Thinking of moving to Newburyport? In this article, I’ll share my pros and cons. Keep reading. When friends and family come to visit me in Boston, I take them to Newburyport for the day. It is the quintessential, New England coastal town.
First, let’s get some of the boring stats out of the way.
Newburyport Stats
Population: 17,416 (2010 census)
Median Home Prices (single family home): $731,397
Closest Major Airport: There are 2 close major airports nearby. Newburyport is a 44-minute drive to Boston Logan International Airport, and a 50-minute drive from the Manchester Regional airport in New Hampshire.
Commute to Boston: 46 minutes driving by car or 65 minutes by train via the Newburyport / Rockport line. Newburyport has easy access to major highways (I-95 and Route 1) and the city has a train station stop that takes commuters directly into Boston (North Station).
How Far Is The Beach? 0 minutes! Newburyport is home to Plum Island Beach.
Town Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/
Reasons For Moving to Newburyport:
Now that you have an idea of the numbers, let’s explore what there is to love about Newburyport. People come to Newburyport for first-rate dining, charming downtown shopping, beaches and festivals. Let’s look at why this town continues to draw tourists.
Reason #1: Shopping
Downtown Newburyport packs in a lot of charm. You’ll find brick road streets lined with a myriad of boutique shops, from clothing stores and art galleries, to dog boutiques and soap shops. The Tannery Marketplace houses a variety of shops including fitness studios, salons, bakeries, dance classes, and a bookstore.
Reason #2: The Beach
Just a few miles from downtown Newburyport is one of the Northshore’s most beloved beaches, Plum Island Beach.
Reason #3: Parks and Trails
Enjoy a picnic at Newburyport’s downtown Waterfront Park, which has plenty of benches and a boardwalk that runs along the Merrimac River. You could also take in the natural beauty of the outdoors at Moseley Woods. This park features hiking trails, a kids playground, and a covered picnic area. A popular trail in Newburyport is the Clipper City Rail Trail, where you can ride your bike or rollerblade along a 3.3-mile path. There are artwork displays along the trail and a model train that is popular with the kids for imaginary play.
Reason #3: History
Learn about Newburyport’s maritime history and how the city became a commercial seaport at the Custom House Maritime Museum. View model ships and displays of famous shipwreaks. Take a listen below to a pirate who lives at the Maritime Museum:
Reason #4: Kid-Friendly Community
There’s plenty to do in Newburyport with the kids. Looking for a family activity that the whole family can enjoy? If motion sickness isn’t an issue, catch a boat ride with the Newburyport Whale Watch and get a glimpse of incredible marine creatures in the wild.
Reason #6: Restaurants
From American, Mexican, Asian and more, there are plenty of restaurants choices in Newburyport. Have you tried a sushi cake from Lolo Poke?
Reason #7: Festivals
Newburyport has many cultural events throughout the year. The Yankee Homecoming is a week-long summer festival that includes a parade and a firework show. It began in 1958 as a way to invite Newburyport residents and visitors back to the city for to celebrate historical landmarks. In the fall and winter, there is Witches Night Out and the Santa parade.
Reasons For NOT Living In Newburyport:
Now let’s get into what you really want to know. Why wouldn’t someone enjoy living in Newburyport? Let’s dig in.
Con #1: Tourist Season
Tourist season is ROUGH on Newburyport locals. Summer days are swamped with crowded beaches, bustling downtown areas, and cramped parking lots. Be prepared for high wait times at your favorite local restaurants and a general lack of parking.
Con #2: Lack of Public Transit
The bus system in Newburyport isn’t the most reliable. The nearest bus transportation system, C&J Bus Lines, is located roughly 20 minutes over the New Hampshire border. Fortunately, Newburyport does have a train station stop that takes commuters directly into Boston to North Station.
Con #1: Cost of Living
Newburyport’s price point is higher than average. A full lifestyle here is not readily accessible. It’s roughly 13% more expensive to reside in Newburyport than it is to live in other MA locations. Homes cost more than surrounding towns. Restaurants cost more. Expect to pay more for everything.
Con #4: Small Population
Newburyport has a relatively small population of 17,416. With this comes a lack of diversity, a shortage of new experiences, and a generally slow-paced setting. You won’t find a large younger population here. The median age in Newburyport is 49. Retirees and older families settle down here.
Con #5: Lack of Outdoor Kid-Friendly Spaces
Newburyport has no community pool or splash park for the little ones during the summer. Aside from the small Inn St water fountain I mentioned here, you’ll have to travel to neighboring towns to get access to anything similar! Newburyport has three small playgrounds, but the general consensus among parents seems that there’s not enough allocated space for children.
Newburyport Real Estate
If you’re thinking of moving to Newburyport, I’ve put together a list of Boston Northshore homes with upcoming open houses. Click the image above or click here to view them!
