# Swampscott, MA Neighborhood Guide: A Coastal Commuter's Haven for Young Families
Is Swampscott, MA a good place to raise a young family?
Yes. Swampscott, MA is one of the most family-friendly coastal towns on the North Shore. It offers an A+ safety grade, a close-knit public school district, walkable seaside neighborhoods, and a train ride into Boston. It's a quiet, settled community of about 14,191 residents in the 01907 ZIP code, where families trade city noise for ocean air and keep easy access to the city.
When we tour homes here with young parents, the first thing they notice is the pace. Mornings bring dog walkers and strollers along the water. Weekends mean the beach or the ballfield. Downtown feels like a village, not a commercial strip, and most people come away feeling they could settle in here.
How safe is Swampscott, MA for kids and families?
Very safe. Swampscott's overall crime index is 40, about 60% below the national average, and the town holds an A+ safety grade. Every crime category sits well under the national benchmark of 100. Robbery is the lowest-risk category at an index of 26, and the violent crime index is 38.
Swampscott Crime Rates vs. Massachusetts and U.S.
For families weighing safety, Swampscott’s 2022 crime rates per 1,000 residents were lower than both Massachusetts and the U.S. across overall, violent, and property crime categories.
Swampscott
Massachusetts
US
| Series | Label | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Swampscott | Overall crime rate | 9.52 |
| Swampscott | Violent crime rate | 0.79 |
| Swampscott | Property crime rate | 8.73 |
| Massachusetts | Overall crime rate | 21.56 |
| Massachusetts | Violent crime rate | 10.85 |
| Massachusetts | Property crime rate | 10.71 |
| US | Overall crime rate | 33.37 |
| US | Violent crime rate | 20.05 |
| US | Property crime rate | 13.32 |
Here's what those numbers look like on the ground:
•Few serious incidents: In 2024, Swampscott recorded 13 violent crimes and 0 murders, based on a 2024 crime-reporting population of roughly 15,907.
•Mostly minor property crime: Of 171 property crimes, 145 were larceny or theft. Locking the car and bringing packages inside prevents most of it.
•Safe compared with neighbors: Nextdoor's safety score rates Swampscott at 100. Nearby Marblehead scores 69, and Lynn scores 59.
For parents, that safety shows up in daily life. Kids bike down tree-lined side streets, walk to friends' houses, and play outside until the streetlights flicker on.
How are the schools in Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott Public Schools is a small district with steady enrollment and strong community support, so classrooms and buildings tend to feel personal. Enrollment was 2,083 students in the 2025–26 school year, and it has held in the low 2,000s since the pandemic dip.
Swampscott Public Schools Enrollment Trend
Enrollment remains below the 2019–20 level but has stabilized recently. The chart uses school-year totals only: 2025–26 enrollment is 2,083, down slightly from 2,094 in 2024–25. The separate '+34' June 30 report figure is not charted here because it reflects a different measurement date or definition.
| Series | Label | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2019-20 School Year | 2,218 |
| Enrollment | 2020-21 School Year | 2,132 |
| Enrollment | 2021-22 School Year | 2,041 |
| Enrollment | 2024-25 School Year | 2,094 |
| Enrollment | 2025-26 School Year | 2,083 |
Enrollment fell from 2,218 in 2019–20 to 2,041 in 2021–22, then recovered and leveled off. The district's June 30 report showed a year-over-year gain of +34 students. That report uses a different measurement date than the school-year totals, which show a slight dip from 2,094 in 2024–25 to 2,083 in 2025–26.
State support is growing too. Swampscott's approved Chapter 70 education aid totals $6,109,390, and state aid has risen 16% since fiscal 2023, a sign of continued investment in local students.
Parents almost always ask us which elementary school a home feeds into. It's a smart question to ask early. We recommend confirming current school assignments directly with the district before you make an offer.
What does a typical week feel like in Swampscott, MA?
Weekdays are quiet and residential. Weekends revolve around the waterfront, youth sports, and seasonal community events. In summer and early fall, families stop by the Swampscott Farmer's Market on Saturdays to pick up fresh produce and catch up with neighbors. Beach gatherings and town events keep the calendar full without making it hectic.
What kind of homes can young families find in Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott, MA is mostly a single-family town. Its housing includes Victorians, Colonial Revivals, and Craftsman bungalows, usually on modest but usable lots with private backyards. About 76% of homes in 01907 are owner-occupied, which gives the neighborhoods a stable, rooted feel. Neighbors tend to stay, and they get to know one another.
What architectural styles are common in Swampscott, MA?
Much of the town's housing dates from its days as a seaside resort and early streetcar suburb, so the mix of styles is wide:
•Classic Victorians: Wraparound porches and detailed trim, especially near the water and the historic core.
•Colonial Revivals: Symmetrical, practical family homes with center-hall layouts that work well for growing households.
•Craftsman bungalows and Capes: Cozier and more attainable, often found in the inland neighborhoods.
Prices vary by neighborhood. Zillow's neighborhood values run from about $580,608 in Federal Street and $589,232 in Mack Park up to $906,933 in Mount Hood and $998,780 on the East Side. First-time buyers with kids often find their footing in Linden ($677,075) and Maplewood ($666,837).
How big are typical lots in Swampscott, MA?
Lots here are village-scale rather than sprawling, but many homes still have a fenced backyard with room for a swing set, a garden, and summer cookouts. Lots are generally larger in Mount Hood and the East Side and smaller near downtown and the train station.
Compared with denser coastal towns like Winthrop or Lynn, Swampscott gives families a little more yard and a quieter street while keeping Boston close.
What is the Swampscott, MA housing market like right now?
