Newburyport, MA — Quick Facts: Newburyport is a coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, located approximately 35 miles northeast of Boston (zip 01950). Population: approximately 18,289.[1] The city sits at the mouth of the Merrimack River on the North Shore, and is served by the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line with a trip time of approximately 68 minutes to North Station.[2] The 2025 median single-family home sale price was $1.1 million.[3] Newburyport's National Register Historic District — listed in 1984 — encompasses more than 2,500 contributing structures.[4]
Relocating to the North Shore?
Newburyport's Best Properties Move in Under 30 Days
In a market where inventory is measured in weeks, not months, local broker access is the only reliable path to the right property. Alissa Christie covers every Newburyport neighborhood daily.
Newburyport, MA: 2026 City Profile
| Category |
Detail |
| Zip Code |
01950 (city); 01951 (Plum Island) |
| County |
Essex County, Massachusetts |
| Distance to Boston |
~35 miles northeast via I-95/Route 1[1] |
| Population |
~18,289 (2020 Census)[1] |
| MBTA Commuter Rail |
Newburyport/Rockport Line; ~68 min to North Station[2] |
| Drive to Boston |
45–60 min typical, via I-95 South |
| 2025 Median Home Price |
$1,100,000[3] |
| FY2026 Property Tax Rate |
$9.26 per $1,000 assessed value[5] |
| Historic District |
National Register, 1984; 2,500+ contributing structures[4] |
Sources: [1] Wikipedia/U.S. Census 2020. [2] MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line schedule (mbta.com). [3] The Warren Group, MA 2025 annual home sale data, January 2026. [4] National Register of Historic Places, Newburyport Historic District (1984). [5] City of Newburyport Assessors Office via VGSI, FY2026. âš Confirm tax rate with Assessors Office before publishing — strategic report cited $9.28/thousand; VGSI database shows $9.26/thousand.
Newburyport Neighborhoods
Newburyport divides into distinct sub-markets with meaningfully different price points, character, and buyer profiles. Understanding the micro-neighborhood landscape is the foundation of any successful property search here.
High Street
The city's prestige corridor — three-story Federal mansions, Greek Revival estates, and the architectural apex of the North Shore. Properties on High Street typically command $1.5M to $4M+. All exterior modifications require Newburyport Historical Commission approval.
The South End
A family-focused neighborhood centered around Atkinson Common and Bartlet Mall. Tree-lined streets, walkable access to downtown, and a mix of renovated Victorian-era homes and newer construction. Strong demand from remote professionals. Typical range $850K–$1.3M.
Joppa & Waterfront
The historic working waterfront, bordered by Newbury to the southeast. Authentic maritime character, harbor views, and proximity to the Merrimack River boardwalk. Increasingly desirable; riverfront properties with private docks can reach $4M+.
Plum Island
Geographically isolated barrier island neighborhood (zip 01951), served by Newburyport schools and services. Coastal bungalows and beachfront estates within the Parker River Wildlife Refuge ecosystem. Federal refuge boundaries permanently limit new development — inventory is extremely constrained. See Plum Island listings.
2026 Real Estate Benchmarks
The Newburyport market is characterized by consistently low inventory and strong demand from the Boston-metro relocation segment. Homes average 27-29 days on market.[6] Key price anchors as of early 2026:
Condominiums (historic core): $400K–$900K. Smaller footprints, often in converted Federal-era buildings. Good entry point for buyers new to the market.
Single-family (South End / walkable locations): $850K–$1.3M typical for turnkey. Well-renovated properties in walkable neighborhoods move fastest.
High Street historic estates: $1.5M–$4M+. Demand driven by Boston executives and preservation-minded buyers. Limited supply by definition.
Waterfront / river-view with dock: $2M–$4M+. The rarest inventory category in the market. Off-market relationships are often the only path to acquisition.
Sources: [3] The Warren Group, January 2026. [6] Redfin Newburyport market data, November 2025. Price ranges are illustrative of current market conditions — verify against active MLS data before advising clients.
