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Ipswich, MA

Frequently asked questions

Ipswich, MA

Ipswich is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 13,785 at the 2020 census. Home to Willowdale State Forest and Sandy Point State Reservation, Ipswich includes the southern part of Plum Island. A residential community with a vibrant tourism industry, the town is famous for its clams, celebrated annually at the Ipswich Chowderfest, and for Crane Beach, a barrier beach near the Crane estate. Ipswich was incorporated as a town in 1634.

Ipswich was founded by John Winthrop the Younger, son of John Winthrop, one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 and its first governor, elected in England in 1629. Several hundred colonists sailed from England in 1630 in a fleet of 11 ships, including Winthrop's flagship, the Arbella. Investigating the region of Salem and Cape Ann, they entertained aboard the Arbella for a day, June 12, 1630, a native chief of the lands to the north, Chief Masconomet. The event was recorded in Winthrop's journal on the 13th, but Winthrop did not say how they overcame the language barrier. The name they heard from Masconomet concerning the country over which he ruled has been reconstructed as Wonnesquamsauke, which the English rendered as "Agawam". The colonists, however, sailed to the south where some buildings had already been prepared for them at a place newly named Charlestown.

Agawam was incorporated on August 5, 1634, as Ipswich, after Ipswich in the county of Suffolk, England. The name "Ipswich" was taken "in acknowledgment of the great honor and kindness done to our people which took shipping there." Nathaniel Ward, an assistant pastor in town from 1634 to 1636, wrote the first code of laws for Massachusetts and later published the religious/political work The Simple Cobbler of Aggawam in America in England.

Ipswich is drained by the Ipswich River and Plum Island Sound, which join at their mouths and empty through a narrow but navigable channel at the foot of Castle Hill around Sandy Point into Ipswich Bay adjoining the Atlantic Ocean. The crane estate has a long lawn that overlooks the bay and often has Castle Hill concerts. The southern part of Plum Island falls within the area allotted to the town, making up the town's ocean shore along with Castle Neck, south of the Sound. The northeastern part of town is marshy, where the Rowley River, Roger Island River, and Eagle Hill River drain into Plum Island Sound. South of Castle Neck, the Castle Neck River separates the town from neighboring Essex.

Much of the western end of town is dominated by Willowdale State Forest, and other parts of the town are also protected land, including Crane Wildlife Refuge on Castle Neck, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation on Plum Island, Hamlin Reservation, Heartbreak Hill Reservation, Bull Brook Reservoir, Greenwood Farm, and part of Appleton Farms Sanctuary, which extends into Hamilton.

Ipswich is in central Essex County and is 11 miles (18 km) south of Newburyport, 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Gloucester, 13 miles (21 km) north of Salem, 20 miles (32 km) east of Lawrence, and 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Boston. It is bordered by Rowley to the north, Boxford to the west, and Topsfield, Hamilton, Essex, and Gloucester to the south. (The border with Gloucester lies across Essex Bay, and as such there is no land connection between the two.)

Ipswich places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Addison Gilbert Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Ipswich Country Club provides a comprehensive gym experience with a variety of fitness classes and personal training options. Enjoy a peaceful nature walk or bird watching at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, a perfect spot for reconnecting with nature. Engage in mindfulness and relaxation with the Wim Hof Method class, offering breathing exercises and cold therapy techniques. For yoga enthusiasts, the sessions at Elephant Tree Yoga are a great way to practice meditation. Participate in a Mala Making Workshop at The Gentle Place Massage & Wellness for a creative and meditative experience. Explore the beautiful trails and scenic views at Willowdale State Forest. Lastly, check out the Halibut Point Trail Guided Walk in nearby Rockport for a guided nature walk with ample access to stunning landscapes.

Top sites in Ipswich, MA are Wolf Hollow - North American Wolf Foundation, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich Museum, and Russell Orchards.

Population: 13,903 (2023). ZIP code: 01938. Area codes: 351, 356, 978. Elevation: 50 ft (15 m). Area: 42.5 sq mi (110.1 km2).

FAQs

What is Ipswich, MA famous for?

Ipswich is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. Home to Willowdale State Forest and Sandy Point State Reservation, Ipswich includes the southern part of Plum Island. A residential community with a vibrant tourism industry, the town is famous for its clams, celebrated annually at the Ipswich Chowderfest, and for Crane Beach, a barrier beach near the Crane estate. Ipswich was incorporated as a town in 1634.

Is Ipswich MA a good place to live?

Ipswich is in Essex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Ipswich offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Ipswich, there are a lot of restaurants and parks. The public schools in Ipswich are above average.

What is the poverty rate in Ipswich, MA?

Ipswich is a city located in Essex County Massachusetts. Ipswich has a 2024 population of 4,918. Ipswich is currently growing at a rate of 0.47% annually and its population has increased by 1.91% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 4,826 in 2020. The average household income in Ipswich is $139,472 with a poverty rate of 6.16%.

Sources

Town of Ipswich

Wikipedia

Niche

World Population Review

Wolf Hollow - North American Wolf Foundation 

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate 

Ipswich Museum 

Russell Orchards

Addison Gilbert Hospital

Ipswich Country Club

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Wim Hof Method

Elephant Tree Yoga

The Gentle Place

Willowdale State Forest

Halibut Point

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