Essex, MA House for Sale

Essex started as a shipbuilding community and still holds on to its historic coastal feel. Of all the quaint Cape Ann towns, it is probably the sleepiest and most true to its original roots. "Homes in Essex have really good value and are part of a great school system," says Holly Fabyan, a local Realtor and Vice President with J Barrett & Company. "But there's not a lot of build-ups, and the locals don't necessarily want there to be — they want Essex to retain its authentic feel."

Essex is known across the region for its seafood offerings, t ...