$946,979Average Value$447Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Coastal living in Essex County
Set against the backdrop of Massachusetts’ North Shore and Ipswich Bay, where salt-laden sea breezes merge with tales from the past, Ipswich is a town in which time seems to stand still. “It’s a great place if you like the water and boating, and it’s really beautiful with the Ipswich River flowing through,” says Sonia Johnson, a Realtor at eXp Realty with 21 years of experience servicing the North Shore market. “Ipswich is also the birthplace of American Independence, and so there is a historical feel, and we have a centrally located downtown area.” With roots that date back to 1634, Ipswich’s cobbled streets, historic 17th-century homes and a tight-knit community, the town paints a picture of a place where life is tranquil yet accessible. In addition, roughly half of Ipswich is comprised of green, conservation land and open spaces, which serve as a natural backdrop to the town’s public schools, a commuter rail station, as well as many restaurants, local markets and modern amenities.
Downtown Ipswich provides residents easy access to dining and shopping options.
Dogs in the area enjoy long walks on the beach in Ipswich.
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Historic 17th-century homes in Ipswich
Known for having the largest collection of 17th-century homes in North America, Ipswich has about three dozen historic First Period houses built before 1725. Many properties are still inhabited by Ipswich residents, and some homes are protected by the town’s preservation restriction program. From Cape Cods and ranch styles to Colonials, Colonial Revivals and traditional farmhouses, single-family homes under 2,000 square feet usually list from $400,000 to $800,000, and larger Contemporary or New Traditional homes built in the 1980s and the 1990s may go up to $1.5 million. Condos can be between $200,000 and $400,000, while townhouses go for $500,000 to $1 million. “There is a huge variety of homes in Ipswich,” says Joan McDonald, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty - Manchester with 18 years of experience selling homes in the North Shore area. “There are antique homes from the First Period and there are subdivision houses built much later. Some smaller homes are around the downtown area, and condos are throughout the community.” Several private golf course communities have monthly HOA fees. In addition, many homes are situated in flood zones and homebuyers may be required to purchase flood insurance.
Older Federal style house sit in a colorful row in Ipswich.
The John Whipple House is a first period house that was built by Captain John Whipple in 1677.
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Water activities in Ipswich
Crane Beach has miles of golden sands, dunes and a wildlife reserve, as well as trails and boardwalks along the shores. Slightly up north, Pavilion Beach features a boat launch, and the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern offers more beach views and is a great place to see wildlife. Willowdale State Forest has over 40 miles of trails for horseback riding and mountain biking, and a pond for fishing and non-motorized boating. Several parks in town, including Bialek Park, have playgrounds, athletic fields and walkways. The Ipswich Town Hall and the Ipswich Family YMCA, which has a water park, offer recreational classes, including dancing, swimming and instruction on playing ping pong. The Turner Hill Golf Club has an 18-hole course, tennis and paddleball courts, a pool and a clubhouse with a game room. “Lots of people are out and enjoy the outdoors here,” Mcdonald says. “Ipswich has lots of conservation land and one of the most beautiful beaches.”
Spend the afternoon on the Ipswich river with a Kayak from Foote Brothers in ipswich.
Paddle boarding with your best friend is highly recommended on the Ipswich river.
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Restaurants in Ipswich
With classics such as clam chowder, Choate Bridge Pub is a testament to New England's rich culinary traditions. 1640 Hart House, originally owned by the town’s first selectman, Thomas Hart, features a 363-year-old fireplace and serves hearty American fare. Located along Estes Street, Riverview Restaurant is a local pizzeria known for its thin-crust pizzas. Clam Box of Ipswich has an outdoor patio area and is known for fried clams and seafood. “Ipswich is famous for the clams,” Johnson says. “The Ipswich clams are seen in menus from all over the country.” The Ipswich Homegrown Market is a weekly market that takes place at the Hall-Haskell House and features local artisans, farmers and vendors. Many people buy produce, crafts and food at the place. Northern Lights Farm Stand is another popular farm in the town known for seasonal produce, baked goods and flower fields. Shaw’s is also located in town, while Target and Walmart are about 13 miles south in Danvers.
Enjoy people watching at an outdoor table at Heart and Soul Cafe in Ipswich.
A fun interior and friendly staff will greet you at Heart and Soul Cafe in Ipswich.
