$1,043,317Average Value$635Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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
Michelle Quinn,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Rockport, MA sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Rockport, MA over the last 12 months is $825,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this delightful antique home, perfectly situated on a private lot just moments from downtown. This character filled residence boats many charming original features that evoke a sense of history and warmth. One of the highlights of the property is a lovely backyard filled mature trees that provide and privacy. Additionally, a convenient storage shed offers ample space for your tools and
Jane Meterparel and Brian MarvelleyChurchill Properties
Welcome home to beautiful Pigeon Cove! This 3 bed, 2.5 bath colonial is your chance to settle down and embrace the seaside lifestyle. First floor features an open concept living/dining/kitchen area with granite counters, updated appliances and double sliders leading to the large deck overlooking the backyard plus a laundry room, mud room and den/optional first floor bedroom with a half bath.
OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED/OFFER ACCEPTED ! Adorable & Affordable! Mere minutes from picturesque Rockport Village & Bearskin Neck, this charming home offers 2 levels of living & an expansive yard, amidst a desirable in-town locale. Nestled inside a cul-de-sac neighborhood just a short stroll from the coveted Rockport School Complex, this tidy bungalow is sure to please today's trending families. A
Welcome to this delightful antique home, perfectly situated on a private lot just moments from downtown. This character filled residence boats many charming original features that evoke a sense of history and warmth. One of the highlights of the property is a lovely backyard filled mature trees that provide and privacy. Additionally, a convenient storage shed offers ample space for your tools and
Jane Meterparel and Brian MarvelleyChurchill Properties
Welcome home to beautiful Pigeon Cove! This 3 bed, 2.5 bath colonial is your chance to settle down and embrace the seaside lifestyle. First floor features an open concept living/dining/kitchen area with granite counters, updated appliances and double sliders leading to the large deck overlooking the backyard plus a laundry room, mud room and den/optional first floor bedroom with a half bath.
OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED/OFFER ACCEPTED ! Adorable & Affordable! Mere minutes from picturesque Rockport Village & Bearskin Neck, this charming home offers 2 levels of living & an expansive yard, amidst a desirable in-town locale. Nestled inside a cul-de-sac neighborhood just a short stroll from the coveted Rockport School Complex, this tidy bungalow is sure to please today's trending families. A
This property at 125 Granite St features direct ocean front views, 2 bedrooms and fully equipped kitchen 1 bathroom within a total living space of 600 square feet. The unit comes fully furnished, providing convenience for immediate occupancy. The living room offers great views, a comfortable area for relaxation , while the bedrooms are designed for privacy and rest. The bathroom is equipped with
Welcome to Folly Cove! This charming single-family home is now available as a year-round rental! Just steps from the Ocean and Halibut Point State Park. Featuring over 1,100 sq. ft. of comfortable living space as well as two decks! First floor includes kitchen, dining, and living areas plus half bath with laundry. The entire second floor is a spacious bedroom suite with a full bath, private
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