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Rockport

Rockport

Located in Essex County

$1,007,432 Average Value
$625 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

An artsy enclave in a historic seaport village

Rockport has a community of people from all walks of life — from the artists drawn to the idyllic landscape to fishermen who make their living off the sea. Visitors flock to the town in the summer for sandy shores and the taste of fresh lobster. Those who stay year-round enjoy winter traditions and a tight-knit public school district. "It's a sweet, small town," says local artist Susan Lynn, the owner of Susan Lynn Gallery & Studio. "With the preserved historical architecture, it really has the feel of an old seaport village."

Welcome signs greet all who enter Rockport.
Welcome signs greet all who enter Rockport.
A Seagull keeps watch over the homes in Rockport.
A Seagull keeps watch over the homes in Rockport.
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Rockport, through the seasons

Rockport shines under the hot summer sun — but it's such an idyllic location that tourists also want a taste. The beaches fill up, and traffic builds in the heart of town. But, there is an unparalleled sense of celebratory activity. Weekly farmers markets start, and the Fourth of July Parade is always a crowd favorite. As the summer wanes, seasonal visitors begin to head out of town. But those who stay enjoy beautiful fall foliage and the annual Harvest Festival. And December is basically a month-long holiday celebration. "During the winter, Dock Square feels like Whoville," Lynn laughs. "The whole town comes out for the tree lighting, and everybody cheers when the lights go on." However, the town tends to empty after New Year's, with many businesses closing and residents heading out of town to escape the bitter winter cold.

Motif Number 1 is a building that stands in the heart of Bearskin Neck and Rockport Harbor.
Motif Number 1 is a building that stands in the heart of Bearskin Neck and Rockport Harbor.
Halibut Point State Park's rocky shore is a great place to relax in Rockport.
Halibut Point State Park's rocky shore is a great place to relax in Rockport.
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The thriving artistic community

Rockport is home to dozens of galleries and a thriving artist community. In fact, many say that Rockport is home to the most painted scene in all of America — an old red fishing shack named "Motif No.1." The shack has a whole day-long celebration in its honor. And every year, Rockport hosts participants of Cape Ann Plein Air, an outdoor painting competition attended by some of the country's top artists. But it's not just painting. Movie houses show indie films, a performing arts center puts on dance and theater shows, and a music hall hosts The Rockport Chamber Music Festival. "I'm certainly not the first artist to go: 'Wow, I want to live here!'" Lynn says. "And there's a real community among the artists and local businesses — they all work together to uplift each other."

Dragon Sculpture greets visitors on Main Street outside The Rockport Gallery.
Dragon Sculpture greets visitors on Main Street outside The Rockport Gallery.
Stop in to Rusty & Ingrid and watch them create beautiful screen prints.
Stop in to Rusty & Ingrid and watch them create beautiful screen prints.
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Fresh lobster and beachy boutiques

The Bearskin Neck peninsula is a corridor of artisan shops and beachy boutiques, interspersed with eateries serving up the catch of the day. Lines form outside Roy Moore Lobster Company, which has an outdoor patio in the back where patrons can glimpse fresh crates of lobsters being brought in off the fishing boat. For a more upscale experience, Feather & Wedge and My Place by the Sea are a white-tablecloth affair, also specializing in seafood. Clothing store displays spill onto the streets, and kids eagerly pull parents toward the nearest ice cream parlor. The area certainly gets busy with summer tourists, but the shops here have so much heart they are beloved by the locals, too.

It's always a good time to get fresh Lobsters at Roy's in Rockport.
It's always a good time to get fresh Lobsters at Roy's in Rockport.
Many colorful beach boutiques are found in Bearskin Neck Rockport.
Many colorful beach boutiques are found in Bearskin Neck Rockport.
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Public schools with small class sizes

Kids who stay in town for the school year attend the well-regarded Rockport Public Schools system, which has an overall student-teacher ratio of eight to one, meaning kids get specialized attention from their teachers. Rockport Elementary and Rockport Middle both get B grades from the website Niche. And Rockport High, rated B-plus, features standout art and music programs.

The Rockport Elementary School is great place for children to start their eductaion.
The Rockport Elementary School is great place for children to start their eductaion.
Rockport High School displays a large bell outside its door.
Rockport High School displays a large bell outside its door.
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Historic homes and waterside estates

Homes in Rockport could be historic fishing shacks, midcentury colonials or modern construction in suburban cul-de-sacs. Lots are large, often around a quarter-acre, and mature trees create privacy between homes. Rockport has also historically had one of the lowest property tax rates in Essex County. Prices start around $500,000 for smaller Cape Cods and Colonials, but most homes sit between $700,000 and $1.5 million. There are also condo and townhome options ranging from $350,000 to $900,000. And though most homes have proximity to the ocean, those who want their own section of the coast are looking at prices from $2 million to $5 million. However, FEMA categorizes the edges of Rockport as a Flood Zone VE, which means flood insurance may be required.

Rows of wood shingled homes line the streets in Rockport.
Rows of wood shingled homes line the streets in Rockport.
Beautiful seaside home stretches along Old Garden Road in Rockport.
Beautiful seaside home stretches along Old Garden Road in Rockport.
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Quarries, beaches and yacht clubs

Rocky and sandy beaches stretch along Rockport's 10 miles of coastline. Most beaches have a resident section for parking, which is helpful during the busy summer months. Halibut Point State Park is beloved for its hiking trails, and for sportier residents, there is also a local Golf Club and the Sandy Bay Yacht Club.

Halibut Point State park is a great place to take the family in Rockport.
Halibut Point State park is a great place to take the family in Rockport.
View of the Babson Quarry in Rockport.
View of the Babson Quarry in Rockport.
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Commuter Rail and nearby cities

Rockport is conveniently located along the Boston Commuter Rail, which connects to the big city in about an hour and a half, with a few stops along the way. But usually, when Rockport locals are craving a taste of the city, they travel 4 miles over to Gloucester. Gloucester has grocery stores, big-brand shopping options and a large hospital. However, Boston is the closest option for an International Airport.

Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Ruo Zheng

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Rockport Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$699,000
Median Sale Price
$670,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$670,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-39%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$625

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,028
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1948
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,782
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,124
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,212
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
674
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
549
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 1pm

    36 Broadway Ave, Rockport, MA 01966

    $995,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,986 Sq Ft
    • 36 Broadway Ave

    Welcome to 36 Broadway, a newly constructed home in the heart of Rockport. With its own private entrance, this light-filled residence features a spacious open layout with a beautifully designed kitchen, dining, and living area—crafted with quality and style at every turn. The kitchen boasts a large island, sleek appliances, and abundant cabinetry. For those looking for a first floor primary

    Nest / Syndi Zaiger Group Compass

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    10:30 - 11:30am

    165 Granite St, Rockport, MA 01966

    $2,350,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,945 Sq Ft
    • 165 Granite St

    Welcome to coastal living at its finest. Perched above the water with sweeping, unobstructed views of Pigeon Cove and the Atlantic, this completely renovated and furnished home offers a rare blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean from the deck or relax in the expansive yard just steps to the shoreline. Inside, the open-concept first floor is bathed

    Nest / Syndi Zaiger Group Compass

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
26''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

33 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

55 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Rockport