Essex
Centered on Boston
Search Essex Homes for Sale: up to $500,000
Search Essex Homes for Sale: $500,000 and up
There is no better way to experience the quaint charm of a historic New England Town than by living in Essex, MA.
Essex is the epitome of a New England town removed from industry and modernization. Nestled in beautiful wetlands and surrounded by the serene Essex River, the town combines the best of the East Coast’s natural beauty with an old town colonial feel.
Around 3500 people make up the town of Essex. The close proximity of Routes 128 and 133 make commutes to other towns simple and convenient. Essex is an easy 45 minutes (26 miles) by car to Boston, making the town a perfect place for those seeking both rural solitude and modern day luxuries.
Essex is a wonderful place to raise families. The crime rate is low and the community is tightly knit together due to its smallness. 30% of households include children under the age of 18, so your children will have companions as well. Essex has one elementary school and buses children between grades 6 and 12 to neighboring communities to be educated. Thanks to its small size, a direct Democracy is possible. Three selectmen are elected by the people to carry out customary business transactions on behalf of the city, but nearly all major issues are decided upon during town meetings. Civil participation is uncomplicated and encouraged.
Though the community is peaceful, it is by no means boring and has a large base of residents who manage local attractions and venues.
Per capita, Essex has more restaurants than any other city in the state. Being on the base of the clam-rich Essex river affords local eateries with the some of the best shellfish in the world. Local legend has it that the delectable “fried clam” was actually invented here, and the dish remains an international favorite to this day.
Essex is now widely considered to be America’s Antique Capitol. A large fraction of stores within the town limits are dedicated to procuring and selling all kinds of antiques. Many of these stores are also within walking distance from each other.
Opportunities for recreation are in abundant, as many fishermen and boaters love to peruse the rich and lovely waters of the Essex River. And each summer, the Essex Music Festival is held at Centennial Grove, providing bluegrass, blues, folk, maritime, and Celtic music to the culturally attentive ear.
Some Historical buildings belonging to the Essex MA Real Estate category are open to the public. Many of these fascinating houses, dating back to the time of the puritans, have become iconic thanks to media portrayal. Choate Island and its buildings, for example, was featured in the 1996 historical drama “The Crucible,” as was the entire setting of the movie. The Choate house, which was used as John Proctor’s home in the movie, has hardly been changed since it was erected circa 1730.
Can you hear the sounds of seagulls, shipyards, and waves? Consider that your welcome to Essex.
If you want to wake up each morning to warbling of black-capped chickadees, and sunlit fog between the trees, consider Essex your final destination in home searching. Check out all the listings today by calling our Essex MA real estate office.