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Haverhill, MA

Frequently asked questions

Haverhill, MA

Haverhill is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. Haverhill is located 35 miles north of Boston on the New Hampshire border and about 17 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The population was 67,787 at the 2020 United States census.

Located on the Merrimack River, Haverhill began as a farming community of Puritans, largely from Newbury Plantation. The land was officially purchased from the Pentuckets on November 15, 1642 (One year after incorporation) for three pounds, and ten shillings. Pentucket was renamed Haverhill (after the Ward family's hometown in England) and evolved into an important industrial center, beginning with sawmills and gristmills run by water power. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Haverhill developed woolen mills, tanneries, shipping, and shipbuilding. The town was home to a significant shoe-making industry for many decades. By the end of 1913, one-tenth of the shoes produced in the United States were made in Haverhill, and because of this the town was known during the time as the "Queen Slipper City".

The town was founded in 1640 by settlers from Newbury, and was originally known as Pentuckett, which is for "place of the winding river". Settlers such as John Ward, Robert Clements, Tristram Coffin, Hugh Sheratt, William White, and Thomas Davis aided in the purchase of Pentuckett. The land was sold by Passaquo and Saggahew who claimed to have permission from Passaconaway, though nothing more is known of these two figures in the historical record and it is not clear whether they were at liberty to sell the land, or indeed whether they had a shared understanding of what such a contract would entail.

Settlers Thomas Hale, Henry Palmer, Thomas Davis, James Davis, and William White were Pentuckett's first selectmen. First Court appointments given to end small causes were given to Robert Clements, Henry Palmer, and Thomas Hale. At the same court, it was John Osgood and Thomas Hale who were also appointed to lay the way from Haverhill to Andover. It is said that these early settlers worshipped under a large oak tree, known as the "Worshipping Oak".

The town was renamed for the English town of Haverhill, Suffolk, in deference to the birthplace of the settlement's first pastor, Rev. John Ward. The original Haverhill settlement was located around the corner of Water Street and Mill Street, near the Linwood Cemetery and Burying Ground. The home of the city's father, William White, still stands, although it was expanded and renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries. White's Corner (Merrimack Street and Main Street) was named for his family, as was the White Fund at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Haverhill was incorporated as a city in 1870.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.6 square miles (92.3 km2), of which 33.0 square miles (85.4 km2) is land and 2.7 square miles (6.9 km2), or 7.47%, is water. The city ranks 60th in the Commonwealth in terms of land area and is the largest city or town in Essex County. Haverhill is drained by the Little and Merrimack Rivers, the latter separating the Bradford section of town from the rest of Haverhill. The highest point in the city is found on Ayers Hill, a drumlin with two knobs of almost equal elevation of at least 335 feet (102 m), according to the most recent (2011-2012) USGS 7.5-minute topographical map. The city also has several ponds and lakes, as well as three golf courses.

Haverhill is bordered by Merrimac to the northeast, West Newbury and Groveland to the east, Boxford and a small portion of North Andover to the south, Methuen to the southwest, and Salem, Atkinson and Plaistow, New Hampshire, to the north. From its city center, Haverhill is 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Lawrence, 14 miles (23 km) southwest of Newburyport, 27 miles (43 km) southeast of Manchester, New Hampshire, and 32 miles (51 km) north of Boston.

Haverhill places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. At Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill, you will find privacy, comfort, and high-quality care that earned an “A” safety rating from the Leapfrog Group. We offer private rooms throughout the hospital. Then, Cedardale Health & Fitness in Haverhill MA - the Merrimack Valley's premier athletic and fitness facility. Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and wellness products at the seasonal Haverhill Farmers Market. Learn more at the Haverhill Farmers Market. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and picnicking at the scenic Winnekenni Park Conservation Area. Visit the Winnekenni Park website for more details. Access comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive care and wellness programs at Mass General Brigham Community Physicians. Stay active and boost your mental health by taking dance classes at Dance Dimensions. Engage in fitness classes, swimming, and wellness programs at the YMCA of the North Shore - Haverhill Branch.

Top sites in Haverhill, MA are Ski Bradford, Winnekenni Castle, Willow Spring Vineyards, and Museum of Printing.

Population: 68,291 (2024). ZIP codes: 01830–01832, 01835. Area codes: 351, 978. Elevation: 50 ft (20 m). Area: 35.6 square miles (92.3 km2).

FAQs

Is Haverhill MA a good place to live?

Haverhill is a suburb of Boston with a population of 67,273. Haverhill is in Essex County. Living in Haverhill offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Haverhill, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Haverhill and residents tend to be liberal.

What is Haverhill, MA famous for?

Farming gave way to shipbuilding and leather industries during the early 19th century. By 1836 it had become a major center of shoe, comb, and hat manufacturing. By 1913, one-tenth of the shows produced in the U.S. were made in Haverhill, nicknamed the “Queen Slipper City.” The city has a tremendous array of active and passive recreational opportunities, such as four 18-hole golf courses, a downhill ski area, two horseback riding academies, a public skating rink, and a sailing program. The Merrimack River meanders through the city, providing walking, jogging, bird-watching, and boating opportunities.

Does Haverhill, MA have a violent crime rate?

The crime rate in Haverhill is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 14 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Haverhill is 1 in 72. Based on FBI crime data, Haverhill is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Massachusetts, Haverhill has a crime rate that is higher than 82% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Haverhill

Niche

North of Boston

Neighborhood Scout

Holy Family Hospital

Cedardale Health & Fitness

Haverhill Farmers Market

Mass General Brigham Community Physicians

Dance Dimensions

YMCA of the North Shore - Haverhill Branch

Ski Bradford

Winnekenni Castle

Willow Spring Vineyards

Museum of Printing

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