Section Image

Annisquam

Annisquam

Neighborhood in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Essex County 01930

$1,698,635 Average Value
$699 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

A coastal village in the North Shore

Annisquam is a small village tucked between Ipswich Bay and Lobster Cove, featuring breathtaking coastal views, historic 1700s buildings such as Village Hall and Annisquam Village Church, and artistic venues. The village's name derives from the indigenous Algonquian language and translates to “top of the rock,” an accurate portrayal of the area’s rocky shores and landscape. The historic town became an important site for shipbuilding and granite quarrying, transitioning itself from a fishing village to a more industrial port in the 1800s. Annisquam’s picturesque coastline also drew many artists to the community, and the village soon became an art colony. To this day, the area is home to a talented community of artists, actors, musicians and writers. “Annisquam is eclectic and is village living with a focus on the sea,” says Patty Knaggs, a Gloucester resident for over 27 years and a Realtor at RE/MAX Beacon with 18 years of experience. “The original settlers were Native Americans who lived here in the summertime. Today, there’s a mix of year-round and summer residents, and life here is both sophisticated and simple at the same time.”

Annisquam Light was built in 1801 and serves as the beacon of the neighborhood.
Annisquam Light was built in 1801 and serves as the beacon of the neighborhood.
The cove breeze beckons all to the waters that suround Annisquam.
The cove breeze beckons all to the waters that suround Annisquam.
1/2

Single-family homes overlooking the shimmering coast of Ipswich Bay

Annisquam is comprised of rolling hills and winding roads, with beachside homes and country estates dotting the forested landscape. Properties here were mostly built from the early 1900s to the present day, featuring a mix of styles such as Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, traditional farmhouse and cottage-inspired architecture. Secondary units and detached garages are frequently spotted, and many homes have add-ons and overhang levels to accommodate for the area’s hilly terrain. Single-family properties start just under $1 million and can fetch over $3.5 million for waterfront estates that offer scenic water views and private boat docks. “Annisquam is very coveted, and demand is very high,” Knaggs says. “It’s a very tight-knit community and houses tend to stay in the families for generations.” Lot sizes vary greatly from about 7,000 square feet to over 2 acres, with a median lot size of 13,939 square feet. Homebuyers may be required to purchase flood insurance for properties that are in designated flood zones.

Annisquam is famous for its lovely seaside homes.
Annisquam is famous for its lovely seaside homes.
Cute Cape Cods make up the streets of the Annisquam neighborhood.
Cute Cape Cods make up the streets of the Annisquam neighborhood.
1/2

Non-profits and art venues take center stage

The community’s artistic spirit is also reflected in area establishments. The Annisquam Village Players, one of the oldest community theaters in the country, has been producing a musical show every summer for over 100 years. Plays vary by the season, and the non-profit’s mission is to engage Cape Ann residents with theater. People are also often spotted visiting the Village Library and picking up a copy of the latest books by local authors. Annisquam Exchange, a jewelry, antique and furniture consignment shop that opens in the summer season, is housed in the historic Leonard School and donates 30 percent of its sales to local charities. The upstairs has a small gallery space featuring exhibits and works by Gloucester artists. Talise, the only seasonal restaurant in the village, offers New American fare while overlooking the calm, lapping waters of the harbor. The menu changes daily, and the food is made with seasonal ingredients and meat and fish freshly sourced from local farmers and fishermen. For year-round residents, Market Basket and Shaw’s are about 5 miles south near the city center. Plenty of restaurant options are in downtown, including popular seafood establishments such as Seaport Grille and Causeway. Target and Walmart are approximately 20 miles away in Danvers.

