It’s easy to fall in love with New England towns on the sea, and living in Rockport MA is no exception!
This alluring locale is as engaging as it is beautiful, full of excellent schools, parks, sandy beaches, and fun things to do. Incorporated in 1840, the town of Rockport MA, once deemed the ‘Sandy Bay Colony’, is now the picture-perfect place to live, work, and thrive.
Consider this blog your ultimate guide to our mellow seaside town, where we’ll explore its every idiosyncrasy and provide a first-hand take on why moving to Rockport is a hard-to-beat choice.
Where Is Rockport MA?
You might be able to picture where those living in Boston are located, but where is Rockport Massachusetts, and what county is Rockport MA in?
Rockport is located at the eastern end of the Cape Ann Peninsula in Essex County, so a majority of its borders consist of Atlantic coast beaches, including the waters of Sandy Bay, while Halibut Point State Park marks this small town’s northernmost point.
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Gloucester is the only city and land to border Rockport on its western side, accessible from Eastern Ave. (which transitions to Main St. and runs through the town’s center) and Washington St. to the northern edge.
Boston to Rockport MA is about a 40-mile stretch and a pretty drive, while you can also take the train from Boston to Rockport MA via the Commuter Rail, managed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Other common directions to Rockport include:
Overall, if you plan on moving to Rockport MA, its location offers the peak of seaside living that’s still accessible from major nearby cities!
Rockport MA Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Rockport is 6,992 residents, an almost exact figure to its 2010 population of 6,952. Although 12.6% of the population is under 18, showcasing youth in the area, Rockport features the highest median age of all the cities in Essex County at 59.9 years. With only 57.9% of the Rockport MA population in the civilian workforce, it tends to be a lovely locale for retirees who adore its unmatched beauty.
Considering its 68.8% owner-occupied housing rate and an average household size of 2.11, summer rentals are commonplace, and many of these residents are seasonal. That said, the year-round community is tight-knit, well-educated, and enjoys a median household income of $95,091.
Additional Rockport Demographics
- Sex ratio: 54.7% women & 45.3% men
- Median age: 59.9 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 94.8% White alone (94.4% White, non-Hispanic), 0.6% Black/African American, 0.1% American Indian/Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 2.5% Hispanic/Latino, 3.9% two or more races
- Rockport MA median household income: $95,091/year
- Education: 95.6% of residents 25+ years old have a high school diploma, while 58.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 3.7%
If safety is a paramount concern, then living in Rockport MA is a great place to call home. With a crime rate that’s 87.7% lower than the national average and 78.8% lower than the Massachusetts average, you can immediately sense the security of the community, with efforts proudly upheld by the Rockport Police Department.
Cost of Living in Rockport MA
The closest cost of living index in relation to Rockport is the cost of living in Boston, which comes in at 46.5% higher than the national average. We can use this index, in addition to certain aspects like the Rockport MA real estate market, to draw insights about the cost of living in Rockport MA.
With the median price of homes for sale in Rockport MA coming in at $652,000 to Boston’s $830,000, and with Rockport MA apartments averaging $1,440/month to Boston’s $3,842, these numbers confirm that Rockport is, overall, slightly more affordable. However, it’s also important to note that this comparison is skewed due to population size, available housing units, and other influences like groceries and utilities.
Therefore, while Rockport offers more affordable housing compared to Boston, the true cost of living can vary based on individual lifestyle and specific needs, and many numbers estimate their costs to be almost the exact same.
To break this down a bit more, the Family Budget Calculator gauges that a family of four would need to make $131,935/year to live comfortably in Essex County, while some common expenses you might encounter include:
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant – $17.00
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon) – $4.36
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread – $3.70
- Water (12 oz small bottle) – $2.18
- Gasoline (1 gallon) – $3.43
- Basic utilities for 915 sq ft Apartment – $136.59
- Mobile Phone Plan – $44.49
- Internet – $57.17
- Private preschool (or Kindergarten) Monthly for 1 Child – $1,983.33
- 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) – $50.00
Data sourced from Numbeo using Gloucester numbers, the closest measured locale.
Rockport Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Rockport Massachusetts
Rockport offers a quaint and charming living experience with a handful of distinct neighborhoods, each boasting unique characteristics. From classic coastal cottages to historic homes nestled in quiet, tree-lined streets, the neighborhoods in Rockport cater to those seeking a serene and scenic lifestyle by the sea.
Bearskin Neck
Bearskin Neck in Rockport, Massachusetts, is a small community named after a local legend about Ebenezer Babson, who fought and killed a bear with his knife, leaving its skin to dry on the rocks. Today, this historic area is known for its charming shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants, making it a popular destination for visitors and a quaint yet thriving neighborhood for locals.
South End
For more residential vibes, you might be interested in the South End of Rockport, where raw coastal beauty comes to life amidst New England architecture. With famous beaches like Pebble Beach and Long Beach, the coastline is stunning, while recreation is accessible and abundant.
Marmion Way
Marmion Way in Rockport is a hidden neighborhood gem known for its breathtaking ocean views and charming historic homes. Living here, you’ll enjoy the peaceful ambiance of a seaside village while still being just a short stroll away from the bustling shops and restaurants in downtown Rockport.
Rockport MA Weather & Climate
Moving to Rockport, MA offers a blend of warm summers and cold winters, perfect for enjoying the unique charm of this coastal town year-round. Winter temperatures can drop to an average low of 18°F in January, bringing crisp and frosty mornings, while summer highs reach around 80°F in July, providing a pleasant warmth ideal for beach outings and outdoor activities.
