Amesbury, Massachusetts
One of the northernmost cities in the US state of Massachusets, Amesbury is a small city that has maintained its peaceful and connected ambiance for many years. Initially being a farming and mill town, the city has converted into more of a residential-focused area where people are close to each other and are willing to live without the hustle-bustle of city life. That being said, while it may not be a highly urban area, there is a lot to do in this city, ranging from taking a walk on the local beach or shopping near the New Hampshire border. So, this is one city that has managed to stay true to its roots in both personality and price.
Geography And Climate Of Amesbury
The city of Amesbury lies in Essex County at the northmost end of Massachusetts and is drained by the Powwow River. Bisecting the town, the Powwow River is joined by the Back River in central Amesbury, and these both flow out to several water bodies, such as Lake Gardner, which is located near the northern end of the city. Similarly, the western and southern borders are largely covered by Lake Attitash and Merrimack River, respectively. The city covers a total area of 35.5 sq. km, of which 3.8 sq. km is water, and the rest is land. Amesbury is quite close to sea level with an elevation of just 15 meters which is much less elevated than the United States average of above 1000 meters. The city landscape is also filled with hills, such as the Powwow Hill, which reaches 100 meters at its peak.
Located in temperate regions that are a zone of conflict for both polar and tropical air masses, the city of Amesbury experiences a humid continental climate. This means that it has hot and humid summers and cold winters while also getting decent amounts of precipitation year-round. With an average annual precipitation of 44 inches, this area receives much more rainfall than most of the United States, which gets an average of 30 inches. Apart from the precipitation, the average temperature of Amesbury is 9.5°C which is quite pleasant with no extremes. The hottest temperatures during summer can reach 25.6°C while winters go down to about -7 °C making it a pleasant place to visit year-round.
Brief History Of Amesbury
Amesbury city was initially an English settlement that was cleared out for cultivation by settler John Bayly. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, John and his hired man, William Schooler, were arrested, and a group of 60 planters later took over the land. Shortly after, they began developing the town by creating a planning committee, streets, and even a burial ground. Although the city was growing, it was still an English colony as part of Salisbury. The town gradually grew to become an official settlement in 1642, a separate precinct in 1654, and finally a township in 1668. Gradually, the economy of Amesbury shifted from farming to shipbuilding and fishing, which became the most prominent industries in the city. Following this, textile production also boomed until most recently, in the 1900s, when the town’s economy became focused on the light manufacturing of electronics and electronic components. It wasn’t until 1996, however, that the town’s status was shifted to that of a city, and a municipal council form of government was instituted.
The Population And Economy Of Amesbury
As per the latest US Census, the city of Amesbury has a population of 17,366 people. This includes more than 6000 households spread across the area with a relatively low population density of 1,413 individuals per sq. km. This is noticeably less than Essex County, which is the county in which Amesbury resides. In terms of the population divide, approximately 51% of individuals are females, which brings the gender ratio to a near equivalent value. When it comes to racial composition, the area’s inhabitants are split between 93.4% white, with the next largest single race being Hispanic/Latino, which consists of 2.6% of the population. The rest is divided among Black, Asians, Hawaiians, etc., with each origin making up less than 1% of the city’s population.
The average household income in Amesbury is $81,027, which is slightly higher than the national average of approximately $79,000. In addition to this, with 6.6% of people living below poverty, this city has an excellent overall income distribution throughout the population. Although, with a median house value of $351,400, it is one of the more expensive cities to live in within Massachusets.
Attractions In Amesbury
Lowell’s Boat Shop
Lowell's Boat Shop was built in 1793 by Simeon Lowell and has since become one of the prime destinations to visit in Amesbury. The boat shop is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently a boat shop and museum. Located on the Merrimack River, this place is always full of lively people, and one can spend one's day on a small boat ride across the river.
Alliance Park
A true relic of Amesbury city, Alliance Park is the site of the construction of the USS Alliance in 1977. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, this park is used by locals for fishing, picnics, or just to enjoy the beautiful greenery.
Brewery Silvaticus
A true combination of local history and modern traditions, the Brewery Silvaticus is a small craft brewery known to provide some of the best drinks in town. With an industrial vibe that is synonymous with the city's growth, this is a great space where you can find the tight-knit community relaxing and chatting with one another throughout the day.
