$1,633,928Average Value$649Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A coastal village in the North Shore
Annisquam is a small village tucked between Ipswich Bay and Lobster Cove, featuring breathtaking coastal views, historic 1700s buildings such as Village Hall and Annisquam Village Church, and artistic venues. The village's name derives from the indigenous Algonquian language and translates to “top of the rock,” an accurate portrayal of the area’s rocky shores and landscape. The historic town became an important site for shipbuilding and granite quarrying, transitioning itself from a fishing village to a more industrial port in the 1800s. Annisquam’s picturesque coastline also drew many artists to the community, and the village soon became an art colony. To this day, the area is home to a talented community of artists, actors, musicians and writers. “Annisquam is eclectic and is village living with a focus on the sea,” says Patty Knaggs, a Gloucester resident for over 27 years and a Realtor at RE/MAX Beacon with 18 years of experience. “The original settlers were Native Americans who lived here in the summertime. Today, there’s a mix of year-round and summer residents, and life here is both sophisticated and simple at the same time.”
Annisquam Light was built in 1801 and serves as the beacon of the neighborhood.
The cove breeze beckons all to the waters that suround Annisquam.
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Single-family homes overlooking the shimmering coast of Ipswich Bay
Annisquam is comprised of rolling hills and winding roads, with beachside homes and country estates dotting the forested landscape. Properties here were mostly built from the early 1900s to the present day, featuring a mix of styles such as Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, traditional farmhouse and cottage-inspired architecture. Secondary units and detached garages are frequently spotted, and many homes have add-ons and overhang levels to accommodate for the area’s hilly terrain. Single-family properties start just under $1 million and can fetch over $3.5 million for waterfront estates that offer scenic water views and private boat docks. “Annisquam is very coveted, and demand is very high,” Knaggs says. “It’s a very tight-knit community and houses tend to stay in the families for generations.” Lot sizes vary greatly from about 7,000 square feet to over 2 acres, with a median lot size of 13,939 square feet. Homebuyers may be required to purchase flood insurance for properties that are in designated flood zones.
Annisquam is famous for its lovely seaside homes.
Cute Cape Cods make up the streets of the Annisquam neighborhood.
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Non-profits and art venues take center stage
The community’s artistic spirit is also reflected in area establishments. The Annisquam Village Players, one of the oldest community theaters in the country, has been producing a musical show every summer for over 100 years. Plays vary by the season, and the non-profit’s mission is to engage Cape Ann residents with theater. People are also often spotted visiting the Village Library and picking up a copy of the latest books by local authors. Annisquam Exchange, a jewelry, antique and furniture consignment shop that opens in the summer season, is housed in the historic Leonard School and donates 30 percent of its sales to local charities. The upstairs has a small gallery space featuring exhibits and works by Gloucester artists. Talise, the only seasonal restaurant in the village, offers New American fare while overlooking the calm, lapping waters of the harbor. The menu changes daily, and the food is made with seasonal ingredients and meat and fish freshly sourced from local farmers and fishermen. For year-round residents, Market Basket and Shaw’s are about 5 miles south near the city center. Plenty of restaurant options are in downtown, including popular seafood establishments such as Seaport Grille and Causeway. Target and Walmart are approximately 20 miles away in Danvers.
Dive into the white elephant sale at the Annisquam Sea Fair.
The Causeway is a popular downtown restaurant for Annisquam residents with big appetites.
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Village life by Lobster Cove, Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay
Life at the village is also anchored by the waters. Residents have access to Cambridge Beach, which is private to village members, and Lighthouse Beach overlooks Annisquam Lighthouse, which was first built in 1801. “People do all sorts of water activities like paddling, canoeing, sailing and swimming,” Knaggs says. Founded in 1896, the Annisquam Yacht Club opens in the summer for sailing, yachting, social events and tennis. Several miles north, Halibut Point State Park is popular for hiking fishing, birding and picnicking. People can also swim at Wingaersheek Beach, or hike one of the many area forests, including Annisquam Woods, Natti Woodland and Carter Reservation.
Halibut Point State Park's rocky shore is a great place to relax in Rockport.
Annisquam Light was built in 1801 and serves as the beacon of the neighborhood.
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Annual fairs and celebrations in Annisquam and the city
Every summer the community holds the Annisquam Sea Fair, which is a country-style festival featuring an ice cream social, a boat race, book sales and food. Residents also dress as their favorite characters in the art world and pose as wax figures, and all revenue goes toward maintaining the historic buildings in the village. Annual celebrations in the city of Gloucester include the St. Peter’s Fiesta and the Gloucester Waterfront Festival.
The whole town looks forward to the fun Annisquam Sea Fair.
Spin the wheel and try your luck at one of the many old fashion games at the Annisquam Sea Fair.
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Public schools in Gloucester
Gloucester Public Schools is enrolled in school choice and has an overall B-minus Niche grade. Prospective elementary schools include Plum Cove Elementary and Beeman Memorial Elementary School. Each rates a B-plus and a C-plus, respectively. Students then progress to the B-minus O’Maley Innovation Middle School and finish secondary education at Gloucester High School. O’Maley Middle, recently renovated in 2020, features three laboratories and offers a rigorous science and engineering program. Gloucester High School scores a B and has a waterfront sports stadium. In addition to the traditional core curriculum, Gloucester High also provides courses in business and vocational education.
Plum Cove School serve Gloucester students.
Gloucester High School provides education to teens in the Gloucester community.
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Transportation options for navigating into Boston
Massachusetts State Route 127 borders the village on the east side, and Boston and the Boston Logan International Airport are about 38 miles away via the highway. Residents can also take the Cape Ann Transportation Authority buses to downtown Gloucester’s train station, and from there take the MBTA commuter rail Newburyport/Rockport Line for direct access to the capital city’s North Station. The Addison Gilbert Hospital is about 4 miles away, and the community remains car-dependent.
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On average, homes in Annisquam, Gloucester sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Annisquam, Gloucester over the last 12 months is $1,465,000, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Price! Stunning Annisquam property with rolling lawns, magnificent perennial gardens, private tidal dock and fully equipped guest house. The site of many wedding receptions as well as casual family gatherings, this is the sought after place to be! Main house with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms offers water views from every room and is in pristine move-in condition. The perfect venue for
Private Beach Dream House!** short term rental-month to month flexible!Do you want to feel on vacation every day? Welcome to paradise! that is how you will feel at this house! Peaceful beach house on a private beach. This cove is the best spot in Gloucester. Come and enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean views. The house offers 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, laundry, fully equipped
WINTER: Beautifully renovated home located directly on Lobster Cove in the historic village of Annisquam. Around 1623, Captain John Smith described the cove as a "a safe harbor in a Northeast storm." Nothing has changed. Kayak right from your deck. Soak up the beautiful views from the house, deck and dock of the fabled footbridge which connects the Annisquam peninsula to the banks of mainland
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