10 Things to Know Before Moving to Newburyport, MA

Just 35 miles northeast of Boston lies the seaside town of Newburyport. Newburyport was formerly a sleepy fishing village that grew famous as a shipping hub and shipbuilding mecca. The town’s prominence in the shipbuilding industry earned it the moniker “Clipper City” during the 1800s, and it became a city in 1851 as a result of its continuous growth and prosperity. 

Newburyport is well-known as a seaside town that welcomes visitors year-round with its charming historic district and a seemingly endless supply of new eateries and businesses. The city offers its residents a more suburban lifestyle, and those who move there soon come to appreciate it.

Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Newburyport, MA.

1. Living costs are 31% higher than the national average

Compared to the rest of Massachusetts and the national average, Newburyport isn’t exactly a cheap place to call home. The housing market in Newburyport is the primary reason the cost of living is 31% higher than the state average. 

With an average home sale occurring within 26 days after listing, the Newburyport real estate market is known for its intense competition. Houses in Newburyport typically cost around $819,302 on average.

2. Live in Browns Park, South End, or Plum Island

With so many different communities to pick from in Newburyport, it’s easy to find one that matches your requirements perfectly. Some of Newburyport’s most desirable neighborhoods are Browns Park, Merrimack Landing, Plum Island, and Newburyport South End. 

Because of its modest size and abundance of young people, Browns Park is home to numerous families. The area offers a wide selection of single-family homes, and its proximity to the interstate makes it easy to reach nearby cities. 

With a larger concentration of middle-aged residents, Newburyport South End is one of the city’s largest neighborhoods. Pretty large residences dot the neighborhood, which also boasts a plethora of stores and parks. Plum Island primarily consists of older couples and offers medium-sized properties for those looking to retire. Since the beach is within a short walk, folks of Plum Island enjoy spending most of their free time there.

3. It snows and rains a lot in Newburyport

Moving to Newburyport? Get ready for a humid continental environment with huge temperature swings throughout the year. With an average high of 80°F and a low of 64°F, Newburyport experiences mild summers. At the same time, the city experiences cold and rainy winters, with highs of 35°F and lows of 21°F. 

Nearly twice as much snow falls each year as the national average—roughly 57 inches. Living in Newburyport is a popular choice for many individuals due to the pleasant summers and the guaranteed white Christmas that everyone enjoys.

4. Have a fun day out with the family at Plum Island Beach or Maudslay State Park

You have to stop by Plum Island Beach to experience its breathtakingly soft sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Come here with your friends or kids; there’s lots to do, like swimming, fishing, and making sand castles! A pleasant day in the sun is something you shouldn’t pass up, especially after reading so many good reviews online!

Maudslay State Park is Newburyport’s best outdoor attraction for a day of fun in the sun. Stunning views await you at every turn in this state park, which features gardens from the nineteenth century, meadows, and one of the largest natural stands of mountain laurel. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, a picnic with the kids, or a romantic evening for two here!

5. Eat at Michael’s Harborside or The Grog Restaurant

In the mood for something tasty to eat? Don’t worry; we’ve done the legwork and found the top Newburyport restaurants for you to sample!

Lunch and dinner are served in the posh American eatery, The Grog Restaurant. Soups, salads, spaghetti, seafood, and desserts, including cakes and pies are all available on the menu. The restaurant is great for those with dietary restrictions because they have gluten-free options. It’s hard to resist the allure of the hundreds of glowing reviews that praise their cuisine and service.

You won’t find better fish than at this Newburyport establishment. Lobster, spaghetti, mussels, shrimp, salads, and burgers are some of the lunch and supper selections at Michael’s Harborside. This spot is ideal for a romantic evening for two because of the seating arrangement that looks out over the port lit by twinkling lights.

6. Work in the Manufacturing, health care and social support, or professional services industry

Newburyport has an average salary of $103,220. With a 4.05% increase from the previous year, the city has 9,834 employees. Manufacturing, health care and social support, and professional services make up the bulk of Newburyport’s workforce. 

Commuters in Newburyport typically spend 28.6 minutes on the road, and for employment opportunities, some locals commute to Boston, which is 35 miles away.

7. Newport is home to highly-rated schools

Thanks to their highly regarded school district, many people opt to move to Newburyport. The top four schools in Newburyport, in order of popularity, are Newburyport High School, Rupert A. Nock Middle School, River Valley Charter School, and Edward G. Molin Elementary School. 

The achievement and growth of these students have garnered these schools a great deal of praise. Newburyport is home to a number of excellent private schools, such as the Montessori Institute of Newburyport, Inn Street Montessori School, and the Immaculate Conception School.

8. Learn about Newport’s history at Custom House Maritime Museum

If you’re interested in history, you should visit the Custom House Maritime Museum. It has model ships, information about the Coast Guard’s past, and describes the sinking of several important ships. 

The Plum Island Light, another name for the Newburyport Harbour Light, has been around since the 1700s.

9. Newport is in a convenient location

With its convenient location 35 miles north of Boston and close proximity to major highways, Newburyport offers easy access to some of the North Shore’s finest dining, shopping, and tourist destinations. Driving to Boston takes about forty-six minutes. 

Both Interstate 95 and Route 1, two main routes that connect to Boston, are conveniently located near Newburyport.  Commuters can ride the train into Boston (North Station) right from the city. Travel time by rail along the Newburyport/Rockport line is 65 minutes.

Salisbury, Amesbury, West Newbury, and Newbury, Massachusetts are all neighbors to Newburyport. 

10. The violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average

Both the violent crime rate and the property crime rate in Newburyport are below the national average. Compared to the national average of 22.7, Newburyport’s violent crime rate of 12.5 is quite low. Similarly, Newburyport’s property crime rate of 18.5 is significantly lower than the national average of 35.4. 

Because of this, Newburyport is a decently safe destination to live or visit. Everyone wants to feel safe in a town or city, and it seems like Newburyport can do just that.

In Conclusion

Newburyport, MA, presents a mix of historical charm and conveniences near Boston, featuring a rich maritime history and excellent schools. Its diverse neighborhoods, attractions, and thriving industries make it an appealing place to live. Other considerations include higher expenses and specific weather patterns, but overall, Newburyport offers safety, amenities, and a welcoming community.