Choosing between Beverly MA and Swampscott MA is one of the most common decisions buyers face on the North Shore. Both offer coastal living, commuter rail access to Boston, and strong community character — but they serve different lifestyles and budgets. As someone who has helped buyers in both towns for 20 years, I can give you the real comparison.
Beverly MA: Larger City, More Neighborhoods, Strong Schools
Beverly is a full-service city with distinct neighborhoods ranging from the walkable downtown near Beverly Depot to the exclusive Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing estates, the working waterfront at Bass River, and family neighborhoods in North Beverly and Centerville. Beverly High School offers a nationally recognized performing arts academy, drawing families from across the region.
Beverly real estate at a glance: Median home prices range from the upper $400Ks in some inland areas to $1M+ along the Beverly Farms waterfront. The commuter rail runs frequently from Beverly Depot to North Station (35-40 min), and the city has excellent parks, beaches (Beverly/Manchester border at Lynch Park), and a growing restaurant scene downtown.
Swampscott MA: Tight-Knit Coastal Town with Ocean at Every Turn
Swampscott is a small, close-knit town where nearly every neighborhood is within walking distance of the ocean. Fisherman’s Beach, Phillips Beach, and the rocky coastline define daily life here. The town center is compact, the schools (Swampscott High) are strong, and the commuter rail station puts Boston about 30-35 minutes away.
Swampscott real estate at a glance: Expect median prices slightly below Beverly’s — generally in the $500Ks to $800Ks for typical homes, with oceanfront and water-view properties going well above that. Competition can be fierce because inventory is limited; when a good Swampscott home hits the market, it often gets multiple offers.
Beverly vs Swampscott: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Beverly MA | Swampscott MA |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large city (~43,000 pop.) | Small town (~15,000 pop.) |
| Commuter Rail | Beverly Depot (35-40 min to Boston) | Swampscott Station (30-35 min to Boston) |
| School System | Beverly Public (K-12), Arts Magnet | Swampscott Public (K-12) |
| Median Price | ~$550K-$700K (varies by neighborhood) | ~$550K-$750K (ocean access premium) |
| Best For | Families, variety, arts/culture | Coastal lifestyle, walkability to beach |
| Waterfront Access | Lynch Park, Bass River area | Fisherman’s Beach, Phillips Beach |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Beverly if: you want more neighborhood variety, the arts magnet school program, or access to the Beverly Farms/Prides Crossing estate market. Beverly also has more overall inventory, so finding the right home is typically easier.
Choose Swampscott if: you want to wake up to ocean views, live in a tight-knit town where you’ll know your neighbors, and don’t mind paying a slight premium for that coastal lifestyle. The commute to Boston from Swampscott Station is also slightly faster.
Frequently Asked Questions: Beverly vs Swampscott MA
Is Beverly or Swampscott more expensive?
Prices are comparable overall, but the mix differs. Beverly has more affordable options in inland neighborhoods alongside expensive waterfront estates. Swampscott’s prices cluster higher because nearly all homes are close to the water — the premium is more consistent throughout the town.
Which has a better commute to Boston — Beverly or Swampscott?
Both have commuter rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. Swampscott Station to North Station is typically 30-35 minutes, while Beverly Depot runs about 35-45 minutes depending on which train you catch. Both are very good commutes by Boston-area standards.
Can Daniel Meegan help me in both Beverly and Swampscott?
Absolutely — both Beverly and Swampscott are core markets Daniel serves. With 20 years of North Shore experience, he can give you street-level knowledge of every neighborhood in both towns and help you find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Ready to compare Beverly and Swampscott in person? Contact Daniel Meegan for a free consultation — he’ll show you both markets and help you make the right call.