Massachusetts Peabody
Moving to Peabody, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts, blends classic North Shore charm with easy access to Boston’s world-class jobs, culture, and amenities. Just 18 miles north of downtown Boston via Routes 1 and 128 (I-95), the city offers welcoming neighborhoods like West Peabody, South Peabody, and the historic downtown area, highly regarded public schools in the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School district, and a proud, family-oriented community spirit. Residents enjoy more than a dozen city parks plus the extensive trails and open spaces of Peabody’s Independence Greenway, nearby Brooksby Farm for seasonal picking and recreation, the scenic Spring Pond and Salem Harbor waterfront just minutes away, and top-notch facilities including the state-of-the-art Peabody Institute Library, the Higgins Middle School turf fields, and the popular Brooksby Farm playground and splash pad. A vibrant downtown along Main Street and Washington Street delivers eclectic dining, local favorites like Brodie’s Pub, Petrillo’s Italian Kitchen, and Century House, plus community events such as the long-running Peabody Square Summer Concert Series, the International Festival, and the city’s famous Fourth of July celebrations—all at a cost of living that remains competitive for the Greater Boston area. With quick drives to Logan International Airport, MBTA commuter rail service at nearby Salem or Lynn, and growing bike-path connections along the North Shore, Peabody delivers strong community pride, New England beauty, and the perfect balance of relaxed suburban living with big-city convenience right next door.
Peabody by the numbers
City population
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Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Peabody, Massachusetts, blends classic North Shore charm with invigorating outdoor pursuits and a proud, tight-knit community spirit rooted in its historic New England identity, all just minutes from the energy of downtown Salem and the North Shore coast. Locals cherish walking or biking the 10-mile Independence Greenway, exploring the wooded trails and open spaces of Peabody’s many conservation areas, kayaking Spring Pond or nearby Salem Harbor, or enjoying seasonal picking and farm fun at historic Brooksby Farm. The vibrant downtown and Centennial Park area keep the social scene lively with seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and events that bring neighbors together year after year.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
Peabody offers more than 10 miles of paved and natural-surface trails, highlighted by the Independence Greenway rail-trail that connects West Peabody to Salem and beyond. These paths wind through wetlands, woodlands, and suburban neighborhoods, linking residents to parks, conservation lands, Brooksby Farm, and the broader North Shore trail network toward Lynn Woods and the coast.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to the Brooksby Farm playground and splash pad, the state-of-the-art Peter Welch Gymnasium and turf fields at Higgins Middle School, and the Peabody Institute Library—one of the nation’s oldest—for story times, LEGO clubs, and interactive exhibits. The weekly Peabody Farmers Market (June–October) brings fresh North Shore produce, artisan goods, live music, and food trucks to the heart of downtown, while the city’s legendary Fourth of July fireworks and parade remain a cherished tradition.
Local Breweries & Dining
Peabody’s craft beer scene shines at spots like Granite Coast Brewing and Gentile Brewing, both offering cozy taprooms, outdoor seating, and frequent live music or trivia nights. For eats, Brodie’s Pub serves elevated pub classics with local flair, Petrillo’s Italian Kitchen delivers generations-old family recipes, and Century House remains a beloved landmark for prime rib and New England seafood in a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and celebrations.
Independence Greenway | Massachusetts Trails | TrailLink
Peabody - Greenway Projects
Brooksby Farm | City of Peabody
Peabody Farmers Market: A Seasonal Hub For Fresh Finds And Local Flavor
Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation
Peabody is a haven for active lifestyles and sports fans, fueled by Peabody Veterans Memorial High School's passionate athletics program and abundant outdoor pursuits across the North Shore's parks, trails, and coastal areas—all just 18 miles from downtown Boston.
While Peabody has no professional teams of its own, big-league action is right next door: cheer for the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Celtics (NBA), Bruins (NHL), or New England Patriots (NFL) at Fenway Park and TD Garden, or catch the New England Revolution (MLS) in Foxborough. Minor-league excitement comes from the North Shore Navigators collegiate summer baseball team in nearby Lynn and the Salem State Vikings NCAA Division III programs just minutes away.
Peabody Veterans Memorial High's Tanners deliver electric high school action at the newly renovated Coley Lee Field (football, soccer, lacrosse) and the state-of-the-art Higgins Pool for swimming and water polo, with a proud tradition of league championships and deep playoff runs in the Northeastern Conference.
