Ipswich Homes for Sale

Ipswich Homes for Sale

Ipswich homes for sale offer entry into a community known for a quirky kind of quaint. Colonial-era houses abound in such quantity that in 1964. Concerned citizens founded the Ipswich Historical Commission to help preserve their cultural heritage (at least 600 homes in this town of 13,000 residents boast some historical value).   Ipswich maintains a distinctly modern vibe that has consistently attracted new home buyers to the area. Ipswich real estate prices in this growing community range from about $250,000 up to $11,500,000. Ipswich homes for sale range in size between 592 and 9500 square feet.

Downtown Ipswich has a small-town funky feel, with old-school coffee joints and the region’s lone shoe-repair stop staking claim alongside a handful of foodie meccas and high-end boutiques. The Ipswich restaurant scene reflects that eclectic character, with standouts ranging from tiny Zabaglione, the very best kind of Italian hole-in-the-wall, to the spacious Ithaki, a popular Greek fine-dining establishment. Hungry visitors venturing a bit further afield check out 1640 Hart House for its distinctive colonial flair (it’s run out of a 17^th-century farmhouse) but keep going back for the amazing hot popovers. And no visit to Ipswich would be complete without an ice cream run to White Farms, an ice cream stand/mini-golf course that hosts weekly classic-car “cruise nights” throughout the summer.

Those antique cars can be forgiven their leisurely pace; with Interstate 95 swinging wide around Ipswich’s western border, Routes 1A and 133 are the major arteries through town. Ipswich also maintains a stop along the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport line, and Boston is just a short train ride away. In summer, the Ipswich Essex Explorer shuttle service connects travelers from the train station to nearby Crane Beach and Appleton Farms, a popular historic site known for its “grass rides” – a family-friendly network of grassy trails.

Geographically, Ipswich offers a little bit of everything – a major plus for outdoor enthusiasts. The marshy northeast follows a network of rivers as they drain into Plum Island Sound. Toward the southwest stretch forestland’s shared with the neighboring communities of Boxford and Hamilton. Many of these areas are reserved for wildlife and recreational activities; Crane Wildlife Refuge, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and Sandy Point State Reservation all lay claim to parts of Ipswich.

The turning of the seasons in Ipswich are marked by two destination recreational farms: Russell Orchards and Marini Farm. Dueling strawberry festivals at both farms announce the arrival of summer and farm-stand season proper. Fall festivals held weekends throughout October feature apple-cider donuts, hayrides, and plenty of activities for the kids. During picking season, Russell Orchards offers pick-your-own strawberries, apples, and everything in between. At Marini Farm, fall is synonymous with the giant corn maze plowed through its rolling fields, which stretch down to the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s easy to forget, in fact, just how close the town of Ipswich is to the beach. Locals in the know go to Plum Island’s Sandy Point during low tide to collect the best seashells. Crane Beach is a popular destination both for summer sunning and for the many marine-education programs on offer by Crane Beach on the Crane Estate, a historic reservation site (not to be confused with Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, another historic property that hosts a popular summer concert series on its giant sloping front lawn).

Last but certainly not least, Ipswich has earned bragging rights to a stellar public school system. Its middle and high schools consistently score well on state achievement tests and are also well known for their music and performing arts programs. In 2005, Ipswich High School earned the designation of “Blue Ribbon School” for excellence in education under the Federal No Child Left Behind program.

If you would like more information about the Ipswich homes for sale, Whether you are a buyer or seller in Byfield MA. BENTLEY’S Real Estate is committed to assist you throughout the process! For a private, personalized consultation please call 781.858.5115