Are you thinking about moving to West Newbury MA? This charming North Shore town sits along the scenic Merrimack River and is known for its rolling hills, outdoor activities, and close-knit community. The Town of West Newbury was incorporated in 1819 and named after Newbury, England, which is very fitting for a beautiful New England gem that feels straight out of a fairytale.
Living in West Newbury MA means enjoying peaceful, small-town life with easy access to beaches, trails, and nearby cities like Newburyport and Boston. Whether you’re planning to raise a family or retire in Massachusetts, West Newbury offers natural beauty and a warmth that makes it one of the most desirable North Shore towns to call home.
Is West Newbury MA a Good Place to Live?
Yes, West Newbury MA is a good place to live. When living in West Newbury MA, you’ll enjoy outdoor activities near the Merrimack River, top-rated school districts, and a fantastic sense of community.
Where Is West Newbury Massachusetts?
View this post on Instagram
West Newbury is a small town in Essex County, Massachusetts, nestled along the scenic Merrimack River near the New Hampshire border. Part of the Greater Boston area, it’s conveniently located about 40 miles north of the city, making it close enough for commuters but surrounded by peaceful open space and nature.
Living in West Newbury MA means easy access to beautiful beaches, forests, and the Artichoke River, as well as charming neighboring Newburyport, just 5 miles east. The town of West Newbury is also close to Groveland MA, and Merrimac MA.
Moving to West Newbury MA offers residents a peaceful, rural lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences. Public transportation is limited, but nearby Newburyport provides MBTA commuter rail service to Boston, making transportation into the big city a breeze.
Does living in West Newbury MA sound great to you? The West Newbury movers at Mass Bay Movers are ready to make your life easier before, during, and after moving day! To get started with a free quote, give our West Newbury moving company a call today!
West Newbury MA Population & Demographics
View this post on Instagram
There are only 4,536 people living in West Newbury MA, giving the area a cozy, small-town feel with 337.3 people per square mile. West Newbury is a popular spot for older families and retirees looking to escape the big-city lifestyle, with a median age of 50.9. Additionally, residents living in West Newbury MA are quite affluent, with a median household income of $189,048. This is nearly double the amount in Massachusetts ($101,341).
Additional West Newbury MA demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 91% White (86% non-Hispanic), 7% two or more races, 2% Asian
- Educational attainment: 97.8% high school degree (or higher), 66.6% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 5.9%
- Notable people from West Newbury: Professional wrestler John Cena, author Margaret Coit, football player Elmer Burnham
Is living in West Newbury MA safe? Here’s a quick look at the West Newbury crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 239 crimes per 100,000 people (82.8% lower than state average and 89.7% lower than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 22 crimes per 100,000 people (93.2% lower than state average and 94.1% lower than national average)
- Property crime rate: 217 crimes per 100,000 people (79.7% lower than state average and 88.9% lower than national average)
As you can see, living in West Newbury MA is very safe. The town has crime rates well below the state and national averages, and most of the crime is property crime. After moving to West Newbury MA, you’ll be served by the West Newbury Police Department.
West Newbury Cost of Living
View this post on Instagram
Are you wondering whether or not living in West Newbury MA is affordable for you and your family? West Newbury is on the expensive side, with a Cost of Living Index of 131.5. This means that the cost of living in West Newbury is 31.5% more expensive than the national average.
A family of four living in West Newbury MA would need to earn $136,942 per year ($11,412 per month) to live comfortably in the town, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Typical West Newbury Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.60
- Cappuccino: $4.11
- Pound of potatoes: $1.45
- Bottle of wine (mid-range): $11.99
- Gallon of gas: $3.22
- Monthly phone bill: $53.50
- Average West Newbury MA utilities per month: $193.33
Source: Numbeo*
*These figures are for nearby Andover, but you can expect similar figures when living in West Newbury MA.
Are you searching for homes for sale in West Newbury MA? The West Newbury MA real estate market is thriving, and home prices are up 11.7% compared to last year, according to Redfin. The town offers a mix of single family homes, historic homes, and even a few condos and apartments. The average home price in West Newbury MA is $830,000, which is well above the national average of $439,198.
If you’d rather rent when living in West Newbury MA, then the average rent is $2,135 per month, according to RentCafe.
Neighborhoods in West Newbury MA | Where to Live in West Newbury MA
View this post on Instagram
Though it spans just 15 square miles, living in West Newbury MA offers several charming areas to choose from. The southern parts of town are the most sought-after, known for their natural beauty, larger homes, and proximity to the Mill Pond Recreation Area, where locals enjoy trails, kayaking, and horseback riding.
