Established in the 1640s, Saugus was originally known for its burgeoning ironworks plant alongside the town’s namesake river. This production continued to increase and innovate throughout the following decades, making the town a titan of industry in Colonial America. Today, this history is memorialized at the 12-acre Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, less than a mile from the town's center. This landmark offers a glimpse into Saugus' historic past, while its location lends to modern amenities nearby. The town consists of ocean views, dining and shopping options along U.S. Route 1, and many historic homes and parks that fill the spaces in between. “Because of Route 1, you don’t have to go far for anything,” says Greg Tully, a sales agent with Cameron Real Estate who has been a resident of Saugus for over 35 years. The United States Census Bureau estimated Saugus had a population of over 28,000 in 2023. Saugus is about 11 miles north of Boston.
Saugus is a homey town that takes pride in its community.
Visit the Saugus Ironworks park and learn more about the history of this glorious town.
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Updated colonials with spacious backyards
Housing options in Saugus help highlight the town’s history and growth since the 1600s. Split levels, Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals are the most common, and a number of condos and townhouses have popped up in recent years, especially in Oakland Vale .
“There is a healthy mix of homes, with a lot of the older big colonials,” Tully says. “But a lot of people have renovated and updated them.” Many homes are set to the fronts of lots, allowing for more backyard space for garages, pools and space for driveways. Prices for condos and townhouses start around $300,000 and rise to $600,000. Single-family homes have a median price of $650,000, compared to a median single-family price of $875,000 in Boston. “It is one of the more affordable towns in the area,” Tully says. In the $1 million to $2 million range, buyers may find newly built homes on quarter-acre lots in the Lynnhurst and Pleasant Hills neighborhoods.
Most homes in Saugus have grassy lawns and might be covered by large trees.
Saugus is home to some larger Colonials.
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Hundreds of acres of Massachusetts reservations
Breakheart Reservation is a 600-acre green space in North Saugus . “There are tons of walking trails, as well as a couple of lakes for swimming,” Tully says. The Rumney Marsh Reservation is in the Cliftondale neighborhood. Visitors can launch a kayak into the salt marshes and fish for striped bass or flounder. The Atlantic Ocean is also east of Rumney Marsh, making the trip to reach the waves about 3 miles. Tully also notes from his time working in Woburn that the winds of the Atlantic help Saugus during the colder months. “They let us off early as there was 10 to 12 inches of snow falling, but as I was getting closer to Saugus, it suddenly turned to rain from the ocean winds.”
Breakheart Reservation in Saugus offers a vast amount of forest views.
Get a breath of the ocean air at the Rumney Reservation in Saugus.
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Saugus Founder’s Day and the Sizzling Summer Craft Fair
At the beginning of June, the town holds the Sizzling Summer Craft Fair, where local vendors sell homemade items and food, with musicians headlining the event. At the end of September, the town celebrates Saugus Founders Day. Central Street is blocked off, and residents come together to watch performances by the Theater Company of Saugus and support artisans and artists. Children can also jump in bounce houses and play carnival games, like dunk tanks or ring toss.
Dining and shopping in the town center and Square One Mall
Serving the community for over 45 years, Hammersmith Family Restaurant stands as one of the go-to breakfast and lunch options in the center of town. The local chain, Kane’s Donuts, has two locations in Downtown Saugus . Kowloon is a dining destination known for Polynesian décor and classic Asian cuisine. “It is a huge spot and has been around forever,” Tully says. Square One Mall, chain retailers and grocery stores are located along Route 1.
Trader Joe's along Route One in Saugus is a great option for groceries on your commute home.
Grab a table for some family style dining at Prince's in Saugus.
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Early college program at Saugus Public Schools
Saugus Public Schools has a total of three schools and earns a C-plus grade on Niche. Students can attend B-minus-rated Veterans Early Learning Center for prekindergarten through first grade. Second through fifth graders go to Belmonte STEAM Academy, which recently opened in 2022 and also receives a B-minus. Saugus Middle School and Saugus High School, rated a C-plus and B-minus, respectively, are located in the same building. The high school’s early college program prepares students for their futures with career-oriented pathways and real-world work experience.
Saugus High School has an overall grade of C+ on Niche.
The main entrance to the St Joseph School in Wakefield, MA.
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U.S. Route 1 and MBTA buses
A 10-mile drive south on U.S. Route 1, also known as Broadway, leads to Boston’s core. These larger roads can sometimes become backed up with traffic as people head to and from downtown Boston. Those who wish to take public transportation can hop on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority or MBTA 430 bus to head to Malden Center Station for commuter rail or Orange Line access. MelroseWakefield Hospital is less than 4 miles to the west, and Boston Logan International Airport is 10 miles to the south. There is currently no crime data for Saugus.
Addtional writing by Braxton Puentes.
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.
