Home Buyers August 5, 2025

Why Buy a Home in Peabody, MA: Suburban Value Just North of Boston

✅  Relative Affordability with Proximity to Boston

  • Homes in Peabody are more affordable than in many Boston suburbs. As of mid-2025, median sale prices hover around $640–$650K, down 4–7% from last year
  • Peabody is 15–18 miles north of Boston, offering easy access without the premium price tag of neighborhoods inside the city

✅  Strong Real Estate Market Demand & Competitive Environment

  • The housing market is ranked 91 out of 100 meaning homes often receive multiple offers and sell above list price (~5% over list) in under 20 days
  • Zillow reports very low inventory and strong migration trends from Boston buyers, keeping demand high

✅  Neighborhood Variety

  • You’ll find an appealing mix of neighborhoods from historic Downtown and Washington Street areas rich with Victorian and Colonial architecture to West Peabody with larger lots and family‑friendly settings

✅  Rich History, Community & Green Space

  • Peabody is known as “The Leather City” and hosts several historic districts like the Civic Center and Washington Street areas, many homes in lovely preserved styles
  • The city maintains extensive parks, conservation areas, and trails like Brooksby Farm, Independence Greenway, Crystal Lake, and scenic forests nearby

✅  Shopping, Dining & Access to Amenities

  • With the Northshore Mall right in town, plus local independent shops, restaurants, and cultural sites (e.g. North Shore Children’s Museum, small theaters), Peabody offers both convenience and quality of life

✅  Transportation & Infrastructure

  • Major highways such as I‑95, Route 1, Route 128, and MBTA bus service run through town, and the Logan Express provides a shuttle to Boston’s Logan Airport
  • Commuter rail access from neighboring Salem makes it feasible to live here and work in Boston without extreme travel times

✅ Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP)

  • PMLP is community owned, not-for-profit electric utility. Owned by the citizens of Peabody, it’s dedicated to providing safe, reliable electricity and high-quality service to its customers at some of the lowest rates in Massachusetts.

✅ Who Might Find Peabody Ideal?

  • Families seeking neighborhood stability
  • Commuters looking for Boston access with suburban value
  • History and nature lovers drawn to charm, trails, and historic architecture
  • First-time buyers or downsizers wanting affordability with amenities

If you’re seeking a home that blends affordable pricing, proximity to Boston, a strong sense of community, and access to green space and history, Peabody delivers on all fronts.

 

Advantage Category Key Benefits
Affordability Lower price per square foot compared to Boston suburbs
Market Strength Competitive, fast-moving, often selling over list
Families Family-friendly areas
Neighborhood Options Historic downtown, suburban West Peabody, farms
Recreation & Culture Parks, trails, museums, community events
Transport & Access Major roads, bus service, airport shuttle access

 

Peabody, MA Tourism Map