Moving to Beverly, MA? With its coastal beauty, dynamic downtown, excellent schools, and easy commute to Boston, Beverly offers a balanced lifestyle for families, professionals and creatives alike. If you’re considering your next move, Beverly just might be the perfect place to call home while enjoying small-town charm with big-city access.
So, why Beverly of all places in the U.S.? Because its zip code 01915 showed up as number one on Realtor.com’s “Hottest Zip Codes of 2025” (Realtor.com is our partner site). This list of the top 10 hottest zip codes shows where homebuyers find value in the vicinity of high-priced metros. And, in case you’re wondering, number two is Marlton, NJ, and number three is Leominster, MA.
What Are the Criteria?
When deciding on somewhere to live, you’re looking for a place that fits your personality, life circumstances, preferences, and interests. Factors to consider before moving include the cost of living, the real estate market, things to do in that area, and so much more. These are the criteria we’ve used to look at Beverly, MA, and the other cities featured on Realtor.com’s Hottest Zip Codes of 2025.
What Is It Like to Live in Beverly, MA?
Beverly is a coastal city in Essex County, located approximately 26 miles northeast of Boston, perched on Massachusetts’ scenic North Shore. The town blends scenic ocean views and beaches with proximity to Boston, therefore letting you enjoy small-town serenity without sacrificing access to a major metro hub.
According to Niche, Beverly gets an overall grade of A-, with high marks for being family-friendly, its nightlife, diversity, safety, and public schools. Beverly has a population of 42,133 as of 2025.
Do you think that moving to Beverly, MA, is in the cards for you? Here’s what you need to know.
The Cost of Living in Beverly, MA
Beverly’s cost of living is 68%, which is 12% higher than the Massachusetts average of 56%. This is determined by comparing the cost of living in Beverly to the cost of living in other cities around the United States. If a city’s index score is higher than 100%, then the cost of living is above average.
When the index score is lower than 100, you’ll find a below-average cost of living. Factors considered include the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities.
Many services, goods and activities are 87.2% more expensive than the national average. For a family, it’s estimated at $10,110 per month, and a total of $121,320 for a year. For one single person, it’s $6,633 per month, which is 39.1% more expensive than the national average.
The Job Market in Beverly, MA
Beverly, MA, offers plenty of economic benefits. Beverly’s median age is 39.5, and the median household income is $103,739 (2023 data).
The economy of Beverly employs 23.2k people. The largest industries in Beverly, MA, are educational services (3,417 people), healthcare and social assistance (3,362 people), and professional, scientific and technical services (3,012 people). The highest-paying industries are finance and insurance ($95,288), professional, scientific, and technical services ($92,227), and wholesale trade ($92,051).
Beverly has an unemployment rate of 5.7% (the U.S. average is 6.0%). Beverly has seen the job market decrease by -10.3% over the last year. Future job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 36.7%, which is higher than the U.S. average of 33.5%.
As for a look at the past, Beverly was the site of one of New England’s first successful cotton-weaving mills in 1789. The United Shoe Machinery Corporation established a large factory in Beverly, which operated from 1902 to 1987. Beverly also became a center for electronics manufacturing and saw a boom in summer tourism.
Buying a Home in Beverly, MA
As of July 2025, the median listing home price for Beverly is $699,900, with 18 median days on the market, and trending down -9.1% year over year. This works out to be $478 per square foot.
There were 41 homes for sale at the time of this writing, ranging from $369,000 to $22,000,000. Homes in Beverly, MA, sold for 4.59% above the asking price on average in July 2025. The median home sold price is the same as the median listing home price.
Renting a Home in Beverly, MA
There were 80 properties available for rent at the time of this writing. Realtor.com lists the average rental price as $2,692 per month.
Schools Available in Beverly, MA
Beverly Public Schools serves over 4,500 students from PK-12 with a preschool, five elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The public schools in Beverly are well-regarded, boasting a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, AP class offerings, and enrichment programs.
GreatSchools rates Beverly’s public schools in a range of 9 out of 10. The GreatSchools rating is based on a variety of school quality indicators, including test scores, college readiness, and equity data.
Niche.com gives the Beverly school district a B+ grade, commending it for its teachers, clubs and activities in particular. To find top-rated schools in Beverly, you can use Moving.com’s School Ratings, which features GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.
The largest universities in Beverly, MA, are Endicott College and Montserrat College of Art. Then there is, of course, Beverly’s proximity to Boston and all of its excellent higher-ed opportunities.
The Taxes in Beverly, MA
The minimum combined 2025 sales tax rate for Beverly is 6.25%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The Massachusetts sales tax rate is currently 6.25%. The Beverly sales tax rate is 0%.
The average tax rate in Essex County is 1.14%, and the property taxes are $5,695 annually. The median annual property tax payment in the state is $5,584. The state’s average effective tax rate of 1.15% is higher than the national average of 0.90%.