Lifestyle: Why People Move to Newburyport
Newburyport is a city where daily life is shaped by the coast, history, and a genuinely walkable downtown. State Street and Market Square provide a full range of dining, independent retail, and cultural venues within easy walking distance of most residential neighborhoods. The boardwalk along the Merrimack River is a year-round amenity for residents.
Outdoor access is exceptional. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island covers approximately 4,700 acres of barrier beach, salt marsh, and wildlife habitat — one of the most significant birding destinations on the Atlantic flyway and accessible within a 10-minute drive from downtown.[7] Maudslay State Park offers an additional 450+ acres of riverfront woodland trails within city limits.
Commuting and Connectivity
Newburyport offers two reliable options for Boston commuters:
MBTA Commuter Rail
Newburyport/Rockport Line. Station at 25 Boston Way, Newburyport MA 01950. Trip time approximately 68 minutes to North Station.[2] 613 parking spots. Note: as of March–May 2026, track improvement work is causing some service adjustments — verify current schedule at mbta.com before relocating commuters rely on specific trains.
By Car
I-95 South to Boston. Typical commute 45–60 minutes off-peak; expect 60–80 minutes during morning rush hour. Route 1 provides an alternative surface route. The I-95 exit at Route 113 provides direct access to downtown Newburyport.
Sources: [2] MBTA Newburyport station (mbta.com/stops/place-ER-0362); Moovit route data. [7] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Your Newburyport Relocation Specialist
Alissa Christie — Bentley's Real Estate LLC, 2A Winter St, Newburyport MA 01950, (978) 494-3807 — is a licensed Massachusetts real estate broker specializing in Newburyport and North Shore luxury residential real estate. She provides relocation buyers with comprehensive neighborhood briefings, school district data, commute analysis, and off-market access across all Newburyport neighborhoods.
Browse Listings Get a Valuation
Frequently Asked Questions: Living in Newburyport, MA
Is Newburyport, MA a good place to live?
Newburyport is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Massachusetts. The city offers walkable access to a historic downtown, direct MBTA commuter rail service to Boston (~68 minutes to North Station), exceptional outdoor recreation via the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Maudslay State Park, highly-rated public schools, and one of the most architecturally significant historic districts in New England. Crime rates are well below the national average. The primary tradeoffs are cost — the 2025 median home sale price was $1.1M — and limited housing inventory, which means buyers must be prepared to act quickly in this market.
What is Newburyport, MA known for?
Newburyport is known for its exceptionally well-preserved Federal period architecture, particularly along High Street where captain's mansions from the city's 18th and 19th century maritime peak remain largely intact. The city's National Register Historic District — listed in 1984 and covering 2,500+ structures — is one of the largest in Massachusetts. Newburyport is also known for its vibrant walkable downtown centered on Market Square and State Street, proximity to Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and as a sought-after relocation destination for Boston-area executives seeking coastal quality of life.
How far is Newburyport from Boston?
Newburyport is approximately 35 miles northeast of Boston.[1] By car via I-95 South, the typical commute is 45–60 minutes off-peak and 60–80 minutes during morning rush hour. By MBTA commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line), the trip to North Station is approximately 68 minutes.[2] The commuter rail station is at 25 Boston Way, Newburyport MA 01950, approximately one mile from downtown.
What are the best neighborhoods in Newburyport, MA?
The answer depends on buyer priorities. High Street is Newburyport's most prestigious address — Federal mansions and Greek Revival estates at $1.5M–$4M+, subject to Historical Commission oversight for exterior modifications. The South End near Atkinson Common is the strongest family-oriented neighborhood, offering walkable access to downtown with a mix of historic and renovated homes typically in the $850K–$1.3M range. Joppa and the waterfront corridor appeal to buyers seeking maritime character and river proximity. Plum Island (zip 01951) offers the only direct beachfront access in the market, with permanently constrained supply due to federal wildlife refuge boundaries. For current inventory across all neighborhoods, see active Newburyport listings.
