Founded in 1629 as a small fishing village, Swampscott has exploded in popularity over the years, transforming into a walkable waterfront community with easy access to parks and retail. The town has a population of just over 15,000 and has seen a steady increase over the last 10 years in terms of both new development and new residents. The town offers waterfront dining, shopping at Swampscott Mall and home variety. “Swampscott is truly a booming area,” says Marie Epstein, an administrative assistant at the Swampscott Public Library who has lived in the area for over 30 years. “There has been a massive influx of young people and new families, and you can see the effects of that all over town.”
Swampscott sits nestled in the scenic North Shore of Massachusetts.
Swampscott has a rich history and was incorporated in 1852.
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Inland condos to New Englanders along Fishermans Beach
Brightly colored New Englander and Cape Cod-inspired homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s line many of the streets. Shaded lawns and ample space for driveways or garages are also common. “The closer you get to downtown and the beach, you can see all of the million-dollar homes and condos that line the water,” Epstein says. The community also has several condos closer to Lynn and Marblehead, ranging from apartment styles to multi-unit dwellings. The median house price is around $750,000, which is higher than the U.S. average.
Cape Cod style homes are tucked on many of the quiet side streets in Swampscott.
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Lit parks to strolls along Kings Beach
Phillips Park has a variety of fields and courts in addition to a playground. Fisherman's Beach and Kings Beach are popular spots in warmer months. “It’s a really nice spot to walk, you can walk along the waterfront all the way to Nahant Beach,” Epstein says. Nearby Tedesco Country Club is an invitation-only club with an 18-hole golf course. Epstein notes notes that it's an old and established part of the community.
Kings Beach greets visitors to the lovely coastal town of Swampscott.
Tedesco Country Club near Swampscott is a popular spot for golfers throughout the summer.
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Swampscott Mall and local dining options
Closer to downtown, local restaurants, such as Dockside Pub, are located along the waterfront. Little G Market Bar & Eatery is known for its specialty pizzas. Residents can shop at Swampscott Mall where they'll find Marshalls and Whole Foods. The Stop & Shop in Salem is an additional option.
Little G is a popular spot on the weekend for a tasty dinner or drinks in Swampscott.
Swing by the Dockside Pub in Swampscott for some tasty donuts on the weekend.
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New Swampscott public school buildings
Students in the area are served by Swampscott Public Schools, which receives an overall B-plus rating on Niche. They can begin at Hadley Elementary School, which receives an A-minus on Niche, before moving to the B-plus-rated Swampscott Middle School. Swampscott High School receives an A-minus rating. Epstein notes that modern high school facility, which opened in 2007, brings many new families to the area.
Swampscott High School has an overall rating of A- on Niche.
Swampscott Middle School has an overall rating of A- on Niche.
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Commuting to Boston and Salem
Many Swampscott residents work in the healthcare and tech industries, and many commute to Boston or Salem for work. People can use the Swampscott commuter rail station or walk along Western Avenue. Epstein says it is a very walkable area, and kids often walk to school regardless of the season. Boston Logan International Airport is 11 miles south, and Salem Hospital is 4 miles to the north.
4th of July fireworks and holiday festivals
Swampscott is home to a healthy recreation department that hosts several events throughout the year. One of the area’s biggest events is on the 4th of July, which includes a parade followed by fireworks near the beach. In December, the town also has its own Holiday Festival, complete with gingerbread house competitions, kiddie train rides and a visit from Santa.
Take a ride on the train at the annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting.
Crazy, unique floats can be spotted at the Swampscott Strawberry Festival and Parade.
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Lower crime rates in Swampscott
According to the Massachusetts crime statistics website, Swampscott's crime rate is lower than national rates, with an almost 5% overall decrease in incidents between 2022 and 2023.
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Originally from Columbia, MO, Julie has called the North Shore home since 1990. When she’s not assisting clients, she enjoys volunteering in her community, tending to her garden, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
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.
