Your Guide to Essex MA

f you’re looking for a small town with big-city amenities, look no further than Essex. This well-kept suburban town is home to more than 55 charming villages, including the historical towns of Chelmsford, Ipswich, Malden, and Revere; as well as locations like Topsfield Center and the Essex County Agricultural Society. You’ll also find plenty of green spaces in this part of Essex Massachusetts: there are 26 parks and public recreation areas within 15 miles of the city center. The thriving downtown area offers top restaurants, shops, nightlife, coffee shops, art galleries and more. If you’re looking to buy a house or find an apartment in this beautiful community, here are some suggestions for where to look. 

Where to Live in Essex

Essex is a great place to live for many reasons. The downtown area features many great educational and cultural institutions like the Essex Center for Art, the Essex Historical Society, the Essex Community College, and the Essex Public Library. In addition, there are many great restaurants and shops in town. There are also many places to hike or bike, such as the Essex Green above the city and the Apple Pond Trail near the Malden border. This is also a college town, with many post-secondary institutions in the area including a branch of Middlesex Community College. The city’s proximity to Boston makes it an easy daytrip for those looking to explore the city’s cultural offerings, as well as its beaches, colleges, and professional sports teams.

Consider Buying a House in Essex

If you’re looking at buying a house in Essex, keep in mind that the metro area is expanding rapidly, and that there are a number of new developments in the works. The Essex Crossing, an affordable housing and retail development, is set to open in June 2019 in the South Pastures area of the city. There are also a number of other large developments in the works, like the South End Landing, which will offer more than 1,000 residential units as well as office space. You’ll also find many attractive communities like Malden Center and Topsfield Center outside of Essex, where you can find larger houses or condominiums that might be more affordable than the city.

Find an Apartment in Essex

If finding an apartment in Essex is your top priority, you’ll find plenty of options. The city’s central location makes it easy to move between Boston and many nearby towns, making it possible to rent a one-bedroom apartment for $850 per month and a two-bedroom for $1250 per month. These apartments are in areas like Central Sudbury, Essex Junction, and South Sudbury, and are close to many amenities like restaurants, public transportation, and shopping.

Stay in a Hotel Near the City Center

If you’re planning a trip to Essex, you may want to consider staying in a hotel near the city center. The Courtyard by Marriott Essex Center is just a short drive from the city, and is near several popular attractions like the Essex County Agricultural Society and the Essex Green. There are also several hotels near Malden Center, like the W Malden Center, the Extended Stay America Malden Center, and the Quality Inn and Suites Malden-Middlesex. These hotels are close to restaurants, and are also close to public transportation.

Explore Historic Locations in Essex

If you have time, take a trip down to Salem or Concord to explore some of the historic sites nearby. Salem is a natural history and art center, and offers more than 200 historic buildings and sites, including the State House, the Old North Bridge, and the John Hancock Center. Concord is home to the Thoreau House, the Westmoreland Academy, and the Old Concord Mills, which are all worth a visit while you’re in the area.

Dining Options in and Around Essex

If you’re looking to eat outside of the city, consider heading to the Essex County Agricultural Society, which features an award-winning farmers market every Saturday plus a winter market in the winter. There are also plenty of options in the cities that surround Essex. There are several restaurants in the downtown area that are worth checking out, like Court Street Cafe, Augie’s, and Rebar. You’ll also find a wider variety of restaurants in the surrounding areas, like the Farm & Table Cafe in Malden Center and the Firefly Cafe in Topsfield Center. If you’re interested in trying some authentic flavors from around the world, you’ll find several restaurants in Essex that offer authentic cuisine from Asia, Europe, and Latin America. One of the best ways to explore these options is via Yelp, which offers countless user-submitted reviews from other travelers.

Shops and Businesses for New Residents

If you’re looking for businesses to visit while in Essex, you’ll find plenty of shops in the downtown area. You’ll find a mix of boutiques and antique stores, as well as some specialty retailers like a knitting store and a home décor store. There are also a number of art galleries in the city, including the Essex Art Museum and the Essex Art Center. You’ll also find several museums and parks, like the Essex Green, the Essex County Agricultural Society, the Essex Historical Society, and the Johnson Farm State Park. If you’re looking for local businesses near the city center, you’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and services in the downtown area. You’ll find many more options outside of the city center, especially outside of Malden Center. You’ll find plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies within 15 miles of the city center, while outside the city center, you’ll find bigger grocery stores, hardware stores, and specialty shops.

Final Words

Essex is a wonderful community, with endless opportunities for activities and experiences. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do, like visiting the Essex County Agricultural Society, which is home to more than 50 agricultural exhibits and events, including a Weekend Market and an annual Fair, as well as the Essex Green, which offers an accessible nature trail, picnic tables, and a playground. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the city that are worth checking out. For more information about life in Essex, visit the city’s website.