Newburyport Real Estate
Newburyport is a historic seaport town on the southern bank of the Merrimack River approximately 35 miles north of Boston. Once a fishing, shipbuilding and shipping center, Newburyport still derives a large portion of its economy from the recreational boating industry. Occupying 10.2 square miles, Newburyport includes part of Plum Island, a barrier island that is home to a number of oceanfront homes. Newburyport scores high as a walkable city and is a popular tourist destination with its mix of shops, arts, dining and the waterfront. Many historic homes line the narrow streets of the downtown as elegant reminders of New England maritime traditions. Nearly every home maintains a flower garden with most dating to colonial times. Newburyport residents number 18,000 and list the waterfront; relatively easy commutes to Boston by train; and well-regarded schools as part of Newburyport’s appeal. In 2013, the Boston Globe named Newburyport to its list of “Top Spots to Live." Read more about Newburyport.
Newburyport Homes & Condos For Sale
More About Newburyport
Newburyport Location
Newburyport is bordered by Amesbury to the north and northwest; Salisbury to the northeast; Newbury to the south and southeast; the Atlantic Ocean to the east; and West Newbury to the west and southwest.
Newburyport lies along the elevated south bank of the Merrimack River while its shipyards and boatyards extend along the bank at the edge of the river. The river bank gradually evolves into marshland at Joppa Flats beyond the downtown. Access to Plum Island by road takes place over a drawbridge connecting the Plum Island River to the mouth of the Merrimack. The city of Newburyport is home to several parks and beaches, including Plum Island Point Beach, Simmons Beach, Joppa Park, and March’s Hill Park.
Newburyport is the last station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail system, providing access to Boston’s North Station through several North Shore cities.
Newburyport Recreation
The Merrimack River has much to offer boaters who don’t mind its crowded waters. Small-boaters and kayakers will also find a number of quieter creeks and marshes to to explore on both sides of the river.
While Newburyport bustles in the summer with tourist traffic, it is an active community with many events throughout the year, including the annual Art Walk, Documentary Film Festival, River Fest, and Great Chef’s Night. Residents enjoy a number of venues for live music as well as the superb dining options. Hiking in Maudslay State Park, located on the Merrimack River with gardens and meadows, is also a favorite local activity. Wind-swept Plum Island houses the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, ideal for birding, as well as the Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse. Newburyport is a birder’s dream with more than 300 different bird species recorded every year in the area. The Joppa Flats Education Center even offers a Birder’s Certificate Program for enthusiasts.
The Custom House Maritime Museum is another treat with a collection of maritime art, model ships, and displays of famous shipwrecks.
Newburyport History
Newburyport has long been a busy port city and was heavily engaged in “triangle trade” in the late 18th and 19th century, importing West Indian molasses and exporting rum made from distilleries around the waterfront. The city is credited as the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard. George Whitfield, the English preacher, who helped inspire the First Great Awakening in America, lived in Newburyport in the early 1700s. His efforts helped bring the Old South Church into existence, where Whitfield is now buried. After suffering a decline in the 1950s and 60s Newburyport has morphed into a model of preservation for the city’s revitalized downtown and continues to see strong property appreciation.
Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison; former president John Quincy Adams; and novelist Andre Dubus III, are several of Newburyport’s illustrious residents.
