Discover Essex, MA Real Estate and Community Living
Welcome to Essex, Massachusetts, a coastal gem on Boston’s North Shore known for its marsh views, seafood heritage, and New England charm. Whether you’re searching for your next home or considering selling, Essex offers a tranquil lifestyle with rich history and natural beauty.
Homes in Essex, MA range from classic New England cottages to sprawling waterfront estates along the Essex River. You’ll find a mix of antique colonials, modern new construction, and low-maintenance condos, making Essex appealing to a broad range of homebuyers.
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Essex, Massachusetts – Coastal Charm, Antiques, and Maritime Roots
🔹Antique homes from the 1700s and 1800s
🔹New construction properties with modern designs
🔹Condos and townhomes for a simplified lifestyle
🔹Waterfront homes with direct access to the Essex River
Buyers are drawn to Essex for its quiet ambiance, access to nature, and classic New England feel. For sellers, homes here typically attract buyers seeking year-round residences or vacation homes, ensuring strong market activity.
About Essex, MA – History & Community
Founded in 1634, Essex has a rich history in shipbuilding and clamming. More than 4,000 wooden schooners were built here in the 19th century, and today, the town maintains its quaint, coastal character. Residents enjoy kayaking on the Essex River, walking along scenic marshes, and attending local festivals like the Essex ClamFest.
Essex is also known as an antique hub, with shops like those on Main Street attracting collectors and decorators from across New England.
Top Schools in Essex, MA
Education in Essex is part of the Manchester-Essex Regional School District, which is highly rated for academics and extracurricular activities.
Public Schools:
🔹Manchester-Essex Regional High School – Niche Grade: A
🔹Essex Elementary School – Early education with a focus on small class sizes and community involvement.
Private School Options:
🔹 Faith Christian School (Grades K–8, Gloucester)
🔹North Shore Christian School (PreK–8, Lynn & Wenham)
🔹Brookwood School (PreK–8, Manchester-by-the-Sea)
🔹Covenant Christian Academy (PreK–12, West Peabody)
🔹Bradford Christian Academy (K–12, Haverhill)
🔹Glen Urquhart School (PreK–8, Beverly Farms)
🔹Waring School (Grades 6–12, Beverly)
🔹Bishop Fenwick High School (Grades 9–12, Peabody)
🔹Pingree School (Grades 9–12, South Hamilton)
Economy & Local Business
Essex’s economy thrives on a mix of hospitality, marine industries, and small business entrepreneurship. The town is especially famous for its seafood industry, with generations of clammers, fishermen, and restaurateurs calling Essex home.
Key sectors include:
🔹Seafood and dining tourism
🔹Boat building and marine services
🔹Antique shops and art galleries
🔹Eco-tourism and outdoor recreation
Locally-owned businesses create a warm, small-town atmosphere while supporting a vibrant local economy.
Outdoor Recreation, Marinas & Boating
Essex is a boater's paradise with direct access to the Essex River Basin and Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and cruising right from town.
🚤 Marinas & Launches
Essex Marina – Full-service slips, repairs, and boat storage
Perkins Marine – Full-service slips, fuel dock, repairs restrooms, ice, and pet friendly docks
Allyn Cox Reservation Launch – Public kayak and small craft launch
Conomo Point Public Landing – A favorite for small boats and fishing
🎣 Boating, Fishing & River Cruises
Essex River Cruises & Charters – Scenic marsh tours, sunset cruises, and private clambakes
Fishing Charters – Local captains offer striped bass, bluefish, and flounder trips
Kayaking – Explore the tidal flats and marshes via kayak (BYO or book with local adventure guides)
🐦 Nature Trails & Birding
Crane Wildlife Refuge – Birdwatching and nature walks
Cogswell’s Grant – Historic homestead with walking trails
Commuter-Friendly Location
Essex offers coastal living without sacrificing access to Boston and the North Shore.
🔹Route 133 & Route 128 – Easy drives to Gloucester, Beverly, Salem, and Peabody
🔹MBTA Commuter Rail – Nearby stations in Manchester-by-the-Sea and Ipswich
🔹Logan International Airport – About 45 minutes away
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
🍽️ Dining Favorites
The Farm Bar & Grille – Casual BBQ and American fare (no website)
Thinking About Essex?
As someone who lives in nearby Ipswich and keeps my boat at the Essex Marina, I know this area intimately and can speak to the unique lifestyle it offers. If you’re drawn to the charm of Essex and want expert guidance to navigate the market, I’m here to help.
Kathleen Militello, Realtor®
AI-Certified REALTOR® | The Militello Team
eXp Realty - Coastal Home & Living
(978) 500-1480 Call/Text Me today!
Looking for a home in Essex? Let’s Talk.
Why Work with an AI-Certified Agent™?
Today’s market moves fast. Work with Kathleen Militello, AI-Certified Agent™, to gain the edge.
Benefits of an AI-Certified Agent™:
🔹Predict Market Trends – Use AI to time your sale or purchase perfectly
🔹Enhanced Home Search – AI matches buyers to properties faster
🔹Optimal Pricing Strategies – AI ensures homes are priced to sell quickly and competitively
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