The City of Revere is a coastal beach community just 7 miles north of Boston and minutes from Logan Airport, the world's eighth largest international airport. Though Revere is no longer the prime beach resort it was a century ago, people still flock to Revere Beach throughout the summer and many enjoy eating at Kelley's Roast Beef, a fast food stand that has become an institution in the Boston area.
Revere, with a population of 43,000, is predominantly a residential community with only light industrial activity. It comprises approximately 10 square miles, although 4.1 miles are open water and wetlands, not suitable for development. Of the 5.9 miles of developed land, 70% is used for housing. Reveres first inhabitants were Native Americans who belonged to the Pawtucket Tribe and were known as the Rumney Marsh Indians.
Europeans first discovered Rumney Marsh when Englishmen explored the coast of New England in 1614. In 1634, Rumney Marsh was annexed to Boston. Many travelers, attracted by the fertile soil and lovely crescent beach, returned here to settle. In 1739, Rumney Marsh, Winnisemmet and Pullen Point were set off from Boston and established as the Town of Chelsea. Revere was the largest of the three settlements, and therefore was selected as the Town Centre.
In its early years, such famous people as Governor Winthrop and Paul Revere visited the Town. George Washington dined at the home of Isaac Pratt. The town played a role in the American Revolution as the site of the first naval battle in 1775 at Rumney Marsh. The building of railroad lines in the 19th century led to rapid population growth and the development of the beach as a summer resort.
In 1906, Revere's greatest attraction ever, Wonderland Park, opened. It was one of the nations earliest amusement parks. The park suffered financial difficulties and closed in 1911. It lasted only five years, but its impact is still felt today, in name and in the area. From the time of Reveres incorporation as a city in 1915 until the present, Reveres growth continued and all its farmlands are now developed.
Rapid growth and residential development occurred after World War II and into the 1950's. The beach was the focus of a major revitalization effort in the 1980s. It now features high rise housing units, a resanded beach, restored pavilions and a renovated boulevard. Revere possesses a desirable location so close to Boston and yet in many ways, it is commercially self-sufficient with its own retail shopping malls, restaurants and recreational activity.
In August 2008, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Revere, MA was $213,527. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
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