Getting Around in Beverly, MA
Beverly, MA, has a walk score of 51 and is rated “somewhat walkable,” which means that running some errands can be accomplished on foot. The most walkable Beverly neighborhoods are generally considered to be those closest to the downtown area and waterfront. These include downtown Beverly, Ryal Side, and Beverly Farms.
Beverly is only “somewhat bikeable.” Since there are not many bike lanes, Beverly’s bike-friendliness has a score of 37.
Route 128 passes through Beverly, linking it to Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1, thus making regional travel by car highly convenient. Routes 1A, 22, 62, 97, and 127 also serve the area.
If you decide to travel by train, the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport Line stops at Beverly Depot (downtown) and North Beverly, with direct service to Boston’s North Station in under 45 minutes.
Beverly Regional Airport, a public city-owned airport, lies just a few miles northwest of the city center. It serves general aviation and helps relieve congestion at Boston’s Logan Airport.
As for the average one-way commute, it is 30.6 minutes in Beverly, which is longer than the national average of 26.8 minutes. Residents of Beverly predominantly drive to work (65.8%), and 5.1% carpool. Only 7.5% take public transit, 5.9% walk, and 0.1% bike to work.
The Weather in Beverly, MA
In Beverly, the summers are warm; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 21°F to 82°F and is rarely below 7°F or above 91°F.
Things to Do in and Around Beverly, MA
Known as the “Garden City,” Beverly features beautiful spots like Lynch Park with its historic rose garden, beaches and trails — all ideal for family and pet activities. The most popular beaches include West Beach and Dane Street Beach, both great for kayaking and strolling.
Beverly’s cultural scene is flourishing. Visit The Cabot, Larcom Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, or the galleries at Montserrat College of Art for art exhibits and performances. The walkable downtown supports more than 400 small businesses and hosts events like Arts Fest, plus seasonal celebrations.
Free and low-cost attractions nearby include Wenham Museum, Ropes Mansion, and walking tours in nearby towns like Salem.
A Brief History of Beverly, MA
Beverly, Massachusetts, has a rich history as a seaside town with a strong maritime tradition. Originally settled around 1626 by Roger Conant and others as part of Salem, it was incorporated as a town in 1668 and as a city in 1894. It was named “Beverley” after Beverley, England.
Beverly is known for its role in the American Revolution. In 1775, the schooner Hannah, considered the first ship of the U.S. Navy, was commissioned at Glover’s Wharf in Beverly. This event marks Beverly as the “Birthplace of America’s Navy“.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Beverly became a popular summer resort area, with estates built along the coast. President Taft even had a summer White House in Beverly.
Beverly features historic buildings, including Hale House, the Cabot House, and the Balch House. Beverly Farms, a distinct section of Beverly, has its own unique history as a farming community and summer resort area.
Tips for Moving to Beverly, MA
Here are some things for you to consider when you plan your move to Beverly, MA:
- Budget with a cost of living in mind. While more affordable than Boston, Beverly’s cost of living is still high. Please keep that in mind when you budget for your move.
- Know your neighborhoods. Consider areas like Beverly Farms, Ryal Side, Centerville, or downtown, with their distinct charm, a variety of housing styles, and convenient access to Beverly’s other neighborhoods.
- Plan for the season. Prepare for New England weather — cold winters, summer heat, and Nor’Easters that can bring heavy snow and outages.
- Learn about compliance and permits. Building or renovation projects require permits from the local Municipal Inspections Department. Expect up to a 30-day approval time, with clear rules on what qualifies as a repair vs. requiring a full permit.
FAQs About Moving to Beverly, MA
Is it expensive to live in Beverly, MA?
The average cost of living in Beverly is $2,898, per LivingCost.org. Expect to pay about $20 for lunch and $65 for dinner when you eat out, average prices for groceries, and an average of $118 per one person for utilities.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Beverly, MA?
The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15 per hour, but you’ll need a living wage of $29-$86 for one working adult and $19-$44 for two working adults to live comfortably in Beverly. The range depends on whether you have children and how many children you have. This amounts to a required annual income of $60,080 to $178,062 for one adult and $80,602 to $185,655 for two working adults. Keep in mind: These numbers are before taxes.
How long is the train ride to Boston from Beverly?
Commuter rail to North Station takes about 35-45 minutes.
Are there good schools?
Yes. Beverly has strong public schools with low student-teacher ratios, AP courses, internships, and several private alternatives.
How’s the housing market?
Beverly is a hot market with fast home sales, strong demand, and prices that remain lower than Boston’s average.
Is Beverly safe and family-friendly?
Yes. It’s generally seen as safe and peaceful, with strong educational services, parks, and a community vibe.
Ready to Move to Beverly, MA?
For more information about moving to Beverly, MA, check out the resources available at Moving.com, such as the City Profile Report feature. Simply enter the zip code or the state and city of your potential move to get a free report with city demographics, real estate information, and quality of life factors. When looking for the best moving company, refer to Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers.
Best of luck and happy moving!