If you’re moving to West Newbury MA, and seeking tranquility, the southwest side offers more affordable homes while still providing that signature small-town peace. Near the West Newbury Post Office, you’ll find the town center with a few modern amenities, perfect for those who want a little more convenience.
West Newbury MA Weather & Climate
West Newbury Mass has a humid continental climate according to the Köppen Classification, meaning residents enjoy four distinct seasons that showcase the town’s scenic landscape all year round. Summers are warm and comfortable, with average highs around 80°F, perfect for fishing or exploring the local country trails. Winters bring cold temperatures that dip to the 20s°F and deliver about 57 inches of snowfall. Additionally, the annual precipitation in West Newbury MA averages around 50 inches.
Things to Do in West Newbury MA
There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do when living in West Newbury MA. From cozy community events to nature at places like the Riverbend Conservation Area or nearby New Hampshire, Newbury MA residents have so much to explore. Here are a few of the best things to do in West Newbury MA.
Mill Pond Recreation Area
This area offers over 270 acres of rolling hills, pine forests, and athletic fields, perfect for kids, families, or anyone looking to connect with nature.
693 Main St, West Newbury, MA 01985
Maudslay State Park
Located in nearby Newburyport, Maudslay State Park is a favorite among residents living in West Newbury MA. This old estate is full of gorgeous flowers, several types of trees, and year-round events.
74 Curzon Mill Rd, Newburyport, MA 01950, (978) 465-7223
Long Hill Orchard & Farm
View this post on Instagram
When living in West Newbury MA, you can’t skip out on Long Hill Orchard & Farm. Stop by for some local produce and handmade crafts.
520 Main St, West Newbury, MA 01985, (978) 363-2170
Additional West Newbury Attractions
To keep up with West Newbury news and find out about events in the area, check out the city calendar.
West Newbury Restaurants
When living in West Newbury MA, you’ll find an abundance of great restaurants to check out. You’ll also be just a short jaunt away from Boston, which is home to some of the best food in the entire country. Here are a few of the best restaurants in West Newbury MA.
West Newbury Pizza Company
View this post on Instagram
West Newbury Pizza Company is a favorite among residents living in Newbury MA. Stop by for a handmade pie, a salad, or a wrap from this local joint.
282 Main St, West Newbury, MA 01985, (978) 363-2920
Nick’s Place West Newbury
Nick’s Place offers up a little bit of everything, from yummy gyros to fresh salads to signature New England lobster rolls.
33 Main St, West Newbury, MA 01985, (978) 363-8600
Giuseppe’s
Stop by Giuseppe’s for delicious Italian food in a relaxed setting. They even offer takeaway dinners if you’d rather dine at home.
257 Low St, Newburyport, MA 01950, (978) 465-2225
West Newbury Jobs
The town is mostly residential, so most residents in West Newbury tend to commute to nearby cities to work. Living in West Newbury MA means enjoying small-town life while being close to major employers in Essex County and Boston.
A few of the top employers near West Newbury include:
- Mass General Brigham (healthcare and research)
- Raytheon Technologies (defense and engineering)
- Salem State University (higher education)
- New Balance (manufacturing and design)
- Boston University & Harvard University (education and research)
According to Payscale, the average salary in the West Newbury/Boston area is $93,000.
If you’re interested in West Newbury jobs, then check out the town job board or do a quick search on Indeed.
Schools in West Newbury Massachusetts
View this post on Instagram
Families living in West Newbury MA are served by the Pentucket Regional School District, which includes West Newbury, Merrimac, and Groveland. West Newbury offers strong public schools, including the Dr. John C. Page School, one of two schools in town, and the Pentucket Regional High School nearby.
For elementary school, families can also choose River Valley Charter School in Newburyport. Older students have access to Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill or Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School in Danvers.
Those moving to West Newbury MA will also find several top private schools nearby, such as Phillips Academy, Pingree School, and Central Catholic High School.
When living in West Newbury MA, you can enjoy access to G.A.R. Memorial Library.
West Newbury MA Statistics & Information
- County: Essex County
- West Newbury area: 14.7 square miles
- West Newbury zip code: 01985
- West Newbury area code: 351/978
- West Newbury elevation: 92 feet
- West Newbury time zone: Eastern Time Zone (EST), UTC-5 and -4
- Closest airport to West Newbury: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), 36.3 miles
Map of West Newbury MA
You can refer to this map when living in West Newbury MA.
Ready to Start Living in West Newbury MA?
Are you ready to call West Newbury home? Living in West Newbury is a fantastic choice and the perfect place to call home. If moving to West Newbury MA is in your future, then the West Newbury movers at Mass Bay Movers are ready to assist you! To get started with a free estimate, give our team a call at (978) 587-3775.