As of August 2026, single-family homes in Swampscott sold at a median price of $787,500 and went under agreement in a median of 19 days, according to MLSPIN data. The single-family market has 4.1 months of supply and 38 active listings. Buyers have more choice than in the very tight markets of recent years, but well-presented homes still sell quickly.
Swampscott Housing Market Snapshot: August 2026
Primary MLSPIN figures for Swampscott as of August 2026. Single-family supply at 4.1 months and condo/townhouse supply at 4.9 months point to a more balanced market than the tighter conditions seen in recent years, while median days on market remain under a month for both segments.
Single-Family
Median Sold Price$787,500
Median Days on Market19 days
Months of Supply4.1 months
Active Listings38
Condo/Townhouse
Median Sold Price$470,000
Median Days on Market26 days
Months of Supply4.9 months
Active Listings28
Source:Repliers / MLSPIN
For families starting smaller, condos and townhomes sold at a median of $470,000 as of August 2026, with a median of 26 days on market, 4.9 months of supply, and 28 active listings.
Regional Home Value Comparison
Swampscott’s typical home value sits above Essex County, Massachusetts, and the U.S. national median, reflecting its coastal location and commuter access. This is a simple categorical comparison, so a bar chart is used rather than a grouped chart.
| Series | Label | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Swampscott, MA | $828,461 |
| Comparison | Essex County | $722,540 |
| Comparison | Massachusetts | $661,896 |
| Comparison | U.S. National Median | $368,697 |
Swampscott's typical home value of $828,461 is higher than both the Essex County and statewide figures. Long-term growth has been substantial: the average assessed single-family value rose from $522,109 in 2016 to $956,516 in 2026.
What are property taxes like in Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott's FY2025 residential tax rate was $11.47 per $1,000 of assessed value, about 8% below the Massachusetts average of $12.40. The average single-family tax bill was $11,478 in 2026, a later year than the FY2025 rate.
Families should budget for some increases. The proposed FY2027 budget projects a rate increase of about $0.64 per $1,000, or roughly $617 more per year for the average single-family home. Over the past decade, though, Swampscott's tax bills grew 26%, compared with 47% in its peer communities.
Where do families gather in Swampscott, MA?
Community life in Swampscott centers on its beaches, neighborhood parks, and the Humphrey Street waterfront, where you're likely to run into people you know.
What are the best beaches in Swampscott, MA for kids?
•Fisherman's Beach: A small, protected cove by the town pier that works well for toddlers, sandcastles, and calm-water paddleboarding. Lobster boats bobbing in the harbor add to the charm.
•Eisman's Beach: A quieter stretch that's ideal for early-evening walks, tide-pooling, and letting the kids run.
Which parks and playgrounds in Swampscott, MA do families love?
•Phillips Park: The center of youth sports, with fields that fill up on Saturday mornings in fall and spring.
•Linscott Park: A green, peaceful spot near the town center that's popular for picnics and family photos.
•Neighborhood playgrounds: Smaller playgrounds throughout town put play space within walking distance of most homes.
What is there to do on Humphrey Street in Swampscott, MA?
Humphrey Street is Swampscott's waterfront main street, lined with cafes, pizza spots, ice cream shops, and local boutiques, all facing the ocean. Families come here for a post-beach treat or an easy dinner with friends. Residents note that parking and traffic can get congested on peak summer weekends, so living close enough to walk or bike is a real advantage.
What's changing near the Swampscott, MA train station?
The town is exploring a Commuter Rail 40R Smart Growth District that could bring new housing, mixed-use, and commercial space near the station.
Commuter Rail 40R Smart Growth District Discussion
A town-led planning process is focused on the commuter rail area, with discussion topics that matter to commuting families: housing and mixed-use options, building height and density, commercial uses, parking, and transportation.
DateTuesday, October 6, 2026
Time7:00 PM
LocationSwampscott High School – Room B129, 200 Essex Street
Participation TypeHybrid
District TypeCommuter Rail 40R Smart Growth District
Housing and Mixed-UseProposed for discussion
Parking and TransportationProposed for discussion
Topics under discussion include building height and density, the housing mix, parking, and transportation. Families buying near the station should follow the process, since it could shape the area's walkability and amenities in the years ahead. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Swampscott High School.
How is the commute from Swampscott, MA to Boston?
Swampscott, MA has one of the easiest commutes on the North Shore. The Swampscott Commuter Rail station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line reaches Boston's North Station in about 25 to 30 minutes. That short ride is a big reason so many working parents choose the town.
Where is the train station in Swampscott, MA, and which line serves it?
The Swampscott station sits just off the town center on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. Many residents walk, bike, or make a short drive to the platform. The town is also served by 3 bus lines, which gives you options on days you skip the train.
For current schedules and service changes, check MBTA.com or call 617-222-3200.
Can you drive from Swampscott, MA to downtown Boston and Logan Airport?
Yes. Route 1A and Route 129 offer straightforward routes to downtown Boston and Logan International Airport. Route 129 connects Swampscott to Lynn and the roads beyond. Route 1A runs south through Revere toward East Boston and the airport tunnels. Rush-hour traffic varies, so many parents switch between driving and the train.
Is Swampscott, MA worth it for commuting parents?
For most families, yes. You get a quiet coastal home, safe streets, a respected school district, and a short train ride into the city. After years of helping clients across the North Shore, we've watched this combination win over many young families. Parents can be at a desk downtown in the morning and on the beach with their kids by sunset.
If you're thinking about a move to Swampscott, we'd be glad to show you the neighborhoods, help you sort through school questions, and find a home that fits your family's next chapter.
