$1,043,321Average Value$645Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes 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:
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 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rockport, MA over the last 12 months is $831,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Delightful & inviting year round getaway. Condo Alternative. Welcome to 20 Railroad Avenue, where convenience meets comfort. This sun-filled natural sunlight home offers a spacious front porch, a large kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washer and dryer on the first floor. Upstairs, the primary bedroom opens to french doors to a wonderful balcony with an additional bedroom and
Move-in ready raised ranch tucked away in a quiet neighborhood conveniently located off Main St and minutes from downtown Rockport. Open concept kitchen, living and dining area with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertop. Sliding door off the kitchen leads to the deck overlooking a large, fenced in, private yard. Lower level includes a large family room with bathroom as well as separate
A Rare Rockport Gem. The condo you've been waiting for all summer long has arrived. Come home to this darling 1 bedroom condo at the Mt. Pleasant House, only a whisper away from Dock Square. This sun drenched cozy unit fits the bill with several interesting elements: an exposed brick chimney, an artisan cut glass window divider between rooms, historic paned windows & a room with a view. The condo
Endless possibilities for this CONTRACTORS SPECIAL! TOTAL REHAB just 2 blocks from the ocean! This 9 room, 4 bedroom home offers solid bones and a prime coastal location. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation project or envision a full tear-down to build your dream home, this property delivers unparalleled potential. With water views, and close to train station, beaches, Bearskin Neck,
Fully Renovated 3BD/3BA in Rockport – Walk to the BeachWelcome to 33 Highview Road—a fully updated coastal home featuring a new roof, new siding, new hardwood floors, and a modern kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances. 4 fire places! The bright, open layout includes three refreshed full bathrooms and turnkey finishes throughout.Located in a desirable neighborhood just a short walk
Located at 34R Summer St, Rockport, MA, this 4 Rm. 1 BR 1 BA Gambrel offers an inviting home ready for immediate occupancy. Perfect for those downsizing, Summer home buyers or those looking for their first home! The LR/DR features hardwood floors, ample windows and a wood fireplace, providing a warm atmosphere for relaxation. Outside, an oversized deck off living room presents an opportunity to
Charming Winter Retreat in the Heart of Rockport! Welcome to 5 White Way, a cozy and beautifully maintained single-family home available for a short-term winter rental. Nestled just moments from Rockport’s scenic Back Beach and the charming shops, restaurants, and galleries of downtown Rockport, this home offers the perfect seasonal escape. Enjoy crisp fall mornings and peaceful winter evenings
Year round rental newly renovated private 2 bedroom 1 bath 2nd floor apartment unfurnished. Large floor plan open concept located in Pigeon Cove. All new appliances wood and tile floors, granite counter tops, skylights, washer & dryer in unit , large closets ,2 balconies, off street parking for 2 vehicles. No pets No smoking Electric & heat included in rent. Walking distance to Halibut Point
Winter rental. This cozy cottage has lovely views of the marsh and Saratoga Creek from its back deck and yard.Beach Bungalow is a one-level rental designed for easy living. Take in the brilliant colors of the Fall foliage from the three-season enclosed sun porch. The living room doubles as the dining area and offers plenty of seating. Off of the living area are two bedrooms -one with a full bed
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