The town of Rockport at the tip of Cape Ann, is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Just 40 miles north of Boston, the town is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. The City of Gloucester is adjacent to Rockport on the south. With an abundance of hotels, motels, restaurants and attractions, Rockport's...
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The town of Rockport at the tip of Cape Ann, is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Just 40 miles north of Boston, the town is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. The City of Gloucester is adjacent to Rockport on the south. With an abundance of hotels, motels, restaurants and attractions, Rockport's major industry is tourism and Rockport supports an active Chamber of Commerce.
The population is 7000 year round, but during the summer months that can climb to as high as 20,000. Rockport has a five-member board of selectmen which meets weekly, a full-time police department and a volunteer fire department. The Department of Public Works is headed by a director and the town continues to work on improving its water supply. Rockport also maintains its own sewage treatment plant.
The Rockport Art Association is very active and there are a number of fine artists studios, theater spaces and galleries around town. Bearskin Neck draws thousands of visitors to an array of shops. However, there are no bars or any other establishments selling alcohol in this decidedly dry town.
Residents and visitors instead have their pick of a wealth of other recreational activities in this culturally rich community. Attractions include the sandy and rocky beaches, such as Long Beach, Pebble Beach and Back Beach; the Paper House, the Old Castle, the Historical Society Museum and the Babson Museum. Halibut Point State Park offers several hiking trails around two spectacular water features: a pristine pond that was once a granite quarry, but is now flooded; and a dramatic stretch of surf-pounded rocky beach.
Other open spaces include Millbrook Meadow and various playing fields used by school as well as community leagues. A nationally known point of interest is Motif Number One, a picturesque weathered red clapboard building on Bradley Wharf at the entrance to Rockports main harbor which for decades has been painted, sketched and photographed by generations of artists. The Rockport Harbormasters oversee Rockport's four harbors: Rockport, Granite Pier, Pigeon Cove and White Wharf. There are over 360 vessels in these harbors one third of them are commercial fishing vessels and the others are both power and sail boats.
With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, some homes in Rockport can top a million or more dollars, but more affordable condo/townhouses and single family homes are also available. In August 2008, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Rockport, MA was $671,750. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
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