Are you moving to Rowley? Rowley is a small, quiet rural town, rich in history and culture. This charming New England town offers lots of open space and breathing room as the population density is only about 300 people per square mile. Settled in 1639 by English Puritans, Rowley was originally the plantation of the Reverend Ezekiel Rogers, who came over on a ship from England with his followers.
There were originally approximately twenty families that came with him to the quiet town in what would one day be Essex County. It’s also home to the first stone arch bridge, which was quite the feat back in the 1600s. Rowley residents share a close-knit community vibe, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and amenities such as shops, restaurants, and commuter routes to Boston and other cities.
This quiet town of Rowley has a significant amount of preserved open space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, including the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area, the Georgetown-Rowley State Forest, and Willowdale State Forest. You’ll love the tranquil rural charm of living in Rowley.
Where Is Rowley, MA?
Rowley is a town located in Essex County north of Cape Ann, bordering the Plum Island Sound on the east. It’s one of the many cities near Boston. Part of Plum Island, an isthmus off the coast, is part of Rowley. Rowley MA to Boston MA is 28 miles.
Rowley is one of the stations along the route of the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, allowing for an easy 56-minute commute into Boston. It’s bordered by Georgetown to the west, Newbury to the north, Plum Island to the east, and Wenham to the south.
Map of Rowley, Massachusetts
One great thing about moving to Rowley Massachusetts is its access to the Newburyport Turnpike, a route which makes it easier to get from Rowley to the surrounding towns. Though it’s a small town, the route of the Newburyport Turnpike makes it attractive to businesses and households with kids and a parent who needs to commute. Check out this map of Rowley for more specifics of its location:
Rowley MA Population and Demographics
The Rowley population is 6,161. Although Rowley is predominantly White, you can still find culture in and around the small town when moving to Rowley. In the nearby town of Lawrence, MA, you’ll find the North Common neighborhood, a unique blend of old-school Italian and new-school Hispanic people, cultures, and events. The neighborhood was once almost entirely Italian, which is evident by iconic Italian spots such as Tripoli Pizza & Bakery and Fisichelli’s Pastry Shop, as well as the annual Feast of the Three Saints, an Italian-American tradition with food, music, a parade, games, and more.
The town has become home to families from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other Hispanic countries. Their influence can be seen in restaurants like El Taller, Terra Luna Café, and Bali’s Restaurant, as well as with events like the annual Semana Hispana festival that celebrates Hispanic culture with rides, live music, and food.
Race & Ethnicity of Rowley, Massachusetts
- White alone 94.2%
- Asian alone 2.0%
- Two or more race 3.8%
Here’s an overview of Rowley’s demographics:
- Population density: 300 per square mile
- Median age: 52.3
- Sex ratio: 48.8% males, 51.2% females
- Median household income: $135,396
- Educational attainment: 97.7% high school degree or higher, 48.7% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 2.8%
- Veteran population: 294
Safety is an important consideration when moving to a new city or town, and the Rowley Police Department, and its 12 sworn officers, are dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Rowley with professionalism and sound judgment.
Rowley Massachusetts has an average of 310 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 87% lower than the national average, maintaining its good reputation as an established small town. The violent crime average in Rowley is 65 crimes per 100,000 people, 82% lower than the national average. If you’re moving to Rowley for safety, you can trust this town is one of the best places in America for you!
Rowley Massachusetts Cost of Living
The cost of living in Rowley is 50% higher than the US average but much more affordable than Boston’s cost of living. As with most places, your highest cost is going to be Rowley MA real estate. When moving to Rowley, you should know that the homes go quickly. Of the houses for sale in Rowley MA, the costs are 121% higher than the national average but only 56% higher than the state average.
The median sale price of a home in Rowley is $675,000. Most homes in Rowley are owner-owned. The price per square foot of the current homes for sale in Rowley is $242. Be aware that the market in Rowley is competitive, so be sure to check out the many homes for sale Rowley MA has to offer.
Though the majority of people own, there are still people who don’t want to buy one of the few homes for sale in Rowley MA, and instead want to rent. The average rent in Rowley is $1,539 for an 850-square-foot apartment, according to Rent Café. By comparison, average rental costs in Boston are $3,999 per month. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Rowley MA on RentCafe.
Typical Rowley Living Expenses
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $24.00
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.91
- Dozen eggs: $4.55
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.12
- Average Rowley monthly utility bill: $201.59
Source: Numbeo, Boston, MA
The Best Neighborhoods in Rowley Massachusetts
Because it’s a small town, the entire city is really like a neighborhood. Rowley is mostly made up of single-family homes, many of which are historic Colonial and Victorian-style homes that date back to before the 1900s and exude New England charm. Rowley also has farmhouses with lots of land, modern homes, and sprawling estates on spacious lots, set along tree-lined streets with all the latest amenities. The community has many nice, quiet streets to choose from. If you’re moving to Rowley, the Rowley Country Club area is a nice place to be.
Rowley MA Weather & Climate
Moving to Rowley comes with a lot of beautiful weather, just like Boston’s climate. Rowley experiences all four seasons, from mild and pleasant summers with temperatures typically reaching the high 70s and low 80s to harsh winters where temperatures typically fall into the teens or twenties. Spring brings an array of blooming flowers and lots of rainfall. In autumn, the temperatures cool off, and the leaves change to a myriad of colors.
