Is Newburport a vibrant, great place to live? (Boston, Cambridge: home, theater)

[Gracehappens]

We have been consistently enchanted by Newburport during a series of probably 10-12 visits over the last 3 or 4 years . . . Considering a move there and would really appreciate additional perspectives! What we are seeking is a year-round, very walkable, vibrant community, with great shops and restaurants, near the ocean and a good place to raise a child (will be entering 4th grade, into drama, art, music). One concern is whether it would feel "too small townish", something we wish to escape from, currently living in a remote, safe, clean, but completely unstimulating small town on CT/MA border. Trying to assess whether there is enough "city-like" energy and stimulation (without the downsides of say Boston or NYC - where we love to spend time but don't think would be right for us on a full time basis). Is NBP expected to grow in positive ways while still maintaining its integral charms? Thanks so much for any insights!

[konfetka]

It has already gone through a total transformation form a working class industrial city in the past couple decades. As far as 'stimulation' it's better than most towns in Greater Boston, which would generally have much less going on, where your best hope would be to be closer to Boston for things to do.

It would be hard to find a better small town that is vibrant, but not congested like Boston or Cambridge. Only Salem can compete with Newburyport, but it still needs to work on its schools.

[Gracehappens]

Hi konfetka and thanks for responding . . . Did you mean Salem needs to improve schools or Newburyport? Do you know much about NBP schools?

[Valerie C]

Newburyport has really come into its own the last decade or so. Growing up nearby in the 70s, it reminded me very much of Gloucester-rough around the edges, mainly a fishing and seaport town. My husband recalls going from shipyard to shipyard in search of various parts with his father (boating is in his blood).

NBPT has festivals throughout the year in the Market Square area (Market Square Day, Yankee Homecoming Week, etc) but there is plenty of other action going on other than downtown. Have you visited Maudslay State Park? It's the grounds of the former Mosley estate, and is one of the most picturesque places in Newburyport. It's the perfect place to go bike riding (nice wide paths) or walking, and there are all sorts of activities throughout the summer (summer concerts including children's performers, sculpture exhibits, etc.) As a gardener, I love the beautiful rhododendron, azalea and mountain laurel, along with the arched stone bridges, the mazes and the meadows. You might even see bald eagles swooping down for a fish from the nearby Merrimack River.

I daresay that Konfetca meant that Salem needs to work on it's schools. NBPT schools are well regarded, and GreatSchools rates both the HS and the Middle School with an 8, with the elementary schools earning 6s and a 7. You might want to check the MCAS scores as well.

[konfetka]

That's correct, I was referring to Salem.

[Gracehappens]

Valerie C, thank you. Actually haven't been over to Maudslay yet - sounds like an excellent suggestion. In terms of housing, I've been seeing a good stream of activity over the last several years, unlike the slump in western MA and parts of CT near me . . . However, while it's easy to imagine the appeal of a walk to town location in the south end, prices seem relatively high for small spaces that have limited parking, zero land or privacy and are often in need of updating (the one thing that's great about our CT situation is the country estate, privacy, and picturesque setting as well as the space and amenities of the home itself. Trying to adjust my thinking - trade offs and all of that. That being said, I'm not familiar with streets or areas outside of the downtown area. Are there good alternatives to consider looking at?

[luvthatmouse]

Newbury and West Newbury will have more land and still be close to Newburyport. 5-15 minute drive. Newbury may get farm smells in the spring and summer though We are right near downtown Newburyport and still smell Tendercrop Farms growing fields on some days during the summer.

We love it here. There is plenty going on during the year and Boston is 30-45 minutes by car (and 1 hour on the train) if you want to visit museums, restaurants or go to a game or concert. NYC is not that long a drive, train/bus or flight. Theater in The Open is a great little theater company in town. The Firehouse has art shows and plays. There are several art galleries. A great Sunday farmers Market (even in the winter.) Most of the restaurants have some entertainment during the week-bands, singers, comedy, trivia, wine or beer tastings. We are close to local farms/farm stands, the beach, Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Spencer Pierce Little Farm, the White Mountains for camping/hiking, 2 airports, other charming towns (Portsmouth, Salem, Gloucester, Ipswich, etc.) Many parks and bike trails. The rail trail is awesome and expanding. Bigger stores and malls are close but not in town. Several more are opening in Seabrook soon (Home Goods, etc.)