Dive into the white elephant sale at the Annisquam Sea Fair.
Dive into the white elephant sale at the Annisquam Sea Fair.
The Causeway is a popular downtown restaurant for Annisquam residents with big appetites.
The Causeway is a popular downtown restaurant for Annisquam residents with big appetites.
1/2

Village life by Lobster Cove, Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay

Life at the village is also anchored by the waters. Residents have access to Cambridge Beach, which is private to village members, and Lighthouse Beach overlooks Annisquam Lighthouse, which was first built in 1801. “People do all sorts of water activities like paddling, canoeing, sailing and swimming,” Knaggs says. Founded in 1896, the Annisquam Yacht Club opens in the summer for sailing, yachting, social events and tennis. Several miles north, Halibut Point State Park is popular for hiking fishing, birding and picnicking. People can also swim at Wingaersheek Beach, or hike one of the many area forests, including Annisquam Woods, Natti Woodland and Carter Reservation.

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.
Annisquam Light was built in 1801 and serves as the beacon of the neighborhood.
Annisquam Light was built in 1801 and serves as the beacon of the neighborhood.
1/2

Annual fairs and celebrations in Annisquam and the city

Every summer the community holds the Annisquam Sea Fair, which is a country-style festival featuring an ice cream social, a boat race, book sales and food. Residents also dress as their favorite characters in the art world and pose as wax figures, and all revenue goes toward maintaining the historic buildings in the village. Annual celebrations in the city of Gloucester include the St. Peter’s Fiesta and the Gloucester Waterfront Festival.

The whole town looks forward to the fun Annisquam Sea Fair.
The whole town looks forward to the fun Annisquam Sea Fair.
Spin the wheel and try your luck at one of the many old fashion games at the Annisquam Sea Fair.
Spin the wheel and try your luck at one of the many old fashion games at the Annisquam Sea Fair.
1/2

Public schools in Gloucester

Gloucester Public Schools is enrolled in school choice and has an overall B-minus Niche grade. Prospective elementary schools include Plum Cove Elementary and Beeman Memorial Elementary School. Each rates a B-plus and a C-plus, respectively. Students then progress to the B-minus O’Maley Innovation Middle School and finish secondary education at Gloucester High School. O’Maley Middle, recently renovated in 2020, features three laboratories and offers a rigorous science and engineering program. Gloucester High School scores a B and has a waterfront sports stadium. In addition to the traditional core curriculum, Gloucester High also provides courses in business and vocational education.

Plum Cove School serve Gloucester students.
Plum Cove School serve Gloucester students.
Gloucester High School provides education to teens in the Gloucester community.
Gloucester High School provides education to teens in the Gloucester community.
1/2

Transportation options for navigating into Boston

Massachusetts State Route 127 borders the village on the east side, and Boston and the Boston Logan International Airport are about 38 miles away via the highway. Residents can also take the Cape Ann Transportation Authority buses to downtown Gloucester’s train station, and from there take the MBTA commuter rail Newburyport/Rockport Line for direct access to the capital city’s North Station. The Addison Gilbert Hospital is about 4 miles away, and the community remains car-dependent.

Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Amanda Beattie
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Matthew Link
Video By
Matthew Link

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Chris Charido, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

55 min drive

Bus

Annisquam Village Church

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,390,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,832,500
Median Townhouse Price
$1,100,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$699
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Months of Supply
6.00
Median List Price
$1,525,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-10%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
322
Median Year Built
1920
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,337
Above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,849
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,715
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,939

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    11:30am - 1pm

    37 Walnut St, Gloucester, MA 01930

    $1,395,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,368 Sq Ft
    • 37 Walnut St
    • New 21 days ago

    Occupying a private spot in a desirable enclave of Annisquam village, this modernized Colonial is a beautiful blend of history and modern updates, maximizing its idyllic setting with three finished levels that bring in the light and sea air. With warm pine floors, a screened porch, and ample space and storage, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has all you need. Step outside to the sunny backyard and

    Amanda Armstrong Compass

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Chris Charido, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
867
Median Age
54
Population under 18
17.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$116,826
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$148,492

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.1%
College Graduates
47.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

11 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

27 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Annisquam neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Annisquam