Wenham is a historic and rural town settled in 1635 and incorporated in 1643. Farmland dominates the surrounding area, and pristine nature is everywhere while living in Wenham MA. Lakes, woodlands, and pasturelands make Wenham a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The town has close to 300 acres of parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas to explore and enjoy. Old stone walls, picturesque Victorian homes, and winding tree-lined streets give those living in Wenham MA, historic and rural New England small-town charm.
Wenham is a young town. The average age of those living in Wenham MA is only 25.3 years, and the community is friendly and welcoming. It’s also mainly a residential town, with larger communities like Danvers, Topsfield, and Beverly surrounding it. These communities offer great options for jobs, shopping, dining, and entertainment. For families, the school system is excellent in Wenham. It’s a lovely town to reside in.
Those living in Wenham MA are proud to reside here, and many are involved in the unique historic character of the town. For over 50 years, the Wenham Village Improvement Society has kept alive the tranquil rural scenery as a fully-women-led group that cares for the history of the town as well as its future residents. In 2010, Wenham and its neighboring community of Hamilton were listed among the “Best Places to Live” by Boston magazine. You’ll love the historic and rural charm of living in Wenham MA.
Where Is Wenham, MA?
Wenham is a town located in Essex County in the North Shore region of Massachusetts and is surrounded by rolling hills and pastures, and it’s nearby beautiful beaches as well. Wenham is just north of Boston. Wenham to Boston is 22 miles. For commuters, the commuter rail from Wenham to Boston takes 50 min.
Map of Wenham, MA
Wenham MA Population and Demographics
As part of Essex County, Wenham celebrates cultural diversity and inclusivity, understanding that the community can appreciate different cultures, traditions, and pеrspесtіvеs. Several events in Essex County celebrate these differences. The Essex Cоuntу Heritage Fеstіvаl showcases different cultures through music, dance, food, and other activities to those living in Wenham MA.
The Intеrnаtіоnаl Fеstіvаl at Endісоtt Cоllеgе сеlеbrаtеs thе diverse cultures rеprеsеntеd on campus and offers еduсаtіоnаl workshops and presentations on different cultures. Thе Essеx Cоuntу Latino Fеstіvаl celebrates the county’s vibrant Latino соmmunіtу, with live music, dаnсе performances, trаdіtіоnаl fооd, аnd сulturаl асtіvіtіеs. All of these festivals are popular amongst those living in Wenham MA.
Living in Wenham MA offers lots of opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity throughout the year, creating a sense of community that includes those from all backgrounds, allowing them to live comfortably.
The Wenham population is 4,933. The racial and ethnic demographics of Wenham are 89.5% White alone, followed by 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Asian alone, 2.2% Black or African American alone, 1.5% Two or More Races, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander.
Here’s an overview of Wenham’s demographics:
- Population density: 610 per square mile
- Median age: 25.3
- Sex ratio: 47.7% males, 52.3% females
- Median household income: $181,982
- Educational attainment: 99.2% high school degree or higher, 71.3% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 3.9%
- Veteran population: 83
Safety is an important consideration when moving to Wenham, and the Wenham Police Department partners with the community to provide a safe environment, protecting those living in Wenham MA, with professionalism and dedication. The crime rate in Wenham is 63% lower than the national average, making it a very safe place to live. Violent crime is almost non-existent in the community.
Wenham MA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Wenham is 63% higher than the US average, but much lower than the Boston cost of living. Wenham has a strong economy and is a good place to live if you can afford to. Housing costs in Wenham are 124% higher than the US average.
The median price of a home in Wenham is $888,000. So, Wenham MA real estate is not cheap! However, the price of homes dropped 23.5% since last year, making this a good time to buy one of the many homes for sale in Wenham MA. The average rent in Wenham for a 2-bedroom home is $3,281 a month. By comparison, average rental costs in Boston are $3,842 per month. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Wenham MA on Rent Cafe. One popular rental complex for those living in Wenham MA is The Maples Wenham MA location.
Typical Wenham Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $24.50
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.13
- Dozen eggs: $4.61
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.26
- Average Wenham monthly utility bill: $201.03
Source: Numbeo, Boston, MA
The Best Neighborhoods in Wenham Massachusetts
The town of Wenham is mostly a rural town with lots of open spaces. The population density of those living in Wenham MA is extremely low, at only about 610 people per square mile. You can find a variety of homes there, many of which are historic and beautifully maintained. You’ll find luxury homes off Cherry Street and Massachusetts Route 97. Many of these estates have four to six bedrooms and three to five bathrooms, with big lots that range from 1 to 3 acres. These are multi-million dollar homes.
Main Street, with stone walls hundreds of years old and tree-lined streets, showcases historic grand Victorians. These homes are intermingled with parks and town buildings, making each downtown block unique. Local shops and dining are close by. Farther out, many of the homes are on pastureland and offer lots of privacy.
Wenham MA Weather & Climate
Boston’s climate is identical to Wenham. Wenham has a humid continental climate and characteristic New England weather, which those living in Wenham MA love! The summers are warm and humid, while the winters bring frigid cold and snow. The average temperature in the summer is pleasant, typically between 70°F and 80°F. In winter, temperatures can drop down to 0°F.
On average, Wenham gets about 48 inches of rain each year, which is over the national average of 38 inches. Prepare for snow when moving to Wenham because it gets anywhere from 20 to 30 inches annually. You’ll see about 201 sunny days per year in Wenham, just below the national average of 205.
