Considering relocating to Marblehead, Massachusetts? This small town about 16 miles outside Boston has a charm all its own! What is Marblehead known for? Its old-world feel with hundreds of surviving colonial-era homes from the 17th and 18th century, more than any town in the United States, situated along narrow streets. Settled in 1629, Marblehead gets its name from its granite ledges which were mistaken for marble by early settlers. Today, this picturesque seaboard town is known for its affluence, natural beauty, and stunning architecture as a popular suburb of Boston.
Curious if Marblehead is a good place to live? It was recently named one of the best places to live in Massachusetts with an A+ rating based on its schools, low crime, services, employment and housing. Here’s what you can look forward to living in Marblehead!
Marblehead, MA Population & Demographics
Located in Essex County, the population of Marblehead is just over 20,000 and it’s located within the 01945 zip code and 339 and 781 area codes. This affluent community is notable for its high median age of 48, well above the U.S. average age of 38. About 10% of people in Marblehead were born outside of the United States which is lower than the national average (14%) and far below Boston’s foreign-born population of 18%. Marblehead is less diverse than other areas of Massachusetts with a population that’s 93% white alone, 3% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and 1% African American.
Concerned about crime while living in Marblehead? The good news is it’s a very safe community with a crime rate nearly one-third that of Massachusetts state and almost one-fifth the national average.
Marblehead has had many notable residents such as Frank Black of the band Pixies and Keith Ablow, host of The Dr. Keith Ablow Show. Presidents and celebrities like Senator John F. Kennedy, President George Washington, and actress Billie Burke have visited the region. After cosmic horror author H.P. Lovecraft visited the town, he used it as inspiration for the fictional Kingsport which was the setting for several short stories.
Marblehead Climate – What to Expect
What type of weather can you expect living in Marblehead? In general, you’ll enjoy warm, comfortable summers but windy, wet and chilly winters. Marblehead gets a whopping 47 inches of rain every year (U.S. average is 38″) and 42 inches of snow (28″ is average). Despite that, you’ll get 201 sunny days per year but precipitation of some kind 122 days out of the year.
Marblehead, MA Schools & Higher Education
While living in Marblehead, MA, you’ll be served by the highly rated Marblehead Public Schools District. The district has seven schools: four elementary schools, the Village School for grades 4 through 6, a middle school, and Marblehead High School. You can also choose the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, the first in Massachusetts.
There are more than one dozen private schools in and near Marblehead, the largest of which is Tower School serving pre-K through 8th grade.
There are also dozens of colleges and universities within 50 miles of Marblehead including Salem State University just three miles away. You’re also close to top-rated Boston schools like Suffolk University, the Berklee College of Music, Boston University, and Harvard University.
What Is the Cost of Living in Marblehead, MA?
Massachusetts is known for its high cost of living and Marblehead is no exception. While healthcare costs are lower than average for the U.S., high housing costs push the Marblehead cost of living to 165 or 65% above the national average. The average home price in Marblehead is $611,000 — well above the national average of $227,000!
Planning to rent instead of buy after moving to Marblehead? The average rent in Marblehead is $1,200 to $1,800 for a studio apartment. About 80% of people in Marblehead own their home so you’ll have trouble finding properties for rent!
Top Marblehead Neighborhoods to Explore
Before moving to Marblehead, one of your first priorities will be exploring where you want to live in the community. Despite its small size, there are several neighborhoods in Marblehead to choose from, each with a unique atmosphere.
At the north of Marblehead you’ll find Marblehead Light and Hovey Park with a residential neighborhood surrounding them. Enjoy some of the most expansive and beautiful views of Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Marblehead Neck, a peninsula extending from the east of town, is a prestigious neighborhood home to three yacht clubs and breathtaking views with numerous public ways to access the beaches. Waterfront homes on Marblehead Neck often start at $7 million.
For more affordable beachfront living, consider condos in Marblehead like Tucker’s Wharf, right on Marblehead Harbor, or Adams House in Old Town.
Want to surround yourself with the area’s history while living in Marblehead? Explore Old Town with its picturesque and walkable streets and colorful, historic homes dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. You can learn more about this historic neighborhood here.
Ready to see what your budget can get you? Explore Marblehead, MA homes for sale online to see the stunning homes on the market.
Great Restaurants & Fun Things to Do in Marblehead, MA
One of the best things about living in Marblehead, Massachusetts? There’s always something to do. You don’t need to make the drive to Boston to find fun activities and beautiful parks! Marblehead even offers convenient shopping with CVS, Green’s Ace Hardware, Richdale Convenience Store, Marblehead Community Store, Inc., Marblehead Sport Shop, and 7-Eleven in town.
Chandler Hovey Park
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Chandler Hovey Park is the jewel of Marblehead and a great way to spend the afternoon. Watch the sailboats race, walk along the shore, and visit Marblehead Lighthouse. You can even enjoy a picnic and go swimming!
Chandler Hovey Park, Lighthouse Ln, Marblehead, MA 01945 (781) 631-0236
Warwick Place
Looking for fun things to do in Marblehead for couples or friends? Head to Warwick Place! It’s home to Warwick Cinema, a luxury dine-in movie theater, plus Wick’s Brick Oven Restaurant and the Dandee Donut Factory for decadent treats while you watch the latest release.
Warwick Place, 123 Pleasant St, Marblehead, MA 01945 (781) 476-2076
Barnacle Restaurant Inc
This 60’s-era seafood restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Marblehead and a favorite among residents. Enjoy New England-style seafood with harbor views and be sure to try the specialty cocktails from the bar!
Barnacle Restaurant Inc, 141 Front St, Marblehead, MA 01945 (781) 631-4236
Casa Corona
Stop by Marblehead’s highly rated family-owned Mexican restaurant for classics like enchiladas and live music. It’s one of the most popular family things to do in Marblehead and a great date night idea!
Casa Corona, 33 Smith St, Marblehead, MA 01945 (781) 207-9280
Jobs in Marblehead, MA – Economy & Average Income
Many Marblehead residents work in Boston and surrounding areas. Fortunately, the commute to Boston isn’t too bad; here’s what your 16.4-mile drive from Marblehead, MA to Boston, MA looks like. Yacht clubs account for the top employers in the town itself including Tedesco Country Club, Corinthian Yacht Club, Eastern Yacht Club, and Boston Yacht Club.
Marblehead is one of the more affluent areas of Massachusetts with a median household income of $110,000. Of the 20,000 residents, more than 220 earned an adjusted gross income of $1 million or more in 2017, up almost 9% from the previous year.
Moving to Marblehead Tips
- Explore three major neighborhoods to find the best place to live in Marblehead
- Find jobs in retail, boating, and tourism in town or commute to nearby Boston
- Enjoy Marblehead’s top-rated school district
- Spend afternoons on the beach and Marblehead’s beautiful parks
- Expect a high cost of living and housing costs
Have you decided that relocating to Marblehead, MA is right for you? While you’re looking forward to life in this quaint seaside town, don’t forget to call the trusted Marblehead movers at Mass Bay Movers for help making moving day a stress-free and enjoyable experience!
