spans just eight square miles with approximately 13 miles of coastline. There are seven beaches lining the coast with several small islands, including Kettle Island (the largest) and House Island. Residents and visitors enjoy pristine beaches, boating and commercial fishing. The downtown has preserved many of its historical buildings now interspersed with local shops as well as an assortment of restaurants and cafes along the narrow streets. The community of just 6000 residents is also known for its waterfront estates with commanding views of the Atlantic, many of which were originally developed as summer homes by wealthy Boston residents. Read more about Manchester.
Manchester Homes & Condos For Sale
More About Manchester
Manchester Location
Manchester borders Essex to the north; Hamilton to the northwest; Gloucester to the east; and Beverly and Wenham to the west. Protected areas in the town include the Cedar Swamp Conservation Area, Cheever Commons Conversation Area, among others. The town is served by an MBTA stop along the Newburyport/Rockport line of the MBTA Commuter rail. Route 128 also has two Manchester exits as it winds from Beverly to Gloucester.
Manchester Recreation
While Manchester’s population explodes in the summer, its outdoor destinations are favorites with year-round residents and range from the fishing and boating that take advantage of the Atlantic coast to hiking the winding trails along Manchester’s protected areas.
Singing Beach is one of the best known beaches in the community, drawing its name from the sand which squeaks when walked on. Tuck’s Point is another favorite of hikers with sweeping views of the water; its own beach; and a lawn perfect for picnicking. Coolidge Reservation is home to Bungalow Hill, the highest point on the reservation and part of Magnolia’s Gray Beach.
Manchester History
Manchester was settled by English colonists and formally incorporated in 1645. The community thrived as a fishing center for more than 200 years. In the mid-1800s, the area began to attract summer residents after poet Richard Dana built a house in the town. Over the next fifty years, Boston’s elite constructed their own summer homes along the coastline, each trying to outdo the other. Ultimately, Boston society dubbed Manchester “the place” for discerning summer residents.
The name of the town continues to create debate. Manchester was the official name when the town was incorporated but town officials changed the name in 1989 to “Manchester-by-the-Sea” to avoid confusion with the larger town of Manchester, New Hampshire.
Manchester’s wind-swept coastline has been the backdrop for several different movies, including its namesake “Manchester-by-the-Sea,” “The Proposal” (standing in for Alaska) and “Daddy’s Home 2.” An entire season of the popular TV Show “This Old House” was also built around the town.