The city shines with outstanding facilities and natural escapes. The state-of-the-art Peter Welch Gymnasium at Higgins Middle School and the Peabody Community Life Center offer indoor basketball courts, fitness classes, and youth leagues, while the Peabody Recreation Department runs everything from youth soccer and flag football to adult pickleball and Zumba. Locals flock to the turf fields at West Peabody’s Torigian Complex for baseball, softball, and lacrosse tournaments, or cool off at the popular splash pad and playgrounds at Leather City Common and Emerson Park.
Just beyond the city limits, the 10-mile Independence Greenway and nearby Lynn Woods Reservation (one of the largest municipal parks in the country) provide endless trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, while kayaking and paddleboarding on Spring Pond or the Danvers River, fishing along Salem Harbor, and disc golf at historic Brooksby Farm round out the options. With four distinct New England seasons—crisp fall foliage hikes, snowy cross-country skiing trails, spring wildflowers, and long summer evenings—Peabody inspires an active, adventure-filled lifestyle year-round.
Adventures
Adventures
Peabody, Massachusetts, is an outdoor lover’s paradise just 18 miles north of Boston and surrounded by the North Shore’s forests, ponds, and coastline. Hike or bike the 10-mile Independence Greenway rail-trail, explore the massive 2,200-acre Lynn Woods Reservation with its boulder-strewn trails and stone towers, paddle Spring Pond or the Danvers River, or walk the coastal paths of Salem Harbor and Salem Willows just minutes away. Thrill-seekers hit the mountain biking singletracks and rock-scrambling routes in Lynn Woods, while families enjoy disc golf at Brooksby Farm, seasonal apple-picking and hayrides, and playgrounds plus the splash pad at Emerson Park and Leather City Common.
History and culture weave through every outing. Step back in time along the historic leather-era buildings of downtown Peabody (once the “Leather Capital of the World”), visit the Peabody Institute Library—one of the oldest public libraries in America—or explore the George Peabody House Museum, birthplace of the father of modern philanthropy. Nearby Salem’s centuries-old maritime heritage and the Peabody Essex Museum add world-class depth to any weekend.
Year-round festivals—from the Peabody International Festival and Summer Concert Series on the Common to the legendary Fourth of July parade and fireworks, the Farmers Market, and the Holiday Tree Lighting—keep the energy high and the community tight. Whether you crave heart-pounding trail runs through ancient forests or peaceful sunset paddles under fall foliage, Peabody delivers authentic New England adventures for every age and pace.
Independence Greenway – City of Peabody
Lynn Woods Reservation – Friends of Lynn Woods
Brooksby Farm & Recreation – City of Peabody
Peabody Institute Library & George Peabody House Museum
Peabody Historical Society
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Peabody embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its North Shore heritage, community pride, and vibrant family-oriented culture.
Spring
As forsythia blooms and temperatures warm, Peabody comes alive with outdoor markets and cultural awakenings. The Peabody Farmers Market kicks off its seasonal run (late May through early October) every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown, featuring fresh local produce, artisan goods, and live music, while the renowned International Festival—marking its 40th year in 2025—draws thousands on September 13 (rain date Sept. 14) for ethnic foods, artisan markets, kids' activities, and a 5K road race in Peabody Square. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in January continue the tradition with marches, speeches, and community gatherings across the city, fostering unity and reflection.
Summer
Summertime in Peabody hums with music, festivals, and coastal leisure. The Peabody Square Summer Concert Series brings free live bands to the Common on Thursday evenings, while community events fill parks with games, food trucks, and artisan booths. The legendary Fourth of July parade and fireworks at Lt. Ross Park dazzle with patriotic floats, concerts, and family fun, and nearby trails, Spring Pond, and Salem Harbor invite boating, biking, swimming, and picnics amid blooming gardens and sea breezes.
Fall
With fiery foliage and crisp breezes, Peabody celebrates harvest season through fairs and craft gatherings. The Fall For Peabody Festival at Lt. Ross Park spotlights local makers with music, food trucks, a kids' zone, yard games, and a Halloween costume parade to kick off spooky fun, while Brooksby Farm hosts apple-picking, hayrides, and pumpkin patches for seasonal family adventures. The ongoing Peabody Farmers Market delivers autumn's bounty of squash, cider, and crafts, and nearby Lynn Woods Reservation sets the stage for leaf-peeping hikes, cozy bonfires, and community yard sales.
