Located in Essex County, Massachusetts, Swampscott is an affluent community that covers around seven square miles beside Massachusetts Bay. Swampscott is also just four miles south of Salem and even came to incorporate some pieces of what was once considered Salem into the city. Swampscott is bordered by Marblehead to the northeast, Salem to the northwest, and Lynn to the southwest. The water rights of the town extend into Massachusetts Bay, bordered by those of Marblehead and Lynn. Swampscott was initially settled in 1629, alongside some of the very first English settlements in the Americas, Swampscott was named after a local Amerindian phrase meaning “red hill”. When Swampscott was incorporated in 1852, it was initially a summer resort for the wealthy, although by the modern-day it is simply a residential area. Swampscott retains that historical feel that you’d expect of a town so old, with some of the most beautiful residential architecture on the east coast, as well as having all the luxury of an old affluent community.
Swampscott, MA Population & Demographics
Swampscott is a small town, with a population of 14,755 distributed out over seven miles at a distribution of about 4,882.6 people per square mile. The median age here is 44.3, which is around 10% higher than the Massachusetts average of 39.4. The median household income in Swampscott is fairly high at $113,422, as one might expect of an affluent community.
Swampscott is a very homogenous town, with over 97% of the population being Caucasian, with a very small Hispanic population, consisting of 3% of Swampscott’s population.
Famous and notable people from Swampscott include David Lee Roth of Van Halen fame and Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black.
The zip code for Swampscott is 01907, while the area codes are 781 and 339.
Thinking about moving to Swampscott, but worried about the crime rate? Luckily for you, Swampscott has a crime rate 55% lower than the national average, with violent crime being 85% lower than the average and property crime being 50% lower. You and your family will be safe while you’re living in Swampscott!
Cost of Living in Swampscott, MA
Like most of Massachusetts, Swampscott is more pricey than usual, with the cost of living being 48% higher on average than other places in America. Housing does not break from this expensive trend, with the average home price here being $455,400, around 20% higher than the average unit price in Massachusetts. You can also expect to pay more than the national average for things like utilities, groceries, and transportation. Renting here is also very pricey, with the average monthly rent for all types of units being $2,232.
Swampscott is certainly not the place to be if you’re looking to take it easy on your wallet, but the flipside is that you’ll be living in one of the finest affluent communities on the east coast!
Swampscott, MA Schools & Colleges
Swampscott is served primarily by the Swampscott School District, which is home to all five of Swampscott’s schools. Of these five, three are elementary schools, one is a middle school, and the other is a high school. Your child will be in safe hands while undergoing education in Swampscott, with schools like Hadley Elementary School and Swampscott High School standing out as fantastic institutions of learning.
Interested in pursuing higher education while living in Swampscott? Thankfully, Swampscott has plenty of options for the prospective college student. Salem State University is a local option, with an excellent campus a mere three miles from Swampscott. The prestigious private Endicott College is located in nearby Berkeley, and is an excellent option for those who prefer the private school experience.
Swampscott, MA Climate & Weather
Those of you who’ve lived in Massachusetts know it’s rainy and snowy, but not overly so. You can expect lows of 19 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Swampscott experiences more rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 48 inches per year as compared to the national average of 38.1 inches. Swampscott also experiences more snow than the average, with 42 inches as compared to 28. The best times to visit Swampscott, in terms of comfort rating, are July and August.
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Best Neighborhoods in Swampscott, MA
Swampscott only takes up seven square miles of space, so, naturally, there are fewer neighborhoods than one might expect out of a larger town or city. However, there are still plenty of great choices for Swampscott neighborhoods to live in!
There are three main neighborhoods in this town, Beach Bluff, Town Center, and Essex Street. Being beachfront property, Beach Bluff is naturally the most expensive of the three, with the Town Center community being in close second. Essex Street is the western-most neighborhood in Swampscott, followed by Town Center and then Beach Bluff.
If any of these communities sound enticing to you, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Swampscott, MA.
Jobs in Swampscott, MA
Those planning on making a living in Swampscott will be glad to know that wages have been increasing quarterly. The most popular employers in this community is TJX Companies Inc., an apparel retailer, and the most popular positions of employment are Concierge and Dental Assistant. The average salary for a worker in Swampscott is $61k a year, while the average hourly wage is $17.31.
Swampscott is, for the most part, a retiree community and a community of entrepreneurs. However, this does not mean there are no opportunities for gainful employment here! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Swampscott, MA here.
Things to Do in Swampscott, MA
Being right next to both Lynn and Salem means a plethora of excellent shopping opportunities, like what you can find at Vinnin Square Plaza and the Swampscott Mall. You should also check out some of the best things to do in Swampscott, MA below:
Mary Baker Eddy Historic Home
Mary Baker Eddy, a Swampscott native, lived here during her brush with death in the late 1800s that she miraculously recovered from through prayer. Referred to as the “birthplace of Christian science”, this historic home is a treat for local history lovers!
23 Paradise Rd, Swampscott, MA 01907, (781) 599-1853
Preston Beach
Home to various rock formations and tide pools, Preston Beach is a favorite hangout spot for Swampscott natives! Whether it’s a fun geology trip with your kids, or just day out on the beach, this is the spot to go!
454 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA 01945, (781) 596-8850
Swampscott, MA Additional Attractions:
Places to Eat in Swampscott, MA
Alongside its host of things to do, Swampscott is also home to some of America’s finest diners and restaurants! Check out some below:
Mission on the Bay
A casual waterfront seafood restaurant with outdoor patios and killer views, Mission on the Bay is a must-visit in Swampscott if you love seafood! Additionally, Mission on the Bay also serves excellent steaks!
141 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA 01907, (781) 691-9277
Lincoln’s Landing
Lincoln’s Landing is a local, family-owned Swampscott eatery focusing on all things brunch! From delicious pancakes to salads and more, Lincoln’s Landing will fill your stomach with the finest breakfasts on the east coast!
156 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA 01907, (781) 593-5565
Tips for Moving to Swampscott, MA
- Be sure to plan for high living costs
- Enjoy the beauty of the historic residential architecture of Swampscott
- Enjoy Swampscott’s beautiful beaches
Ready to finally take the final step and start your journey to making Swampscott your new home? Give Mass Bay Movers a call! Our crew of highly-trained professional movers will ensure your move is a stress-free process at affordable rates! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
