Haverhill, MA has been nicknamed “Queen Slipper City” and is often called “Shoe City.” Shoe-making was its leading industry for 180 years. The city evolved as a major industrial center with saw and grist mills, tanneries, boatyards, and shoe making starting in the late 17th century. You will find local merchants and restaurants paying homage to the shoe industry with footwear décor and whimsical displays. The Soles of Haverhill Shoe Sculpture Tour started in 2009, with 14 shoe sculptures created by local artists and placed around the community. Seven whimsical shoe sculpture benches were installed along sidewalks around the city in 2014.
The city was incorporated in 1870. Bradford, just south of Haverhill, was annexed on January 1st, 1897. The population was 67,787 in 2020. It has nearly 36 square miles of land ranging from agricultural areas to urban areas. There are five interchanges for Interstate 495 running along the city. MBTA Commuter Rail provides service to North Station Boston from Haverhill Station and Bradford Station.
There are excellent recreational opportunities along the Merrimack River winding through the city (boating, birdwatching, and sailing programs), public and private golf courses to explore, and a downhill skiing area in Bradford (15 trails with eight black diamonds and a terrain park) for local winter fun.
Things To Do in Haverhill:
- Ski Bradford
- Winnekenni Castle (miles of trails around Kenoza Lake for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing, and cross-country skiing, the castle is a popular venue for public and private events)
- Museum of Printing
- Bradford Country Club
- Murphy’s Garrison Golf Center
- Renaissance Golf Club
- Crystal Lake Golf Club
- Haverhill Golf & Country Club
Restaurants in Haverhill:
Downtown Haverhill has become a destination for locals and tourists looking for a tasty meal. It is well known for its delicious restaurants and boutique shops, thanks to the revitalization initiative that began in the early 2000s. The city council recently approved the $160 million Merrimack Street Redevelopment Project in 2022. The project calls out the importance of Downtown and the riverfront, including more delicious restaurants!
- The Hidden Pig
- The Peddler’s Daughter Irish Restaurant & Pub
- Butch’s Uptown
- Stacks
- Shoe City Urban Bistro
- Keon’s
- The Fat Greek
- Barking Dog Ale House
- G’s Restaurant
- Barrio Tacos
- Tap Brewing Company
- Essex Street Grill
Shopping in Haverhill:
Haverhill Schools:
- Moody Preschool Extension
- Bradford Elementary School
- Golden Hill Elementary School
- Hunking School
- Moody School
- Pentucket Lake Elementary School
- Silver Hill Elementary School
- Tilton Elementary School
- Walnut Square Elementary School
- Consentino Middle School
- Nettle Middle School
- Tilton Upper Middle School
- J.G. Whittier Middle School
- Haverhill High School
- Gateway Academy
- Greenleaf Academy
- Bartlett School and Assessment Center
Living in Haverhill:
Contact J Barrett & Company if you have any questions!
