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Gloucester, MA

Frequently asked questions

Gloucester, MA

Gloucester is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It sits on Cape Ann and is a part of Massachusetts's North Shore. The population was 29,729 at the 2020 U.S. Census. An important center of the fishing industry and a popular summer destination, Gloucester consists of an urban core on the north side of the harbor and the outlying neighborhoods of Annisquam, Bay View, Lanesville, Folly Cove, Magnolia, Riverdale, East Gloucester, and West Gloucester.

Gloucester is located at 42°37′26″N 70°40′32″W (42.624015, −70.675521). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 41.5 square miles (107.5 km2), of which 26.2 square miles (67.8 km2) is land and 15.3 square miles (39.6 km2), or 36.88%, is water.

Gloucester occupies most of the eastern end of Cape Ann, except for the far tip, which is the town of Rockport. The city is split in half by the Annisquam River, which flows northward through the middle of the city into Ipswich Bay. At its south end, it is connected to Gloucester Harbor by the Blynman Canal. The land along the northwestern shore of the river is marshy, creating several small islands. Gloucester Harbor is divided into several smaller coves, including the Western Harbor (site of the Fisherman's Memorial) and the Inner Harbor (home to the Gloucester fishing fleet). The eastern side of Gloucester Harbor is divided from the rest of Massachusetts Bay by Eastern Point, extending some 2 miles (3 km) outward from the mainland. There are several parks in the city, the largest of which are Ravenswood Park, Stage Fort Park, and Mount Ann Park.

Gloucester lies between Ipswich Bay to the north and Massachusetts Bay to the south. The city is bordered on the east by Rockport, and on the west by Ipswich, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea to the west. (The town line with Ipswich is located across Essex Harbor, and as such there is no land connection between the towns.) Gloucester lies 16 miles (26 km) east-northeast of Salem and 31 miles (50 km) northeast of Boston. Gloucester lies at the eastern terminus of Route 128, which ends at Route 127A. Route 127A begins at Route 127 just east of the Route 128 terminus, heading into Rockport before terminating there. Route 127 enters from Manchester-by-the-Sea before crossing the Blynman Canal and passing through downtown towards Rockport. It then re-enters Gloucester near Folly Cove, running opposite of its usual north-south orientation towards its terminus at Route 128. Route 133 also terminates within the city, entering from Essex and terminating just west of the Blynman Canal at Route 127. Besides the bridge over the Blynman Canal, there are only two other connections between the eastern and western halves of town, the A. Piatt Andrew Memorial Bridge, carrying Route 128, and the Boston & Maine Railroad Bridge, just north of the Blynman Canal.

Gloucester is home to the Cape Ann Transportation Authority, which serves the city and surrounding towns. Two stops (in West Gloucester and downtown Gloucester) provide access to the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, which extends from Rockport along the North Shore to Boston's North Station. The nearest airport is the Beverly Municipal Airport, with the nearest national and international air service being at Boston's Logan International Airport.

Gloucester places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Addison Gilbert Hospital (AGH) offers emergency care, diabetes care, and mammography services. Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care offers comprehensive healthcare services. The Fitness Zone is Gloucester and Cape Ann's unrivaled leader in providing a unique Gym experience. For a relaxing spa experience, visit LifeBloom Massage & Spa or Saltwater Massage Studio. Yoga enthusiasts can join classes at Treetop Yoga Studio or enjoy outdoor sessions with Cape Ann Power Yoga. Integrative health services are available at Pond Road Healing Suites.

Top Sites in Gloucester, MA are Hammond Castle Museum, Wingaersheek Beach, Cape Ann Museum, and Eastern Point Lighthouse.
 

Population: 29,836 (2022). ZIP code: 01930. Area code: 351 / 978. Elevation: 50 ft (15 m). Area: 41.5 square miles (107.5 km2).

FAQs

Why is Gloucester, MA famous?

Recognized as one of the nation’s top fishing ports, Gloucester is brimming with history, dining, culture, events, and shopping including delicious seafood and beautiful beaches, making Gloucester a top summer destination. Founded in 1642, Gloucester is a place to see, feel and taste history. Gloucester’s working waterfront and ineffable beauty have drawn fishermen, families, artists, and visitors from across the globe for over four hundred years. Hop on a schooner or go on a whale watch.
 

Can you walk around Gloucester, MA?

For those looking to learn all they can about this historic city, Gloucester HarborWalk lets you experience Gloucester in a personal, relaxed, and scenic manner. Gloucester HarborWalk is a free, public-access walkway with an accompanying self-guided walking tour. Designated by 42 granite story posts integrated into the city, the tour directs you to gardens, art galleries, spectacular views of Gloucester’s working harbor, and more.

Is Gloucester, MA a good place to live?

Gloucester is an old fishing town located on Cape Ann in Massachusetts that has now become an important center of art and fine dining. Here visitors can take advantage of many outdoor activities such as kayaking or whale watching—all while admiring the beauty of local attractions like Hammond Castle Museum which houses a vast collection of antiques. Very large metro area set on the coast and rolling hills of New England. Primary industries include technology and college. Noteworthy assets include shoreline, state capital, and college town. Overall, a college town, big city resources, and arts & culture make Gloucester a great place to live.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Gloucester

North of Boston

Atlantic Vacation Homes

Best Places

Hammond Castle Museum 

Wingaersheek Beach

Cape Ann Museum 

Eastern Point Lighthouse

Addison Gilbert Hospital

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care

The Fitness Zone

LifeBloom Massage & Spa 

Saltwater Massage Studio

Treetop Yoga Studio

Cape Ann Power Yoga

Pond Road Healing Suites

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.