Craving coastal living without giving up a lively downtown and easy access to Boston? In Beverly, you can grab coffee on Cabot Street, catch a show at a historic theater, and be at the beach before sunset. If you’re exploring a move, this guide walks you through daily life by neighborhood and season, commute options, housing basics, and practical checks. Let’s dive in.
Beverly at a glance
Beverly sits on Massachusetts’ North Shore in Essex County, about 25 miles northeast of Boston. The city spans roughly 22–23 square miles and anchors a compact, walkable downtown with small-city energy. Local trains and Route 128 connect you to regional job hubs and the city. You can confirm geography and access through the city’s business location page on Beverly’s municipal site.
According to U.S. Census estimates, Beverly’s population was 43,223 as of July 1, 2024, placing it in the mid-sized city range on the North Shore. That scale supports plenty of amenities without losing a neighborhood feel. You can explore topline population and income figures on Census QuickFacts.
Two local colleges, Endicott College and Montserrat College of Art, add student life, galleries, and events to the calendar. Montserrat’s community programming and galleries are a short walk from downtown, as highlighted on Montserrat’s community page.
Neighborhoods and daily life
Beverly is a mix of walkable pockets and quiet seaside villages. Your routine can look very different depending on where you land.
Downtown and the Cultural District
Cabot and Rantoul streets form the walkable heart. Think independent cafés, neighborhood groceries, small shops, and a cluster of arts venues and galleries. A typical day might start with coffee on Cabot, errands on foot, and an evening performance nearby. Housing here skews to older Colonials, converted multi-family buildings, and a few newer condo options.
Beverly Cove
This waterfront area puts you near Dane Street Beach and Lynch Park. Short walks to the beach, summer concerts, and playground time shape a lot of daily rhythms. Homes range from modest to upscale single-family properties on neighborhood streets.
Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing
These coastal villages offer larger lots and an estate-like feel. They are quieter and more car-dependent than downtown, with a historic housing stock and some private or membership-based beach arrangements. If you value privacy and traditional architecture, this is a good area to explore. Always confirm beach access details for specific addresses.
Montserrat area
Centered around Montserrat College of Art and a commuter-rail stop, this pocket blends small galleries and student life with practical transit. It is convenient if you prioritize a short walk to trains and cultural programming.
Getting around and commute
Multiple MBTA commuter-rail stations on the Newburyport and Rockport lines give you direct access to Boston’s North Station. Reported rides commonly fall in the 35 to 45 minute range depending on your origin station and schedule. The city highlights rail access and station options on its business location page.
Driving to Boston is roughly 25 miles, but traffic on Route 128 and local connectors can swing door-to-door times. Many residents split strategies: walk to rail on weekdays, then drive for regional errands on weekends.
Pro tip if you commute:
- Test a weekday train from the station you would actually use.
- If driving, time a morning and evening run to your workplace to set realistic expectations.
Year-round rhythm and things to do
Beverly’s calendar revolves around the waterfront, parks, and an active arts scene.
- Summer: David S. Lynch Park is a centerpiece with formal gardens, two small beaches, a splash pad, a band shell for concerts, and seasonal concessions. Read about amenities and programming on Beverly Recreation’s Lynch Park page. You will also find Harborfest and plenty of outdoor gatherings.
- Fall: Cooler days bring coastal walks and arts festivals like the Cabot Street ArtsFest, with a quieter, scenic waterfront.
- Winter: Indoor arts keep the calendar full. The North Shore Music Theatre hosts regional productions, which you can find via the Chamber’s listing for NSMT. The intimate Larcom Theatre also offers concerts and shows. Nearby gardens such as Long Hill host seasonal events and walks.
Housing snapshot and what you’ll find
Beverly’s market typically tracks above the U.S. median. Aggregated market indices in recent months placed typical or median home values roughly in the 700,000 to 780,000 dollar range. Prices move with inventory and seasonality, so check fresh local data before making an offer.
What you will see on the market:
- Downtown: condos, converted Victorians, and smaller single-family lots that favor a walkable lifestyle.
- Cove and Centerville: modest-to-upscale single-family homes near parks and beaches.
- Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing: larger historic estates and high-end waterfront properties, often with limited inventory.
If you are aiming for specific schools, work commute targets, or beach access, align your search radius early. That helps you move quickly when the right home appears.
Schools and family basics
Beverly Public Schools enroll roughly 4,500 to 4,600 students in a given year, with Beverly High School serving as the city’s main public high school. A recent local report placed enrollment at 4,575 students during the 2022 to 2023 school year, which you can review on North Boston News. For zoning, programs, and the latest data, review the Beverly Public Schools district site and state resources.
Use neutral criteria to guide school research, such as program offerings, transportation options, and published performance data from official sources.
Everyday conveniences and health care
You will find neighborhood groceries, pharmacies, banks, and personal services in and around downtown, with larger specialty shopping a short drive away. Beverly Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, provides emergency, specialist, and outpatient services locally. You can confirm services on Beverly Hospital’s site.
Coastal considerations and flood risk
Waterfront living is part of Beverly’s appeal, and it comes with practical checks. Before offering on a low-lying or shoreline property, review current FEMA flood maps and speak with local planning or conservation offices about elevation, seawalls, and insurance. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center is the official source for address-level maps.
Is Beverly right for you?
You might love Beverly if you want a walkable, artsy downtown paired with real coastline, plus a commuter-rail ride that makes Boston accessible. Your day can be as simple as coffee on Cabot, a quick train to work, and a sunset walk at Lynch Park. If that balance fits, Beverly is worth a closer look.
Ready to explore homes, compare neighborhoods, or time your sale for the best outcome? Connect with us today for local guidance, current pricing, and a step-by-step plan. Sellers can also Request Your Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
What is the commute from Beverly to Boston like?
- Multiple commuter-rail stations offer direct rides to North Station that commonly range from 35 to 45 minutes, and Route 128 provides highway access for drivers.
Which Beverly neighborhoods are most walkable for daily errands?
- Downtown around Cabot and Rantoul streets is the most walkable, with parts of the Cove also supporting short walks to beaches and parks.
How much do homes in Beverly typically cost?
- Recent aggregated indices placed typical or median values around 700,000 to 780,000 dollars, though prices shift with inventory, season, and property type.
What is there to do in winter in Beverly?
- Indoor arts and entertainment remain active, including shows at the North Shore Music Theatre and the Larcom Theatre, plus dining and community events downtown.
How do I check flood risk for a Beverly address?
- Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to review current flood maps for specific properties, then confirm details with local planning or conservation offices.
Let us know when you're ready to explore Beverly as your new place to live!
