Set against the backdrop of Massachusetts’ North Shore and Ipswich Bay, where salt-laden sea breezes merge with tales from the past, Ipswich is a town in which time seems to stand still. “It’s a great place if you like the water and boating, and it’s really beautiful with the Ipswich River flowing through,” says Sonia Johnson, a Realtor at eXp Realty with 21 years of experience servicing the North Shore market. “Ipswich is also the birthplace of American Independence, and so there is a historical feel, and we have a centrally located downtown area.” With roots that date back to 1634, Ipswich’s cobbled streets, historic 17th-century homes and a tight-knit community, the town paints a picture of a place where life is tranquil yet accessible. In addition, roughly half of Ipswich is comprised of green, conservation land and open spaces, which serve as a natural backdrop to the town’s public schools, a commuter rail station, as well as many restaurants, local markets and modern amenities.
Downtown Ipswich provides residents easy access to dining and shopping options.
Dogs in the area enjoy long walks on the beach in Ipswich.
1/2
Historic 17th-century homes in Ipswich
Known for having the largest collection of 17th-century homes in North America, Ipswich has about three dozen historic First Period houses built before 1725. Many properties are still inhabited by Ipswich residents, and some homes are protected by the town’s preservation restriction program. From Cape Cods and ranch styles to Colonials, Colonial Revivals and traditional farmhouses, single-family homes under 2,000 square feet usually list from $400,000 to $800,000, and larger Contemporary or New Traditional homes built in the 1980s and the 1990s may go up to $1.5 million. Condos can be between $200,000 and $400,000, while townhouses go for $500,000 to $1 million. “There is a huge variety of homes in Ipswich,” says Joan McDonald, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty - Manchester with 18 years of experience selling homes in the North Shore area. “There are antique homes from the First Period and there are subdivision houses built much later. Some smaller homes are around the downtown area, and condos are throughout the community.” Several private golf course communities have monthly HOA fees. In addition, many homes are situated in flood zones and homebuyers may be required to purchase flood insurance.
Older Federal style house sit in a colorful row in Ipswich.
The John Whipple House is a first period house that was built by Captain John Whipple in 1677.
1/2
Water activities in Ipswich
Crane Beach has miles of golden sands, dunes and a wildlife reserve, as well as trails and boardwalks along the shores. Slightly up north, Pavilion Beach features a boat launch, and the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern offers more beach views and is a great place to see wildlife. Willowdale State Forest has over 40 miles of trails for horseback riding and mountain biking, and a pond for fishing and non-motorized boating. Several parks in town, including Bialek Park, have playgrounds, athletic fields and walkways. The Ipswich Town Hall and the Ipswich Family YMCA, which has a water park, offer recreational classes, including dancing, swimming and instruction on playing ping pong. The Turner Hill Golf Club has an 18-hole course, tennis and paddleball courts, a pool and a clubhouse with a game room. “Lots of people are out and enjoy the outdoors here,” Mcdonald says. “Ipswich has lots of conservation land and one of the most beautiful beaches.”
Spend the afternoon on the Ipswich river with a Kayak from Foote Brothers in ipswich.
Paddle boarding with your best friend is highly recommended on the Ipswich river.
1/2
Restaurants in Ipswich
With classics such as clam chowder, Choate Bridge Pub is a testament to New England's rich culinary traditions. 1640 Hart House, originally owned by the town’s first selectman, Thomas Hart, features a 363-year-old fireplace and serves hearty American fare. Located along Estes Street, Riverview Restaurant is a local pizzeria known for its thin-crust pizzas. Clam Box of Ipswich has an outdoor patio area and is known for fried clams and seafood. “Ipswich is famous for the clams,” Johnson says. “The Ipswich clams are seen in menus from all over the country.” The Ipswich Homegrown Market is a weekly market that takes place at the Hall-Haskell House and features local artisans, farmers and vendors. Many people buy produce, crafts and food at the place. Northern Lights Farm Stand is another popular farm in the town known for seasonal produce, baked goods and flower fields. Shaw’s is also located in town, while Target and Walmart are about 13 miles south in Danvers.
Enjoy people watching at an outdoor table at Heart and Soul Cafe in Ipswich.
A fun interior and friendly staff will greet you at Heart and Soul Cafe in Ipswich.
1/2
Ipswich Public Schools
Prospective primary schools include Winthrop School and Paul F. Doyon Memorial School, both of which have a B Niche rating. Ipswich Middle School scores a B-plus and Ipswich High School rates an A-minus. Ipswich High provides pathways for machining and information technology, and both require a capstone course for completion.
Winthrop Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Ipswich.
Ipswich Middle School shares a campus with the High School.
1/2
Navigating into Boston
Ipswich is mostly car-dependent, and “it’s not a hustle-bustle town,” Johnson says. “There is no highway going through the community so it’s kind of tucked away.” The Commuter Rail by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has the Newburyport / Rockport Line, which allows commuters to travel from Ipswich straight to Boston’s North Station. Those who take the car can expect about a 29-mile trip via U.S. Route 1 for the city center, and Boston Logan International Airport is 33 miles away. There are also many places of worship in town, and Beverly Hospital is about 10 miles south in Beverly.
Events in Ipswich
To commemorate the early Polish settlers who ran the area mills, the Saint Lawrence Literary Society plans an annual Polish Picnic, which is a family-friendly event with Polka music, Polish food, a raffle and fun activities such as face painting. In July and August, Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays features live music on the Riverwalk, and downtown shops are open late for shoppers. Each year in October, the Ipswich Illumination celebrates the community with a bonfire, poetry reading, live music, an open-air market, film screenings and dance.
Get lost in the Marini Farm corn maze in Ipswich.
The war memorial is a few steps from the visitor center in Ipswich.
Attention to detail and responsive client service are priorities for real estate agent Deb Evans. "My association with J Barrett is an excellent fit with my needs-based approach to helping clients achieve their goals," says the Wenham resident. With 10+ years in corporate sales and marketing management, real estate blends Deb's extensive business skills with a passionate interest in residential real estate. Deb, a long-time volunteer, is active in educational, sports, and town and church organizations in the Hamilton/Wenham community.
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.