The weather in Rockport MA is somewhat rainy, receiving about 49 inches of rain annually, slightly above the US average, and averages 46 inches of snow each year, making it a winter wonderland for those who enjoy snowy landscapes. With approximately 201 sunny days per year, Rockport weather is often bright and inviting, allowing residents and visitors alike to soak in the scenic ocean views and historic charm.
Despite occasional precipitation and a coastal location, there’s relatively low humidity and few extreme weather events, aside from the occasional nor’easter, creating a delightful and balanced climate for all seasons.
For visitors, the countless hotels in Rockport offer relaxing accommodations to enjoy the summer weather, while year-round residents relish the changing of the seasons.
Things to Do in Rockport Massachusetts
One thing is for certain – there’s always a way to stay busy in Rockport!
Whether you plan to raise kids here, spend time with a romantic partner, or simply enjoy some solo reflection on the sandy beaches, you can have it all in this simple, nice town.
After shopping in Downtown Rockport at friendly, inviting places such as Tuck’s Candy & Gifts or The Pewter Shop, check out these varied things to do in Rockport MA to ensure endless smiles.
The Shalin Liu Performance Center
In the heart of Rockport, the Shalin Liu Performance Center is a true cultural gem. This intimate venue boasts stunning ocean views and superb acoustics, hosting a variety of performances from classical and jazz to folk and opera. It’s a must-visit for music lovers looking to enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful, small-town setting.
37 Main St, Rockport, MA 01966 (978-546-7391)
Explore Rockport Harbor & Motif 1 Rockport MA
Rockport Harbor is home to an active fishing fleet that continues to bring in fresh catches, keeping the town’s maritime tradition alive. At the heart of this picturesque harbor stands Motif No. 1, a beloved red fishing shack known as the most painted building in the world. Built in the mid-1840s and meticulously rebuilt after the Blizzard of 1978, this iconic structure captures the essence of New England charm and has inspired countless artists and photographers.
Bradley Wharf, Rockport, MA 01966
Discover the Many Rockport MA Beaches
Rockport and the greater Cape Ann area boast a variety of beautiful beaches, from family-friendly sandy shores to secluded rocky coves perfect for diving and exploring tide pools. Whether you’re tanning, swimming, sailing, or kayaking, a wonderful day outside is commonplace on the coast.
Rockport MA Beaches to Visit:
Additional Rockport MA Attractions
While the above things to do in Rockport only scratch the surface, be sure to explore the town’s parks and abundant recreation available at Halibut Point State Park, the town’s many festivals and events, and these additional attractions:
Restaurants in Rockport MA
With countless seafood restaurants in Rockport MA, and other delicious bites, you won’t have a hard time filling up a hungry belly here!
Feather and Wedge Rockport MA
Feather & Wedge is a contemporary restaurant known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes and lively atmosphere, which includes live music and historical decor celebrating Cape Ann’s quarrying heritage. If you’re looking for a fancy, beautiful establishment, this is a must.
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5 Main St, Rockport, MA 01966 (978-999-5917)
Heath’s Tea Room Rockport MA
Heath’s Tea Room in Rockport, MA, offers a traditional English tea room experience with a variety of loose teas, scones, sweets, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. This charming seasonal tea room provides a relaxing and elegant setting for lunch or afternoon tea, the ideal spot for a leisurely break.
43 South St, Rockport, MA 01966 (978-309-3388)
Lobster Pool in Rockport MA
The Lobster Pool in Rockport, MA, is a casual seafood restaurant offering fresh dishes like lobster rolls and clam strips. With outdoor seating providing stunning views of Ipswich Bay, it’s one of the best restaurants in Rockport MA on the water, the perfect spot for enjoying a relaxed meal while taking in the beautiful coastal scenery.
329 Granite St, Rockport, MA 01966 (978-546-7808)
Jobs in Rockport
Rockport’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, with a significant focus on hospitality and food and beverage industries, making it a hotspot for jobs in restaurants, hotels, and retail.
The town’s scenic charm and cultural attractions also support a robust arts community.
Additionally, Rockport maintains a traditional maritime economy, with lobstering and fishing being a major source of work thanks to the 52 commercial lobstermen of the harbor. Other key industries include healthcare, education, and small-scale manufacturing, providing a diverse job market for residents and newcomers alike.
It’s also important to note that the average commute for locals living in Rockport MA is over 30 minutes, so while these seasonal positions are plentiful in the summer, those with long term residences often drive out of Rockport for work.
If you’re interested in browsing open positions, check out Indeed Jobs Rockport MA or visit the Town of Rockport MA employment opportunities.
Rockport MA Schools
Good schools are commonplace in Rockport, overseen by the Rockport Public Schools district. A few notable public schools include:
- Sandy Bay Preschool
- Rockport Elementary School
- Rockport Middle School
- Rockport High School
Notably, Rockport Middle School is 1 of 66 schools in the state, and it is recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for its high achievement and significant growth, which is a notable accolade!
In addition to the excellent education system for your children, the Rockport MA Public Library is a staple to learning and growth outside of classroom walls.
Rockport Massachusetts Statistics & Information
- Rockport MA County: Essex
- Rockport MA area: 17.5 square miles
- Rockport MA zip code: 01966
- Rockport MA area code(s): 351, 978
- Rockport MA elevation: 77 ft
- Rockport MA time zone: Example: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Rockport MA: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about 35 miles away.
Rockport MA Map
This interactive map is your gateway to discovering Rockport’s historic Main Street, which runs from Dock Square to Beach Street, the coffee shops, the restaurants, walking trails, and all else our town has to offer!
As you can see, living in Rockport Massachusetts will promise a high quality of life and a beautiful, engaging environment. If you’re planning on moving to or from the area, take a breath, knowing our talented Rockport MA movers are always here to help.
Call us anytime at 978-587-3775 for a free quote – we look forward to seeing you on the coast!