Rowley gets quite a bit of rain, averaging 50 inches per year. Be prepared because it also snows a lot in Rowley, averaging 54 inches a year, which is more than double the national average. Rowley has about 201 sunny days per year. The best time of year to visit Rowley is from late June to mid-September to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the many options for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Rowley Massachusetts
Rowley offers fun and exciting activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy. There is also convenient shopping at Rowley Marketplace, Simply Treasures, and Winfrey’s Fudge & Chocolates. For your daily needs, check out the CVS Rowley MA location. Here are some of the best things to do in Rowley:
Mill River Winery
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After moving to Rowley, you may need to relax and unwind. Mill River Winery is a 100% woman-owned business that produces exquisite, handcrafted wines using the finest grapes from Massachusetts, as well as other notable wine regions. They offer wine tastings with cheeses and small snacks designed to accompany the wines. Don’t forget to call ahead for a reservation.
498 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 432-1280
Todd Farm Flea Market
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Open every Sunday from April until November, Todd Farm Flea Market features hundreds of local vendors as well as a variety of shops to explore. It’s one of the most unique offerings when moving to Rowley! The market offers a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items for every taste.
285 Main St, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 948-3300
Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
Rough Meadows has a wealth of pristine nature to explore, including coastal woodlands, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and salt pannes. A diverse array of wildlife abounds in the sanctuary. Hike along 1.6 miles of well-marked trails where several viewpoints offer panoramic views north and west of the Great Marsh, the town of Rowley MA, and an active Osprey nesting platform.
Patmos Rd, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 462-9998
Additional Attractions Near Rowley, Massachusetts:
- Herrick Farm
- Rowley Country Club
- Cushing House Museum and Garden
- Arthur Ewell Reservation
- Bradford Tavern Rowley MA
When moving to Rowley, you’ll never be bored. For more outdoor activities, Rowley has lots of natural beauty, parks, preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries to explore. In some, you can even go fishing on the beaches. The Hunsley Hills Conservation Area includes more than 450 acres of wildlife habitats, offering opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, bird watching, and more. Eiras Park Rowley MA offers tranquil walks, hikes, or runs through lush greenery along well-maintained trails. The Bay Circuit Trail also runs through Rowley.
Rowley MA Restaurants
The town offers a variety of dining options for those moving to Rowley, from local comfort food to Italian favorites, barbeque, and everything in between. Rowley offers dining options that will appeal to an array of tastes. Whether you’re looking for the best BBQ Rowley MA has or the typical cuisine of America, Rowley has it all. Enjoy delicious dishes served at popular dining establishments such as:
Agawam Diner
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The Agawam Diner is a popular classic diner offering the best comfort food around. The diner has an unmatched atmosphere, set inside a vintage 1954 rail dining car. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily specials include Chicken Pie, Meat Loaf, Baked Haddock in Creole Sauce, Baked Macaroni, and Franks & Beans.
166 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 948-7780
Village Pancake House
Situated in a historic building that dates back to 1660, Village Pancake House serves the finest breakfasts around using local ingredients. This should be your first stop after moving to Rowley! They prepare each meal to the highest quality. They have a lunch menu as well that features sandwiches, burgers, and entrees like Baked Ham Steak, Chicken Pot Pie, Vegetable Lasagna, and Roast Turkey Dinner with all the fixings.
26 Main St, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 948-2211
Off the Vine Tuscan Grill
Off the Vine Tuscan Grille is a casual Italian restaurant serving both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is warm and inviting, with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere and excellent service. Their old-world recipes and flavors have been handed down and perfected by family over many years. The pizza dough is homemade, and the marinara is authentic.
150 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 948-8788
Jobs Rowley MA
Many do business in Rowley Massachusetts today. However, lots of people will commute for further opportunities. If you’re moving to Rowley and haven’t secured a job, don’t fret. Essex County provides job opportunities in fields such as trade, transportation and utilities, and healthcare. Rowley’s proximity to downtown Boston offers additional employment opportunities.
One of the major employers near Rowley is Raytheon Systems. Raytheon is a massive manufacturing facility engaging in comprehensive, end-to-end development, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing for radars. The Raytheon Andover location has over 2,400 employees.
Other major employers in the county include Hanscom Air Force Base, Charles River Laboratories, and Axcelis Technologies. If you’re looking for a job in Rowley, check out Indeed, the Rowley Employment Opportunities, or other job board sites.
Schools in Rowley MA
Rowley is a member of the Triton Regional School District, which serves the coastal towns of Newbury, Rowley, and Salisbury. The district rates above average, providing quality education for students moving to Rowley from Pre-K through 12th grade. The district comprises Newbury Elementary, Pine Grove Elementary School, Salisbury Elementary, Triton Regional Middle, and Triton Regional High. The Triton district provides quality educational opportunities for students while instilling core values such as respect for self and others, integrity, and excellence.
There are also some very good private schools in the area around Rowley. Some popular private schools include Clark School, Shore Country Day School, and Bradford Christian Academy.
If you’re moving to Rowley and want to further your education, some great options include Gordon College, Harvard University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Middlesex Community College.
If you’re looking for a fun day at the library, check out the Rowley Public Library, which offers books, DVDs, CDs, games, puzzles, audiobooks, and much more.
Rowley MA Statistics & Information
- Rowley Ma County: Essex County
- Area: 20.3 square miles
- Rowley MA zip code: 01969
- Area code: 351, 978
- Elevation: 50 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport
Though there are many towns to choose from in Essex County, moving to Rowley puts you centrally located to many cities with great job opportunities. If you’re moving to Rowley, you need the best team of Rowley MA movers to help you get there. Give Mass Bay Movers a call at 978-587-3775 for a free quote!
