6,729 people live in Newbury, where the median age is 52 and the average individual income is $81,684. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Median Age
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North Shore Coastal Community Directory
Newbury, MA is a coastal town in Essex County located 35 miles north of Boston (Zip Code 01951) with a population of approximately 6,700 across 26.3 square miles. Defined by three distinct villages Old Town, Byfield, and Plum Island, Newbury real estate features median home prices ranging from $685,000 to $975,000 ($445 to $474 per sq ft). Home to the 4,700-acre Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, The Governor Academy (est. 1763), and Triton Regional School District, Alissa Christie delivers specialized real estate guidance for buyers and sellers across Newbury.
Incorporated in 1635, Newbury combines rural countryside charm with refined Atlantic seaside living. Nearly half of the town land area is protected conservation land, salt marsh, and barrier beach, offering unprecedented privacy, equestrian estates, and historic 17th and 18th-century homes just minutes from downtown Newburyport.
Village / District | Primary Architecture & Character | Typical Price Benchmark | Key Highlights & Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
Old Town (Newbury Center) | Historic 17th/18th-century colonials, First Period homes along High Road | $750,000 to $1,800,000+ | Tristram Coffin House, Old Town Hill, direct adjacency to Newburyport services |
Byfield Village | Quaint rural farmhouses, equestrian properties, custom suburban builds | $650,000 to $1,400,000 | The Governor Academy campus, Triton Regional Middle/High School, I-95 access |
Plum Island Barrier Beach | Beachfront cottages, modern elevated coastal builds, water-view single family | $800,000 to $2,500,000+ | Parker River NWR, direct Atlantic beach access, Bob Lobster, Plum Island Sound paddling |
Sources: Town of Newbury Assessor records, Essex County Registry of Deeds, and Warren Group sales data, current through 2026.
North Shore Coastal Advisory
From historic High Road colonials in Old Town to equestrian estates in Byfield and beach homes on Plum Island, Alissa Christie provides expert market guidance.
Incorporated on May 6, 1635, Newbury is one of Massachusetts oldest towns. Settled by pioneers arriving aboard the Mary and John via the Parker River, early Newbury thrived on agriculture, livestock, and water-powered mills at Quascacunquen (waterfall). Over centuries, as merchant shipbuilders along the Merrimack formed Newburyport (1764) and West Newbury (1819), Newbury preserved its agricultural character and conservation lands.
Today, the town is anchor-defined by three villages: Old Town along High Road featuring 17th-century landmarks like the Tristram Coffin House (1651); Byfield in the inland southwest home to The Governor Academy (founded 1763, America oldest boarding school); and Plum Island, a famous 11-mile barrier beach shared with Newburyport.
Newbury ranks in the top 15% statewide for real estate valuation. With tight inventory (typically 15 to 45 active listings town-wide) and strong demand, price per square foot ranges from $445 to $474. Homes typically sell within 30 to 75 days.
Critical Buyer Considerations in Newbury, MA:
Flood Risk & Elevation: Approximately 19% of town properties face flood risk, particularly along Plum Island and salt marsh borders. Elevation certificates and FEMA panel reviews are essential.
Septic Title V Compliance: Most of Newbury uses private septic systems rather than municipal sewer. Title V inspections are mandatory prior to closing, with replacement costs averaging $20,000 to $35,000.
Mandatory Inspection Rights (760 CMR 74): Under Massachusetts law, sellers cannot accept offers waiving inspection rights, protecting buyers acquiring historic homes or coastal acreage.
Public education is served by the Triton Regional School District (Newbury Elementary School PK-6 in Old Town, Triton Regional Middle/High 7-12 in Byfield). For private education, The Governor Academy on Elm Street provides a 456-acre campus with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio. Outdoor recreation centers on the 4,700-acre Parker River Refuge, Old Town Hill (168-foot Great Hill vistas), and Plum Island beaches. Interstate 95 (Exit 54) and the nearby MBTA Newburyport Commuter Rail terminal allow Boston commutes in 50 to 60 minutes.
Alissa Christie brings comprehensive market expertise across Newbury, Newburyport, and Plum Island. From evaluating Title V septic requirements and FEMA flood panels to navigating historic preservation, she offers high-touch advisory for North Shore buyers and sellers.
Newbury is composed of three distinct villages: Old Town (Newbury Center), Byfield in the rural southwest, and Plum Island along the barrier coast.
Newbury belongs to the Triton Regional School District (Newbury Elementary School PK-6, Triton Middle/High 7-12). Private education is anchored by The Governor Academy in Byfield.
Newbury is located 35 miles north of Boston via Interstate 95 or Route 1, with MBTA Commuter Rail service available nearby at the Newburyport terminal.
Because most of Newbury uses private septic systems, Title V inspection passes are mandatory prior to property transfers under Massachusetts environmental law.
Alissa Christie: Luxury Seaport Real Estate
Whether you are seeking a historic colonial in Old Town, an equestrian estate in Byfield, or a coastal home on Plum Island, Alissa Christie provides dedicated guidance.
There's plenty to do around Newbury, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Colby Farm, Butchery, and Hans Morris Reservation.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$ | 1.79 miles | 51 reviews | 3.7/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.05 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.68 miles | 1 review | 4/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.99 miles | 1 review | 4/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.14 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.38 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.47 miles | 2 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.62 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.71 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.95 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.01 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.28 miles | 3 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Newbury has 2,588 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Newbury do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 6,729 people call Newbury home. The population density is 360 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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