Marblehead Real Estate
Marblehead is a coastal town located on a peninsula along the North Shore approximately 18 miles north of Boston. Rich in maritime history, Marblehead was New England’s most prolific fishing town in the 1660s because of the abundant cod stock just off its shores. Just one hundred years later, Marble claimed to have “birthed the Navy" by building and manning the schooners that helped George Washington fend off British transport ships in 1775. Today, with its nine miles of coastline and deep harbor, Marblehead is recognized as a yachting mecca with multiple yacht clubs and several postcard-worthy lighthouses. Marblehead’s 20,000 residents enjoy easy access to its five beaches, scenic parks as well as waterfront views in many homes. The highly-regarded school system and historic downtown are additional draws. In 2012 Coastal Living Magazine ranked Marblehead on its list of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns." Read more about Marblehead.
Marblehead Homes & Condos For Sale
More About Marblehead
Marblehead Location
Marblehead spans 19.6 square miles of which 77% is water. The town’s land consists of a rocky peninsula that extends into the bay with an additional “neck” to the east connected by a long sandbar. The Marblehead Neck Village includes this ring of land and protected harbor. The neighborhood is also home to a bird sanctuary as well as the Marblehead Light. Other villages include Old Town to the southeast and Clifton to the southwest. Marblehead is bordered by Swampscott to the south and Salem to the northwest.
Two MBTA Bus routes originate in town with regular service to Boston and the Newburyport/Rockport Line. The MBTA Commuter Rail passes through neighboring Swampscott and Salem on its way south to Boston’s North Station. No freeways pass through town but residents can pick up Route 128 in Peabody and Beverly.
Marblehead Recreation
Marblehead’s most famous beach is family-friendly Devereux with its 5.48 acres of sandy waterfront. Free parking is available to residents with a sticker and the beach offers a number of amenities ranging from lifeguards in season, a restaurant, bathrooms, an outdoor shower and even charcoal grill rentals.
A center of recreational boating, Marblehead is also a popular sailing, kayaking and fishing destination. Boating enthusiasts established several yacht clubs in the late 19th century, which continue to be highly frequented by locals as sailing centers. In total, Marblehead is home to six different yacht clubs, including a junior-only version, well-earning its claim as one of the world’s yachting capitals. Over the last few decades, Marblehead Harbor has been the starting and finishing port for many national and international sailing races.
Marblehead is also home to several historic sites, including the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, dating from Revolutionary War times, and the Town Hall which features the famous Spirit of ’76 painting.
Marblehead History
Marblehead is steeped in history, originating as a fishing village in the early 1600s. At times called “Marvell Head” or “Marble Harbor,” Marblehead ultimately drew its name from settlers who mistook its granite ledges for marble. The narrow streets are reminiscent of the town’s growth inland from the harbor. A large percentage of Marblehead residents took part in the Revolutionary War and scholars recognize the sailors of Marblehead as the “fathers” of the U.S. Navy (Beverly also claims it produced the U.S. Navy). Soldiers from Marblehead had the nautical background and skills necessary to help the Continental Army escape the British after the Battle of Long Island. Indeed, Marblehead men ferried George Washington across the Delaware River, setting him up for his successful attack on Trenton.
Marblehead has been the home of an eclectic mix of notable residents from Peter Lynch, investor; to political operative, Susan Estrich; to authors Julia Glass and Tasha Tudor and playwright Eugene O'Neill
