Nestled on the North Shore of Massachusetts, the quaint, coastal town of Swampscott beckons to those seeking a small-town lifestyle rich in history and beach-town charm. Known for its scenic beaches, tight-knit community, and easy access to Boston, this seaside gem has become an attractive choice for professionals, families, and retirees alike. In fact, Swampscott, MA was ranked #59 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Massachusetts by Niche.com. If you're considering a move to Swampscott, here's everything you need to know.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Swampscott
Like any place, Swampscott has its pros and cons. We've laid them out for you so you can weigh them according to your personal lifestyle and needs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Close to Everything: Despite its small size—Swampscott covers just 3 square miles—everything you need is within walking distance, including shops, restaurants, and beaches. | Takes a while to get to the Highway: While Swampscott has a train station, there's no direct highway access. |
| The Beaches: Swampscott boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore, drawing visitors from near and far. | It's Expensive: With limited space for new construction and oceanfront real estate, home values in Swampscott are high. |
| Cozy Community: With a population of around 15,000, you'll get to know your neighbors quickly, making it feel like one big, happy family. | Taxes are High: With a small business sector and a small area for homes, Swampscott residents pay fairly high taxes. |
| The Schools: The Swampscott schools are known for their quality education and excellent teachers, with three elementary schools, a notable middle school, and a new state-of-the-art high school. | |
| The Trains: The Swampscott train station is a short walk from anywhere in town, providing an easy 22-minute commute into Boston. | |
| Re-sale Value: Swampscott home values have proven to be quite stable, even during economic downturns, thanks to the town's desirable location and lack of new construction. |
Climate and Weather in Swampscott
While there's much to love about Swampscott, one of the highlights for many residents is the town's four-season climate. Each season brings its own charm and unique experiences, creating a beautiful backdrop for year-round living. To understand what to expect, you can learn more about Swampscott, MA weather.
Swampscott, Massachusetts sees an average of 48 inches of rain annually, which is noticeably higher than the US average of 38 inches. This precipitation helps maintain the lush, green landscapes that make the town so picturesque. The town also gets a generous dusting of snow each year, averaging 42 inches, compared to the US average of 28 inches. This means you can look forward to snowy winter landscapes and the fun activities they bring, like sledding and building snowmen.
Sun lovers can rejoice in the fact that, on average, there are 201 sunny days per year in Swampscott, just slightly less than the US average of 205 sunny days. This means plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, whether that's a day at the beach, a stroll through town, or just relaxing in your own backyard.
Furthermore, Swampscott experiences some type of precipitation - be it rain, snow, sleet, or hail - on an average of 122 days per year. This precipitation is measured only when at least .01 inches have fallen to the ground. While this might mean a few more rainy days to contend with, residents often view this as a small price to pay for the privilege of living in such a charming seaside town.
Restaurants in Swampscott
For foodies, there are many great Swampscott, MA restaurants to enjoy. The town's coastal location influences many of the culinary offerings, with many establishments offering fresh, locally sourced seafood. Here are some noteworthy places to dine in Swampscott:
Njord Haven: Named after the Norse god of the sea, this restaurant offers Scandinavian cuisine with a focus on sustainable seafood and organic produce.
Mission on the Bay: Offering a panoramic view of the Atlantic, this spot is known for its seafood, cocktails, and modern American fare.
Little G: This modern eatery and bar serves a variety of small plates, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.
Sea Salt: This restaurant provides an upscale dining experience with a focus on locally sourced seafood.
The Blue Ox: Known for its New American cuisine and rustic-chic decor, this restaurant offers an upscale dining experience.
Pomona Café & Wine Bar: This chic spot is perfect for wine lovers and serves a menu of small plates and main dishes.
Volo Craft Pizza: This local pizzeria is renowned for its artisanal pizzas and rustic Italian cuisine.
No matter what kind of culinary experience you're craving, there's likely a spot in Swampscott that will satisfy your appetite.
No matter what kind of culinary experience you're craving, there's likely a spot in Swampscott that will satisfy your appetite.
Swampscott, MA Cost of Living
Before moving to Swampscott, MA, it's important to understand the cost of living. Living in Swampscott tends to be more expensive than the U.S. average in most categories, as shown in the table below:
| Category | Swampscott | U.S. Average |
| Milk (1/2 gal) | $3.34 (+32.89%) | $2.24 |
| Bread | $3.60 (+4.23%) | $3.45 |
| Hamburger | $5.99 (+20.24%) | $4.78 |
| Large Pizza | $11.99 (+10.61%) | $10.72 |
| Chicken (2 pcs) | $4.99 (+17.37%) | $4.12 |
| Doctor Visit | $194 (+39.59%) | $117.19 |
| Dentist Visit | $108 (+6.32%) | $101.17 |
| Rent | $3,281.78 (+62.98%) | $1,214.95 |
| Mortgage | $2,523.23 (+50.48%) | $1,249.52 |
| Gas | $2.86 (+2%) | $2.80 |
| Energy Bill | $257.35 (+33.43%) | $171.33 |
Despite the higher cost of living, the median household income in Swampscott is higher than the national average, helping to offset these costs. The median home value also tends to be higher, reflecting the area's desirability and quality of life. If you're considering living in Swampscott, it's important to factor these costs into your budget.
Swampscott jobs span various industries, with opportunities in everything from education and healthcare to technology and business services. If you're considering moving to Swampscott, researching job opportunities in your field may be helpful.
Please note that costs can fluctuate, and the prices listed above may change over time. It's always a good idea to conduct a personal cost of living analysis based on your lifestyle and budget before moving to a new area.
About Willis + Tierney
Willis + Tierney offers their services to a wide variety of clients, including buyers, sellers, investors, and developers. If you're contemplating purchasing or selling a home, or if you have queries about the Swampscott, MA real estate market, don't hesitate to reach out to Willis + Tierney today.