Newburyport, MA — Quick Facts: Newburyport is a coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, located approximately 35 miles northeast of Boston (zip 01950). Population: approximately 18,289.[1] The city sits at the mouth of the Merrimack River on the North Shore, and is served by the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line with a trip time of approximately 68 minutes to North Station.[2] The 2025 median single-family home sale price was $1.1 million.[3] Newburyport's National Register Historic District — listed in 1984 — encompasses more than 2,500 contributing structures.[4]
Relocating to the North Shore?
Newburyport's Best Properties Move in Under 30 Days
In a market where inventory is measured in weeks, not months, local broker access is the only reliable path to the right property. Alissa Christie covers every Newburyport neighborhood daily.
Browse Newburyport Listings Get a Home Valuation
Newburyport, MA: 2026 City Profile
Category
Detail
Zip Code
01950 (city); 01951 (Plum Island)
County
Essex County, Massachusetts
Distance to Boston
~35 miles northeast via I-95/Route 1[1]
Population
~18,289 (2020 Census)[1]
MBTA Commuter Rail
Newburyport/Rockport Line; ~68 min to North Station[2]
Drive to Boston
45–60 min typical, via I-95 South
2025 Median Home Price
$1,100,000[3]
FY2026 Property Tax Rate
$9.26 per $1,000 assessed value[5]
Historic District
National Register, 1984; 2,500+ contributing structures[4]
Sources: [1] Wikipedia/U.S. Census 2020. [2] MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line schedule (mbta.com). [3] The Warren Group, MA 2025 annual home sale data, January 2026. [4] National Register of Historic Places, Newburyport Historic District (1984). [5] City of Newburyport Assessors Office via VGSI, FY2026. âš Confirm tax rate with Assessors Office before publishing — strategic report cited $9.28/thousand; VGSI database shows $9.26/thousand.
Newburyport Neighborhoods
Newburyport divides into distinct sub-markets with meaningfully different price points, character, and buyer profiles. Understanding the micro-neighborhood landscape is the foundation of any successful property search here.
High Street
The city's prestige corridor — three-story Federal mansions, Greek Revival estates, and the architectural apex of the North Shore. Properties on High Street typically command $1.5M to $4M+. All exterior modifications require Newburyport Historical Commission approval.
The South End
A family-focused neighborhood centered around Atkinson Common and Bartlet Mall. Tree-lined streets, walkable access to downtown, and a mix of renovated Victorian-era homes and newer construction. Strong demand from remote professionals. Typical range $850K–$1.3M.
Joppa & Waterfront
The historic working waterfront, bordered by Newbury to the southeast. Authentic maritime character, harbor views, and proximity to the Merrimack River boardwalk. Increasingly desirable; riverfront properties with private docks can reach $4M+.
Plum Island
Geographically isolated barrier island neighborhood (zip 01951), served by Newburyport schools and services. Coastal bungalows and beachfront estates within the Parker River Wildlife Refuge ecosystem. Federal refuge boundaries permanently limit new development — inventory is extremely constrained. See Plum Island listings.
2026 Real Estate Benchmarks
The Newburyport market is characterized by consistently low inventory and strong demand from the Boston-metro relocation segment. Homes average 27-29 days on market.[6] Key price anchors as of early 2026:
Condominiums (historic core): $400K–$900K. Smaller footprints, often in converted Federal-era buildings. Good entry point for buyers new to the market.
Single-family (South End / walkable locations): $850K–$1.3M typical for turnkey. Well-renovated properties in walkable neighborhoods move fastest.
High Street historic estates: $1.5M–$4M+. Demand driven by Boston executives and preservation-minded buyers. Limited supply by definition.
Waterfront / river-view with dock: $2M–$4M+. The rarest inventory category in the market. Off-market relationships are often the only path to acquisition.
Sources: [3] The Warren Group, January 2026. [6] Redfin Newburyport market data, November 2025. Price ranges are illustrative of current market conditions — verify against active MLS data before advising clients.
Lifestyle: Why People Move to Newburyport
Newburyport is a city where daily life is shaped by the coast, history, and a genuinely walkable downtown. State Street and Market Square provide a full range of dining, independent retail, and cultural venues within easy walking distance of most residential neighborhoods. The boardwalk along the Merrimack River is a year-round amenity for residents.
