A seaside region of Massachusetts offering scenic views
Manchester-by-the-Sea is part of the Cape Ann peninsula in northern Massachusetts, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean over 30 miles north of Boston. While locals might not see Casey Affleck wandering the streets like in the 2016 film that shares the region’s name, the area does offer million-dollar homes close to the waterfront. Some of these properties overlook the ocean, offshore coves and rocky outcroppings that make up the New England coastline. “There are a lot of premium properties with great views,” says Portia Green, a Realtor and principal agent with Compass. “There’s a little altitude, so it’s a little hilly here and there. It’s coastal with beach bluffs and the topography varies a bit. They’ve got that picturesque New England view out there, for sure.”
Manchester-by-the-Sea offers nearby access to those recreational areas, as well as the famous “Singing Beach” on the coastline, where the shifting sands seem to sing as the tides recede. The Yankee Division Highway carves through the north side of Manchester-by-the-Sea, as well, linking the region to Gloucester less than 8 miles east.
Manchester by the Sea boasts a lively boating culture and offers scenic views in every direction.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea community gathers together at the Library to view the solar eclipse.
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Classic New England architecture near the coastline
Most properties in the region are single-family homes, many on streets surrounding Powder House Hill Reservation in central Manchester-by-the-Sea. Homebuyers can find properties ranging from Colonial-era architecture, dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, up to more modern, custom creations nestled amid conservation land farther from the coastline. “There are a handful of properties that are newer colonial-style estates,” Green says, “and a couple of antique ones that have been restored.”
Within that broad range of architectural styles, there is a constant theme that most homes here share: large size, both in terms of lots and living spaces. The median lot size in Manchester-by-the-Sea exceeds 26,200 square feet, and the average home is over 3,100 square feet. “Homes are big and sprawling, with lots of acreage,” Green says. “Manchester-by-the-Sea has all different shapes and sizes of lots, homes and styles.” Single-family homes under $1 million are typically farther from the coast and are usually smaller ranch-style homes or bungalows. Properties on the coastline can be priced even higher. “Singing Beach has nice homes around it that are closer to $10 million-plus,” Green says. “They’re right on the coastline, looking out at the lighthouse.” Townhouses and condos are also around $1 million or more.
Prices often fall between $1 million and $2 million, and some homes can fetch upwards of $10 to $14 million. “There are higher price points, and the days-on-market number is very low,” Green says. But she also adds that potential buyers need to be ready to act quickly: “People are making cash offers. There are a lot of cash transactions and homes are moving very quickly.”
Classic New England architecture can be found on almost every street within Manchester by the Sea.
Stately homes a stones throw from the water sit on spacious lots within Manchester by the Sea.
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Recreation on the mainland or in the Atlantic
Manchester-by-the-Sea is dotted with conservation areas, which help to preserve the sense of tranquility that envelopes the area and affords residents ample opportunities to get outside. The Cheever Commons and Millstone Hill Conservation Areas sit on the north side of the Yankee Division Highway and are lined with miles of trails, while Powder House Hill Reservation offers a trail for hikers in central Manchester-by-the-Sea. The private Essex Country Club sits nearby and offers an 18-hole golf course in addition to tennis courts and a full-service restaurant. Sweeney Park also lies near the middle of the region and offers facilities for baseball and basketball, along with a skate park. Masconomo Park has a bandstand, baseball diamonds and a playground. The Manchester Athletic Club offers memberships and has tennis, pickleball, fitness and aquatics.
Various coves and points line the coastline. “If you take it from Boston out, we have sounds, bays and harbors that link up,” Geren says. “It’s this jagged, little inlet along the coast, and that coastline changes a lot.” Singing Beach is the most famous geographic feature and permits boating and swimming, within certain guidelines. “You have options for a rocky excursion or to dig up some clams, bring a chair and an umbrella and sit out all day,” Green says. “The waves wash over it, and as it recedes, it makes this really cool singing sound. There’s an ice cream stop on the way.” Other waterways, like Sawmill Brook and Causeway Brook, cut through the landscape of the region, and the Manchester Sailing Association offers programs for both youth sailors and adults.
The Athletic Club in Manchester by the Sea is a great spot to play tennis or to do a workout.
The Millstone Hill Conservation Area is a popular spot to go bird watching or hiking in Manchester by the Sea.
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Eateries situated around the New England coastline
Locals have several restaurants where they can stop within Manchester-by-the-Sea, most of them concentrated around an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in the south-central part of the region. Boo Bird has a pub atmosphere and a menu stocked with burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and drinks. The restaurant also hosts live music. Cala’s has an array of drink options, along with build-your-own pizzas. The Laughing Gull Café is open for breakfast and lunch, offering offers pastries and sandwiches, while Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream lies on the route to Singing Beach and serves up frozen treats and coffee. Bravo by the Sea serves pizza nearby. Crosby’s Marketplace is the local stop for grocery shoppers. For more comprehensive shopping – including Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Costco and Trader Joe’s – residents here head to the town of Danvers, about 12 miles east.
Captain Dustys's in Manchester-by-the-Sea homemade ice cream is guaranteed to make you smile.
Brows the eclectic book collection at Manchester-by-the-book in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
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Three schools in Manchester-by-the-Sea score an A-minus or better
Schools flank Lincoln Street in central Manchester-by-the-Sea, comprising a single academic pipeline that serves area students. Manchester Memorial Elementary School earns an A-minus from Niche, and kids can continue their education at Manchester Essex Regional Middle School, which also garners an A-minus rating. Manchester Essex Regional High School receives an A from Niche and shares a campus with Manchester Essex Regional Middle.
Manchester Essex Middle School gets an overall grade of A on Niche.
Manchester Memorial Elementary gets an overall grade of A- on Niche.
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Annual festivals in the summer and fall
During the late summer, Festival by the Sea takes place across several parks near the coastline. Local artists display their wares alongside vendors selling food, and the festival also includes a concert at Masconomo Park. Masconomo Park’s bandstand also hosts the Music in Masconomo Summer Concert Series, which runs most weeks from June to August. The Wobblin Gobblin Festival is held in late October and features a parade, petting zoo, hayrides and more.
Neighbors meet up to enjoy Music in Masonomo Park.
Crowds gather to hear local performers at Music in Masonomo Park..
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Traveling across New England via the Yankee Division Highway
The Yankee Division Highway, officially known as Massachusetts Route 128, runs through northern Manchester-by-the-Sea, linking with Interstate 95 around 15 miles west. Trips to Boston can range between 30 and 35 miles, depending on route. Boston Logan International Airport is just under 30 miles away. MBTA trains stop in Manchester, and trips by rail to Boston can take around an hour. For medical services, Beverly Hospital sits about 7 miles west. The region can receive around 10 inches of snow in the early parts of the year, and road-clearing services prioritize plowing the center of town and work outward to make streets passable.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Noel Poage
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marcie Gingle,
an experienced agent in this area.
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