Winter
Peabody’s winter glows with festive markets and heartfelt traditions during the holiday season. The Peabody Traditional Holiday Stroll returns downtown on November 29 for its ninth year with a tree lighting, caroling, Santa's Workshop at the Knights of Columbus (featuring cookie decorating and reindeer games), Touch-a-Truck at the fire station, and storytime with Santa at the Peabody Institute Library's Winter Holiday Art Fair. The Peabody Holiday Pops Concert fills City Hall on December 6 and 7 with orchestral favorites, choral performances, and a catered buffet, while high school basketball games at Veterans Memorial High pack the gym with cheers and hot cocoa tailgates. Theaters host yuletide shows, and the Noon Year's Eve Party at the North Shore Children's Museum rings in 2026 with crafts, puppets, and dancing—nurturing joyful connections in the cozy New England chill.
Throughout the year, Peabody’s calendar brims with farmers markets, art walks, music series, and neighborhood gatherings that reflect its welcoming, resilient character.
Peabody Holiday Pops Concert Returns For 2025 | Peabody, MA PatchInternational Festival - Peabody International Festival
Peabody Seasonal & Holidays News | Peabody, MA Patch
Peabody Traditional Holiday Stroll Returns Downtown For 9th Year | Peabody, MA Patch
Fall For Peabody Festival Brings Sights Of the Season To The City | Peabody, MA Patch
Peabody's International Festival Returns For 40th Year In 2025 | Peabody, MA Patch
Peabody Farmers Market: A Seasonal Hub For Fresh Finds And Local Flavor
Community Resources
Peabody, Massachusetts, provides residents with convenient access to a robust network of hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics located both within the city and in nearby Essex County, ensuring high-quality healthcare for all ages.
Lahey Medical Center, Peabody – This full-service, community-based 10-bed hospital and medical center right in Peabody serves as a key hub for the North Shore, offering advanced emergency services (the only ER in the city), surgical care, cardiovascular treatment, oncology through the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center, maternity and women's health, orthopedics, and diagnostic imaging with MRI and CT, with a strong focus on patient-centered care, wellness programs, and integrated specialty services.
https://www.lahey.org/locations/lahey-medical-center-peabody
Beverly Hospital – Affiliated with Beth Israel Lahey Health and located just a short 10-minute drive south in Beverly, this 221-bed acute care facility and Level III Trauma Center delivers comprehensive services including emergency care, neurology, pediatrics, cardiology, maternity with a dedicated birth center, and orthopedics, emphasizing innovative treatments, community wellness, and high patient satisfaction as one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals for 2025-2026.
https://beverlyhospital.org/
Salem Hospital – Situated about 5 miles northeast in Salem as part of Mass General Brigham, this major regional hospital provides nationally recognized care in cardiology, emergency services with advanced trauma designation, general surgery, oncology, and women's health, serving as a vital center for specialized treatment and research on the North Shore.
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/patient-care/services-and-specialties/locations/salem-hospital
Atrius Health Peabody – This local outpatient center specializes in primary care for adults and pediatrics, physical therapy, diagnostic services, and long-term wellness, supporting residents' transitions from acute care to home with personalized treatment plans and 24/7 medical advice.
https://www.atriushealth.org/locations/peabody-lynnfield
Regional Clinics and Medical Practices – Peabody and surrounding areas feature numerous primary care offices, urgent care centers like CareWell Urgent Care and ConvenientMD, and specialty clinics affiliated with networks such as Beth Israel Lahey Health, Mass General Brigham, and North Shore Community Health, delivering convenient preventive, diagnostic, and routine services close to home.
https://www.healthgrades.com/hospital-directory/ma-massachusetts/peabody
Together, these hospitals and medical facilities ensure Peabody residents have reliable access to advanced healthcare, emergency response, pediatric treatment, and long-term wellness services that support the health of the entire community.
Hospitals near Peabody, MA | HealthgradesLahey Medical Center, Peabody - Lahey Health
Beverly Hospital | Beverly Hospital
Salem Hospital Primary and Specialty Care | Mass General Brigham
Peabody | Adult Primary Care | Pediatrics | Specialty Care
Urgent Care Center in Peabody, MA | Fast Service
Peabody, Massachusetts, is a dynamic family hub renowned for its commitment to education across all stages. From solid public schools and specialized private options to accessible higher education and ongoing learning programs, Peabody cultivates a comprehensive academic ecosystem that nurtures innovation, growth, and achievement for learners of every age.