Outdoor access is exceptional. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island covers approximately 4,700 acres of barrier beach, salt marsh, and wildlife habitat — one of the most significant birding destinations on the Atlantic flyway and accessible within a 10-minute drive from downtown.[7] Maudslay State Park offers an additional 450+ acres of riverfront woodland trails within city limits.
Commuting and Connectivity
Newburyport offers two reliable options for Boston commuters:
MBTA Commuter Rail
Newburyport/Rockport Line. Station at 25 Boston Way, Newburyport MA 01950. Trip time approximately 68 minutes to North Station.[2] 613 parking spots. Note: as of March–May 2026, track improvement work is causing some service adjustments — verify current schedule at mbta.com before relocating commuters rely on specific trains.
By Car
I-95 South to Boston. Typical commute 45–60 minutes off-peak; expect 60–80 minutes during morning rush hour. Route 1 provides an alternative surface route. The I-95 exit at Route 113 provides direct access to downtown Newburyport.
Sources: [2] MBTA Newburyport station (mbta.com/stops/place-ER-0362); Moovit route data. [7] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Your Newburyport Relocation Specialist
Alissa Christie — Bentley's Real Estate LLC, 2A Winter St, Newburyport MA 01950, (978) 494-3807 — is a licensed Massachusetts real estate broker specializing in Newburyport and North Shore luxury residential real estate. She provides relocation buyers with comprehensive neighborhood briefings, school district data, commute analysis, and off-market access across all Newburyport neighborhoods.
Browse Listings Get a Valuation
Related Reading
Newburyport Homes for Sale
Plum Island Homes for Sale
Newburyport Property Tax Guide (FY2026)
Buying a Historic Home in Newburyport
Plum Island Local Guide
Architectural Styles of Historic Newburyport
6 Reasons to Relocate to Newburyport
Moving to Newburyport, MA
Frequently Asked Questions: Living in Newburyport, MA
Is Newburyport, MA a good place to live?
Newburyport is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Massachusetts. The city offers walkable access to a historic downtown, direct MBTA commuter rail service to Boston (~68 minutes to North Station), exceptional outdoor recreation via the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Maudslay State Park, highly-rated public schools, and one of the most architecturally significant historic districts in New England. Crime rates are well below the national average. The primary tradeoffs are cost — the 2025 median home sale price was $1.1M — and limited housing inventory, which means buyers must be prepared to act quickly in this market.
What is Newburyport, MA known for?
Newburyport is known for its exceptionally well-preserved Federal period architecture, particularly along High Street where captain's mansions from the city's 18th and 19th century maritime peak remain largely intact. The city's National Register Historic District — listed in 1984 and covering 2,500+ structures — is one of the largest in Massachusetts. Newburyport is also known for its vibrant walkable downtown centered on Market Square and State Street, proximity to Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and as a sought-after relocation destination for Boston-area executives seeking coastal quality of life.
How far is Newburyport from Boston?
Newburyport is approximately 35 miles northeast of Boston.[1] By car via I-95 South, the typical commute is 45–60 minutes off-peak and 60–80 minutes during morning rush hour. By MBTA commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line), the trip to North Station is approximately 68 minutes.[2] The commuter rail station is at 25 Boston Way, Newburyport MA 01950, approximately one mile from downtown.
What are the best neighborhoods in Newburyport, MA?
The answer depends on buyer priorities. High Street is Newburyport's most prestigious address — Federal mansions and Greek Revival estates at $1.5M–$4M+, subject to Historical Commission oversight for exterior modifications. The South End near Atkinson Common is the strongest family-oriented neighborhood, offering walkable access to downtown with a mix of historic and renovated homes typically in the $850K–$1.3M range. Joppa and the waterfront corridor appeal to buyers seeking maritime character and river proximity. Plum Island (zip 01951) offers the only direct beachfront access in the market, with permanently constrained supply due to federal wildlife refuge boundaries. For current inventory across all neighborhoods, see active Newburyport listings.