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Ipswich Public Schools
Prospective primary schools include Winthrop School and Paul F. Doyon Memorial School, both of which have a B Niche rating. Ipswich Middle School scores a B-plus and Ipswich High School rates an A-minus. Ipswich High provides pathways for machining and information technology, and both require a capstone course for completion.
Winthrop Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Ipswich.
Ipswich Middle School shares a campus with the High School.
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Navigating into Boston
Ipswich is mostly car-dependent, and “it’s not a hustle-bustle town,” Johnson says. “There is no highway going through the community so it’s kind of tucked away.” The Commuter Rail by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has the Newburyport / Rockport Line, which allows commuters to travel from Ipswich straight to Boston’s North Station. Those who take the car can expect about a 29-mile trip via U.S. Route 1 for the city center, and Boston Logan International Airport is 33 miles away. There are also many places of worship in town, and Beverly Hospital is about 10 miles south in Beverly.
Events in Ipswich
To commemorate the early Polish settlers who ran the area mills, the Saint Lawrence Literary Society plans an annual Polish Picnic, which is a family-friendly event with Polka music, Polish food, a raffle and fun activities such as face painting. In July and August, Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays features live music on the Riverwalk, and downtown shops are open late for shoppers. Each year in October, the Ipswich Illumination celebrates the community with a bonfire, poetry reading, live music, an open-air market, film screenings and dance.
Get lost in the Marini Farm corn maze in Ipswich.
The war memorial is a few steps from the visitor center in Ipswich.
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Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Beverlee Vidoli,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Ipswich, MA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ipswich, MA over the last 12 months is $772,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This updated 2-bedroom penthouse condo is located within easy walking distance to Ipswich's vibrant downtown w/great restaurants, shops, Bialek Park and commuter rail to Boston! Boasting all new windows, a new wall air-conditioner and fresh paint from top-to-bottom this unit glows w/natural light. Wainscoting and crown molding accent the large living room that is open to the dining area which has
Located on a recently designated dead-end road with picturesque marsh views, this charming colonial home at 8 Old Essex Road offers a delightful blend of comfort and versatility. With 4 bedrooms, including a legal two-family setup, the home features a one-bedroom apartment on the first floor with its own entrance and deck, ideal for guests or rental income. The main house boasts three bedrooms,
Meticulously maintained recently renovated 3 bedroom townhouse just minutes from downtown Ipswich offering shops, restaurants and commuter rail to Boston. First floor offers chef's granite kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, spacious dining room, large living room with sliders to new deck for entertaining and half bath. Hardwood floors throughout. New windows and sliders, upgraded
This updated 2-bedroom penthouse condo is located within easy walking distance to Ipswich's vibrant downtown w/great restaurants, shops, Bialek Park and commuter rail to Boston! Boasting all new windows, a new wall air-conditioner and fresh paint from top-to-bottom this unit glows w/natural light. Wainscoting and crown molding accent the large living room that is open to the dining area which has
Located on a recently designated dead-end road with picturesque marsh views, this charming colonial home at 8 Old Essex Road offers a delightful blend of comfort and versatility. With 4 bedrooms, including a legal two-family setup, the home features a one-bedroom apartment on the first floor with its own entrance and deck, ideal for guests or rental income. The main house boasts three bedrooms,
Location ! Location! Location! Perched on coveted Great Neck in Ipswich, this exceptional residence offers sweeping views of Ipswich Bay and Plum Island from nearly every room. Designed and lovingly maintained by a meticulous seller, the home reflects a rare blend of elegance, comfort, and craftsmanship. Expansive open-concept living spaces flow effortlessly, inviting natural light and coastal
Very nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit. Enjoy the light and bright open concept kitchen and living room. The kitchen features granite, stainless steel appliances and subway tile. Each bedroom has good sized closets. There are washer and dryer hookups as well! Year lease, gas, electric and cable/internet are the tenants responsibility. credit check and income verification required. Sorry, no pets.
Looking for a quiet, comfortable place to call home? Bayside Apartments is a laid-back, mature community just minutes from downtown Ipswich. We’re in a super convenient location—close to the commuter rail and with easy highway access—perfect for anyone with a daily commute or who just wants to be near it all without the downtown noise.The property is professionally managed and well taken
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