Some of the events during the year in town or close by you can look up:

Yankee Homecoming
Maudslay is Haunted
Octoberfest

Oktoberfest in Newburyport 2012 - YouTube
Cruisin The 50's Car Show

Crusin' the 50's with WNPB - YouTube
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

Santa's Arrival in Newburyport 2012 - YouTube
Pumpkin Lighting

Pumpkin Lighting and Stroll 2012 - YouTube
Salem's Haunted Happenings
Old Newbury Bonfire

3rd Annual Old Newbury Bon Fire - YouTube
Invitation Nights (Spring and Winter)
Witches Night Out
Art Walk

Art Walk Opening Weekend - YouTube
Manchester Festival-by-the Sea
Portsmouth, NH @ Strawberry Banque-Vintage and Vine, NH Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off
Gloucester Schooner Festival

ETC.!

[konfetka]

Originally Posted by luvthatmouse

Newbury and West Newbury will have more land and still be close to Newburyport. 5-15 minute drive. Newbury may get farm smells in the spring and summer though We are right near downtown Newburyport and still smell Tendercrop Farms growing fields on some days during the summer.

We love it here. There is plenty going on during the year and Boston is 30-45 minutes by car (and 1 hour on the train) if you want to visit museums, restaurants or go to a game or concert. NYC is not that long a drive, train/bus or flight. Theater in The Open is a great little theater company in town. The Firehouse has art shows and plays. There are several art galleries. A great Sunday farmers Market (even in the winter.) Most of the restaurants have some entertainment during the week-bands, singers, comedy, trivia, wine or beer tastings. We are close to local farms/farm stands, the beach, Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Spencer Pierce Little Farm, the White Mountains for camping/hiking, 2 airports, other charming towns (Portsmouth, Salem, Gloucester, Ipswich, etc.) Many parks and bike trails. The rail trail is awesome and expanding. Bigger stores and malls are close but not in town. Several more are opening in Seabrook soon (Home Goods, etc.)

Some of the events during the year in town or close by you can look up:

Yankee Homecoming
Maudslay is Haunted
Octoberfest

Oktoberfest in Newburyport 2012 - YouTube
Cruisin The 50's Car Show

Crusin' the 50's with WNPB - YouTube
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

Santa's Arrival in Newburyport 2012 - YouTube
Pumpkin Lighting

Pumpkin Lighting and Stroll 2012 - YouTube
Salem's Haunted Happenings
Old Newbury Bonfire

3rd Annual Old Newbury Bon Fire - YouTube
Invitation Nights (Spring and Winter)
Witches Night Out
Art Walk

Art Walk Opening Weekend - YouTube
Manchester Festival-by-the Sea
Portsmouth, NH @ Strawberry Banque-Vintage and Vine, NH Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off
Gloucester Schooner Festival

ETC.!

It's true, the point is there is a lot going on in the whole area (North Shore, Cape Ann, Essex County), you are not limited by what's happening in just your town.

[luvthatmouse]

Originally Posted by konfetka

It's true, the point is there is a lot going on in the whole area (North Shore, Cape Ann, Essex County), you are not limited by what's happening in just your town.

Yes! We try to always go to Salem for Haunted Happenings, Portsmouth to eat and for Vintage and Vine and the NH Fall Festival, Manchester By The Sea for their Festival by the Sea, Marblehead for their Christmas Stroll, Gloucester for the Schooner Festival, Ipswich Marini Farm for the corn Maze in the fall, Salisbury Beach for fireworks in the summer and Surf Side 5, etc. As well as all the great bike and walking trails around. We want to try and get to the Newport Mansions Food and Wine Fest this year too. Always something going on nearby! Not to mention Boston.

[Gracehappens]

Thank you for all of those suggestions. Currently, we have to drive 35 minutes to get to good restaurants, shops,etc. and an hour and a half to Boston or Providence . . . Tiring!