$987,728Average Value$675Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karen Jewett,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Rockport, MA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Rockport, MA over the last 12 months is $776,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cozy Cottage Getaway tucked away on a quiet side street in the heart of Rockport. This charming two-bedroom DETACHED CONDO offers the perfect coastal escape. Bright and inviting, the home features three Mitsubishi mini-split systems for year-round comfort—cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Enjoy the ultimate in convenience and charm: stroll to beaches, browse local shops and galleries,
Tucked away in one of Rockport’s most exclusive locations, this coastal classic exudes old-world charm, evoking a bygone era. A short stroll from Old Garden Beach and moments from Rockport village, it is the perfect year-round retreat or an idyllic summer getaway. The first floor offers over 1,700SF of inviting entertaining space. A charming front porch with its own dining area, and back deck
Nicely situated in a seaside community with wonderful views overlooking Sandy Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Straitsmouth Island and coastline, this beautifully appointed custom home awaits the new owners. Currently a high-end successful Air B & B, there are endless possibilities and potential with versatile buildings and floor plan. Main house offers three to four Bedrooms, first floor Primary
Cozy Cottage Getaway tucked away on a quiet side street in the heart of Rockport. This charming two-bedroom DETACHED CONDO offers the perfect coastal escape. Bright and inviting, the home features three Mitsubishi mini-split systems for year-round comfort—cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Enjoy the ultimate in convenience and charm: stroll to beaches, browse local shops and galleries,
Tucked away in one of Rockport’s most exclusive locations, this coastal classic exudes old-world charm, evoking a bygone era. A short stroll from Old Garden Beach and moments from Rockport village, it is the perfect year-round retreat or an idyllic summer getaway. The first floor offers over 1,700SF of inviting entertaining space. A charming front porch with its own dining area, and back deck
Welcome to coastal living at its finest. Perched above the water with sweeping, unobstructed views of Pigeon Cove and the Atlantic beyond, this completely renovated 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 in
Renovated studio apartment with private deck in historic Downtown Rockport. Brand new kitchen and bathroom in a spacious, airy and light-filled second floor space. The Studio is located just steps from Front Beach, one of Rockport’s most beautiful public beaches. Enjoy Bearskin Neck’s restaurants and shops and walking access to all downtown has to offer, as well as commuter rail. Private
Located on a tranquil hillside very close to the beach and downtown Rockport. 2 Bedroom Single Family home is being offered furnished. First floor laundry and 1/2 bath. Two bedrooms upstairs along with full bath. Off street parking for two cars. Close to the commuter rail.
Devin CaglayanAll County Select Property Management
YEAR ROUND RENTAL, owners will entertain summer rates for July and August rental. Fabulous locatio, just a short walk to Front Beach, Millbrook Park, Commuter Rail, & downtown Rockport’s shops & restaurants. The townhome style floorplan offers four floors of living space, including a finished basement & top floor perfect for a home office with ocean views. New flooring throughout & updated
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