A coastal town in Essex County, Ipswich is recognized for its stone arch bridges, including America's oldest double stone arch bridge, The Choate, and for having more "First Period" houses (1620-1720) than any other town in the nation.
Founded on land originally inhabited by Indian tribes who called the area Agawam, Ipswich is on the Ipswich River that drains into Ipswich Bay, which has access to the Atlantic Ocean. Early residents were farmers, fishermen, shipbuilders, and traders but by the 19th century Ipswich had a thriving textile industry.
About 29 miles from Boston via Route I-93, I-95 and Route 1, residents also have access to public transportation. An MBTA commuter rail station is in downtown Ipswich.
>> View Ipswich town stats & demographics
Ipswich Things To Do
Ipswich has a long-standing recreational history that includes riding trails, stables and riding academies for equestrians. The Golf Club at Turner Hill ranks among the top courses in the country.
Crane Estate - encompasses more than 2,100 acres and is made up of three properties:
- Castle Hill, a National Historic Landmark on 165 acres surrounded by sea and salt marsh. Trustees of Reservations holds many events at Castle Hill.
- Crane Wildlife Refuge, surrounded by the Great Marsh, the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England, covering more than 25,000 acres from Hampton Harbor, NH to Gloucester
- Crane Beach, a popular summer destination for residents and visitors. An expansive beach with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, its 1,234 acres include sandy dunes, pine forests and four miles of white andy beach and shoreline.
Two state parks, Sandy Point State Reservation and Willowdale State Forest, are also nearby. Here you can enjoy hiking, biking, and more!
The town's historic districts include:
- Riverwalk – Includes a 2,700-square-foot mural on an old mill building that chronicles the history of Ipswich from the time of its settling to the current day.
- Old North Burying Ground - Established in 1634. The first people known to be buried in the cemetery were the wife and child of John Winthrop, Jr., who led the settlement of the town. Many of the 1,300 gravestones date back to the late 1600’s.
Downtown Ipswich
Downtown Ipswich is a vibrant area with a wide variety of eateries, local shops and services.
Ipswich is famous for clams, with dozens of restaurants featuring Ipswich clams and other local seafood. Check out:
- Clam Box – Nationally recognized landmark serving fried seafood since 1938.
- 1640 Hart House- Historical elegant country dining.
- Riverview Restaurant- Delicious pizza served in a casual family style dining room.
- Choate Bridge Pub- Delicious food in a comfortable, friendly environment.
- SALT Kitchen and Rum Bar- Creative and elevated "comfort" food, in an atmosphere that is comfortable and inviting.
- Ithaki- Modern Mediterranean cuisine.
- Bunz Burger- All fresh ingredients and hand cut fries, this burger joint will not disappoint!
- Spice Thai Kitchen- Delicious Thai Food in downtown Ipswich.
Ipswich Schools
Ipswich has an excellent public school system. There are two elementary schools - Paul F. Doyon Elementary School and Winthrop Elementary - which run through to 5th grade. Ipswich Middle School and Ipswich High School run from 6th grade to 12th.
Living in Ipswich
Discover what is currently on the market in Ipswich, MA:
Single Family Homes • Condominiums • Waterfront Homes
Contact us if you have questions or would like to learn more about Ipswich real estate.