Charming coastal harbor town north of Boston
Founded in 1759, the town of Danvers was originally settled as a farming village and has since grown into its own community on the North Shore. Prospective buyers can find a number of homes close to parks and locally owned businesses. The region is accessible to major roads, so cities like Boston, Salem and Beverly are within reach. “You can get to a lot of places on the North Shore, and you’re close to jobs in Salem and Beverly or at the port, which is a huge center of activity. We have 28,000 residents, and almost that same amount of people come into Danvers to work. But the commercial activity is very separate, and our downtown is very quaint,” says Brian Szekely, the planning director for Danvers. “Other small towns don’t always have all the amenities we do, including big-box retailers and a large manufacturing sector. But Danvers still has that small-town feel.”
Historic homes and new riverfront communities
As of January 2025, the median housing price in Danvers was around $625,000, which is higher than the U.S. median at that time. In town, homebuyers can find properties built in the 1700s and 1800s, including ranch-style homes and Colonial Revival and New Englander designs. While the area used to be primarily single-family housing, Danvers changed its zoning in 2024 to allow for new apartments and condos that should be complete in mid to late 2025. North Danvers offers spacious, open lots with more green space, and properties closer to downtown are often situated on smaller lots. “It’s like two different places in one town,” Szekely says. “You have your suburban developments on one side and major commercial on the other. And in the middle, you have a charming downtown.”
Central Endicott Park and expanding Rail Trail
Danvers’ central recreation area is Endicott Park, a historic farm turned into a community gathering space where residents can pet farm animals, play sports, meander miles of trails or cast a line in the pond. More than half of Danvers' residents live within a 10-minute walk of its 23 parks and playgrounds, such as John George Park, located on the water and Stone Street Playground in central Danvers. Additional recreation options are available at the private Kernwood Country Club or the Danvers Rail Trail.
Danvers Public Schools sports programs
Danvers Public Schools earns a B-plus on Niche, and both Ivan G. Smith and Willis E. Thorpe elementary schools receive an A-minus rating. Danvers High School gets a B-plus and is known for its championship-winning cross-country and lacrosse teams. Nearby higher education institutions include the North Shore Community College, 4 miles away, and Salem State University, 7 miles from downtown.
Maple Street eateries and Endicott retail options
Dining options along Maple Street include older locally owned establishments and newer kids on the block, like Modern Butcher, which Szekely says already has a huge following. “They do this classic three-way roast beef sandwich only on Saturdays,” Szekely says. “And you’ll see people waiting in line for two hours until they sell out.” Residents can drive down Endicott Street for grocery runs, catch a movie or shop at Liberty Tree Mall. There are also plenty of familiar fast-food options and big-name retailers such as Target, Best Buy and Home Depot.
Accessible crossroads through North Shore
Danvers' residents have access to Interstate 95 and the Yankee Division Highway, allowing for commutes to primary healthcare and manufacturing companies, the area's largest industries. “Danvers is unique because no other North Shore town has so many major roads all over,” Szekely says. The nearest commuter rail is in Salem, so many residents choose to get around by car. The Beverly Regional Airport is nearby, and Boston Logan International Airport is 28 miles away. The Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center is located just to the south.
Danvers FalconFest events
Danvers hosts annual events, many of which are organized by Danvers FalconFest — named in honor of the local high school’s Falcon mascot. In June, Downtown Rewind fills a blocked-off Maple Street with food, music and a vintage car show. Each fall, the town also hosts a lively WIFFLE® ball tournament Called WIFFLE® Bowl that ends with an ice cream social. In December, residents gather downtown for the annual Christmas Tree lighting, carols and a parade with Santa.
Already low crime trends even lower
According to FBI data, Danvers has a much lower crime rate than national and state averages. The town’s annual report shows that calls for service decreased marginally between 2020 and 2021.
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Photography Contributed By
Bret Osswald
