$1,006,505Average Value$524Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Shipbuilding community with a historic heart
Essex started as a shipbuilding community and still holds on to its historic coastal feel. Of all the quaint Cape Ann towns, it is probably the sleepiest and most true to its original roots. "Homes in Essex have really good value and are part of a great school system," says Holly Fabyan, a local Realtor and Vice President with J Barrett & Company. "But there's not a lot of build-ups, and the locals don't necessarily want there to be — they want Essex to retain its authentic feel."
Essex is a community with skiing in the winter, boating in the summer and estuaries all year.
The local marina building in Essex is great for boat lovers.
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Seafood spots and antique shops
Essex is known across the region for its seafood offerings, thanks to the high-quality clam beds in its estuary. The most iconic spot is Woodman's of Essex, the inventor of the fried clam and a town staple since 1914. Summer crowds line up to get a taste of the fried clams and lobster rolls, and kids eat free during the slower winter and fall months. There are plenty of other places to snag some fresh New England seafood, and the town has also recently made a name for itself as an antique store destination. But beyond the seasonal John's Farmstand, residents have to head 15 minutes over to Gloucester for grocery options.
Boathouse Grille restaurant specializing in classic American seafood in Essex,
Andrew Spindler Antiques & Design offers an eclectic mix of fine period furniture.
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A maritime influence still alive today
While walking around in Essex feels like a trip into history in its own right, The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum offers a deeper look into the town's rich past. The Society is more than just a museum; it offers holiday events and social clubs for the community. And locals look forward to Essex River Day, which began as a tradition for anyone with a boat to offer boat-less neighbors a free trip around the waterways. Today, it's a day-long celebration with live music and a bonfire. Another beloved celebration is the annual Essex Clamfest, best known for its main event: the clam chowder competition.
Spend some time learning about Essex history at the maritime museum.
Pull your boat right up tot he town pier to grab soem fresh seafood lunch in Essex.
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Getting outside in Essex
Essex residents enjoy being surrounded by natural land and beautiful waterways. "That's how the here kids grow up; everyone is outdoorsy," says Karen Bernier, the broker/owner of Churchill Properties and an Essex resident. "In the winter, there is cross-country skiing on the local greenbelt, and locals spend their free time on the river in the warmer months." Folks can launch their boats from one of the area marinas, including Pike Marine, a third-generation family-owned business. However, not all activities on and near the water are recreational, as Essex is still a vibrant fishing and clam-digging community.
Cox Reservation is the perfect location for nature lovers.
Cox Reservation offers guests access to picturesque hiking trails.
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A merged school district with Manchester-by-the-Sea
The demand for homes in Essex increased in the early 2000s when the school district merged with Manchester-by-the-Sea. "The market took off when we regionalized, and families pulled their children out of private schools and enrolled them in the Manchester Essex Regional School District," Bernier says. Younger kids attend the local Essex Elementary School, which gets a B-plus grade from Niche. Then, the kids head over to Manchester Essex Regional Middle School, rated A-minus, and the Regional High School, rated A. "The high school offers many AP classes since we regionalized," Bernier says. "That's been a big draw for people."
Manchester Essex Regional is the public middle and high school for Manchester and Essex.
Essex Elementary School fosters an inclusive, welcoming learning community.
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Small-town homes or sprawling estuary estates
Closer to the heart of town, homes tend to be smaller and older, with colonial styles dating as far back as 1830. Lot sizes get larger further out of town, and many homes have around a quarter or half-acre lot. Prices start around $600,000 for smaller three-bedroom homes and quickly move up to $800,000 to $1 million for most homes. Properties with waterside views or sprawling 3,000 sq. ft. floor plans get up to $2 million. Some homes, primarily those further out towards the Bay, are used as summer homes.
Closer to the heart of town, homes tend to be smaller and older in Essex.
Essex sits at the entrance to a lush estuary leading out into the bay, and the water here
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Higher flood risk closer to the water
Prospective homebuyers should check the FEMA flood maps before purchasing, as many homes in Essex are under a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). With a 1% annual chance of flooding, homes in an SFHA with federally backed mortgages usually require flood insurance.
Longer city commutes
One of the reasons Essex maintains its quieter pace of life is because it's not along the Commuter Rail like the other Cape Ann towns. While this helps preserve the lifestyle here, commuters living in Essex will have a longer trip into Boston if they want to connect with public transportation. When driving, the 30-mile trip ranges from 45 minutes to just over an hour. For closer cities that offer major hospitals and bigger stores, Gloucester is 7 miles away, and Beverly is 10.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
William Loring,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Essex, MA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Essex, MA over the last 12 months is $930,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Positioned directly on the waterfront of Chebacco Lake with unobstructed eastern views, on a quiet, dead-end street, this spacious, 2200+ SF Cape-style property offers remarkable potential for its next owner. The home needs TLC but has great bones. The first floor features an updated kitchen with hardwood flooring, a bright sunroom overlooking the lake with abundant windows, a bedroom with lake
Positioned directly on the waterfront of Chebacco Lake with unobstructed eastern views, on a quiet, dead-end street, this spacious, 2200+ SF Cape-style property offers remarkable potential for its next owner. The home needs TLC but has great bones. The first floor features an updated kitchen with hardwood flooring, a bright sunroom overlooking the lake with abundant windows, a bedroom with lake
Magical first-period farmhouse (circa 1686) on coveted Choate Street, surrounded by horse farms & rolling hills. A rare blend of history & modern living, home combines warmth of 17th-century farmhouse w/ light & flow of a spacious addition—its interiors stunningly designed by a local interior designer. It features wide pine floors, exposed beams, high ceilings (rare for its era), AC, solar
Jeremy McElwainColdwell Banker Realty - Manchester
One-of-a-kind private and peaceful estate. Custom-built home on a generous plot of land, with a pool, marsh frontage and easement rights for access to tidal Walker Creek. This shingle style residence is a masterclass in intentional design, featuring clean lines punctuated by handcrafted wood accents echoing the beauty of the surrounding nature. The heart of the home is an open-concept floor plan
New one bedroom condominium unit in Beautiful Downtown Essex. All new systems including open concept first level with hardwood oak floors, McCormick Kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, center island for eating, New appliances including induction cooktop with oven under. Dishwasher and SS Fridge. A very functional half bath is located on this level which opens to the living
Brand New Construction, one of 4 units Beautiful 1 bedroom 1.5 bath unit with a heated garage! All the bells and whistles, A McCormick Custom Kitchen, ready for all your culinary needs, fully applianced with DW, Fridge, and Black Walnut Butcher Block Island with induction cooktop.and electric oven. A bank of windows overlooking the tidal marsh, looking at beautiful birds and wildlife. Perfect
This newly renovated, light filled property offers a rare Main St opportunity for either existing commercial use or residential conversion. Currently operating as a coffee shop and bakery, this charming cedar shingle style building offers cathedral ceilings and a serene rear patio overlooking the Great Marsh- an ideal backdrop for an office, storefront, private residence, or live/work creative
AVAILABLE 6/1/26-5/31/27. Rare, year round furnished rental. Welcome to “Hill House”, a luxury, custom designed furnished rental in beautiful Essex MA. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty boasts meticulously renovated kitchen & baths, a 500sf living room, a sun-splashed den, a chef’s kitchen, a/c & a private deck w/grill and stunning o/d furniture. The second floor has an en-suite main bedroom, 2
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