Public Schools & Education – Peabody is served by the Peabody Public Schools district, a system covering PK-12 with 11 schools focused on academic progress, equity, and holistic student growth. Flagship high school Peabody Veterans Memorial High School delivers rigorous curricula, athletics, and arts in a supportive environment, with a 90% graduation rate and strong college readiness through a 33% AP participation rate. Specialized learning tracks, including STEM initiatives, gifted programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and enriched arts and music education, empower students to customize their paths.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/districts/peabody/peabody-veterans-memorial-high-school-9485
https://www.peabody.k12.ma.us/
Private & Alternative Education – Peabody families can choose from diverse private and faith-based schools emphasizing tailored instruction and character building. Covenant Christian Academy serves PreK through grade 12 with Christian, values-driven learning in small classes focused on classical education and critical thinking. Nearby options like Bishop Fenwick High School (9-12) and St. John the Baptist School (PK-8) foster creativity through hands-on, individualized experiences.
https://www.privateschoolreview.com/massachusetts/peabody
https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-schools/t/peabody-essex-ma/
Higher Education Opportunities – Just minutes away, North Shore Community College in Danvers offers associate degrees, workforce training, and seamless transfer pathways, while Salem State University provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business, education, health sciences, and the arts. These institutions form a supportive network for degree pursuits, certifications, and career advancement, with Greater Boston’s world-class universities easily accessible.
https://www.northshore.edu/
https://www.salemstate.edu/
Adult & Lifelong Learning – Peabody champions continuous curiosity through North Shore Community College’s Adult Learning Center (free HiSET/GED prep, ESOL, and career-readiness classes), community workshops, and non-credit courses at the college and Salem State. The renowned Peabody Institute Library—one of the oldest public libraries in America—hosts lectures, technology classes, and cultural events that keep lifelong learning vibrant.
https://www.northshore.edu/adult-learning/index.html
https://www.peabodylibrary.org/
Whether you're a parent seeking the ideal match, a teen aiming for higher horizons, or an adult craving new expertise, Peabody's enriching educational fabric empowers victory in every life phase.
Peabody Public Schools & Peabody Veterans Memorial High School – U.S. News
Private Schools in Peabody – Private School Review & Niche
North Shore Community College – Official Site
Peabody Institute Library – Lifelong Learning Programs
Peabody, Massachusetts, operates under a Mayor-Council form of government and is supported by local departments that provide essential services to residents and businesses.
Law Enforcement
Public safety in Peabody is provided by the Peabody Police Department, which emphasizes community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and responsive emergency services to maintain a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
https://www.peabodypd.org/
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Fire and EMS services are managed by the Peabody Fire Department, which includes professional personnel to provide reliable fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical care throughout the city.
https://www.peabodyfire.org/
Weather & Climate
Peabody experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Average temperatures range from approximately 21°F in January to 82°F in July, supporting seasonal outdoor recreation, community events, and activities amid four distinct New England seasons.
https://weatherspark.com/y/26882/Average-Weather-in-Peabody-Massachusetts-United-States-Year-Round
Transportation & Mobility
Peabody is conveniently located along Interstate 95 (Route 128), U.S. Route 1, and Route 114, providing easy access to Boston and other regional hubs. Public transportation is offered through the MBTA's Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line (with stations in nearby Salem and Beverly) and Gateway Center bus routes like 435 and 450 connecting to Lynn and Boston. The city connects to Logan International Airport (BOS) via the Logan Express shuttle from the nearby Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers, with general aviation options at Beverly Regional Airport just minutes away.
https://www.peabody-ma.gov/335/Transportation
https://www.mbta.com/schedules/NEWBURYPORT/commuter-rail
https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/to-from-logan/transportation-options/logan-express/peabody/
Utilities & Waste Management
Essential services in Peabody are managed by the Department of Public Services, which oversees water, sewer, stormwater management, and curbside trash and recycling collection. Electricity is provided through Peabody Municipal Light Plant, and natural gas services are offered by providers like National Grid. The city promotes sustainability through recycling programs at the Public Services Facility (50 Farm Avenue, open weekdays), yard waste collection, and environmental initiatives.
https://www.peabody-ma.gov/public-services.html
https://www.peabodylight.org/
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