The best time of year to visit Wenham is from late June to mid-September to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the many options for outdoor activities. Because weather in Wenham can switch often, it’s best to check the weather in Wenham, Massachusetts 10 days forecast before!
Things to Do in Wenham MA
Wenham offers fun and exciting activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy. There is also convenient shopping at Viola Lovely, Tendercrop Farm, and Timeless Interiors and Gifts for those living in Wenham MA. Here are some of the best things to do in Wenham:
Wenham Museum
Wenham Museum is a children’s museum for all ages. The Wenham museum celebrates the history and culture of the greater North Shore community through many collections and exhibitions. Exhibits include toys, model trains, photographs, textiles, costumes, dolls, a replica of a 17th-century house, a library of town records, and much more.
132 Main St, Wenham, MA 01984, (978) 468-2377
Wenham Country Club
The Wenham Country Club has been around since 1899 for those living in Wenham MA, offering a golf course that will challenge golfers at every skill level. The course has well-groomed fairways and is well-maintained for resident golfers. Wenham Country Club is your golf destination in Wenham. The Wenham golf course is a great place to bring the family or enjoy a quiet day out.
94 Main St, Wenham, MA 01984, (978) 468-4714
Chebacco Woods Trails
If you’re living in Wenham MA, Chebacco Woods is a hiker’s dream. It has an extensive and well-kept system of trails that meander through evergreen and deciduous woodlands and beside two large ponds. The views alone are spectacular. The trails are part of the Essex County Trail Association and wind up and down glacial eskers and connect to trails on the campus of Gordon College.
South Hamilton, MA 01982, (978) 468-1133
Additional Attractions Near Wenham, MA:
For more outdoor activities, Wenham has lots of natural beauty, green spaces showcasing local flora and fauna, and many outdoor recreational opportunities. J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve is a great place for hiking and biking, and to catch a glimpse of local wildlife. Bring your dog too! Pingree Park offers 11.7 acres of picturesque scenery, pickleball, trails, and more.
Danvers-Wenham Swamp Walk is a perfect location to explore nature while living in Wenham MA. A boardwalk takes you through the swamps and marshes, where you might see beavers, turtles, frogs, snakes, deer, eagles, hawks, and more.
Wenham MA Restaurants
Wenham offers a variety of dining options for those living in Wenham MA, including local fare, that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. The Wenham Tea House is a popular place to bring young ladies for a full tea experience or just to have a good brunch! You’ll find something for every taste in Wenham. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments such as:
Walnut Tavern
Walnut Tavern uses local, fresh ingredients, and every meal is made from scratch. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The menu is loaded with mouthwatering items such as wood-fired items, burgers, sushi, and salads. It’s a great place for a family night out or date night while living in Wenham MA.
15 Walnut Rd, South Hamilton, MA 01982, (978) 468-2400
Weathervane Tavern
The Weathervane Tavern is home to great service, great food and drink, and great value. This family-owned and operated restaurant offers a casual ambiance, quality food, and the best prices in town. They use the finest ingredients available and prepare all their sauces, dressings, and soups from scratch while living in Wenham MA.
85 Railroad Ave, South Hamilton, MA 01982, (978) 468-2600
Post
Post has been a staple in the area since 1924. They serve up cold beer, their famous steak tips, and other delights such as tacos, chicken, seafood, and more. Choose from their selections of wines or champagne to compliment the perfect meal while out for a night out while living in Wenham MA!
16 Bay Rd, South Hamilton, MA 01982, (978) 468-1166
Jobs in Wenham MA
Essex County and the surrounding cities provide job opportunities in fields such as trade, transportation and utilities, and healthcare. Its proximity to downtown Boston offers additional employment opportunities. One of the major employers in Wenham is Beverly Hospital. Beverly Hospital is a 221-bed community hospital providing quality, patient-centered care to Wenham and other communities in North Shore and Cape Ann.
Their specialties include maternity, pediatrics, surgical, orthopedics, and cardiology. They have a medical staff of over 500 physicians and more than 2,000 employees. Other major employers in the county include Abiomed, Mercury Systems, and Salem Hospital. If you’re looking for a job in Wenham, check out Indeed or other job board sites.
Schools in Wenham MA
While living in Wenham MA, you can rest easy knowing your kids have access to some of the best schools. The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District serves the communities of Wenham and Hamilton. The district has three elementary schools, Baker, Cutler, and Winthrop, as well as Miles River Middle, Hamilton-Wenham High School, and Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Integrated Preschool. The district is highly ranked, offering an excellent education to approximately 1,684 students. Their philosophy is to educate their students to become knowledgeable, healthy, responsible, and productive adults.
If you’re interested in private school options, there are excellent schools in the area, including Covenant Christian Academy, The Academy at Penguin Hall for Girls, and St. John’s Preparatory School.
For further education near Wenham, students have options to attend Gordon College, Salem State University, Endicott College, and North Shore Community College.
If you’re looking for a fun day, check out the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library where you can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more. The library has reading groups, meeting rooms, and summer reading events for kids and adults living in Wenham MA.
Wenham MA Statistics & Information
- County: Essex County
- Area: 8.1 square miles
- Wenham MA Zip code: 01984
- Area code: 351, 978
- Elevation: 105 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport
If you’re looking for a good place for your family and a city with amenities, you can’t go wrong with living in Wenham MA! Are you moving to Wenham? If the town of Wenham MA is calling your name, you need the best Wenham movers to help get you settled! Call Mass Bay Movers at 978-587-3775 or fill out our form to get started on a free quote!
