The story of this market
The typical home in Peabody, Massachusetts sells for about $595,417, or $350 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (+0.7%), a market in balance. Homes take about 20 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,989 a month.
Monthly price momentum
Home values since 2015
+2.5%
MA · past 12 months
Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.
Peabody, Massachusetts
Peabody's housing market is currently one of the most competitive in the nation, driven by high buyer demand and limited inventory. While prices have risen, the city remains a more affordable alternative to many surrounding North Shore communities, fueling rapid sales and a strong seller's market.
No ARED county foreclosure postings attributed to Peabody yet — the verified ledger covers every county the foreclosure ingest has read, attributed by published city area. Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.
Deterministic aggregate of 2 researched ZIP reports — sales_count-weighted (population fallback); per point, children lacking the value or its weight are excluded. Tax rates, sentiment and context notes are tier-native and never roll.
Median prices moved up 13.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 21 days on market with 1.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.4% · poverty 6.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this city — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.
A major regional shopping destination featuring a wide array of national retailers and dining options, serving as a primary economic anchor for the city.
A historic working farm offering seasonal activities, pick-your-own produce, and scenic grounds that are highly valued by local families.
A central community hub providing extensive educational resources, public programming, and historic architecture that anchors the downtown area.
The city's historic center, currently undergoing revitalization efforts to enhance walkability, dining, and local business presence.
Peabody is an ideal fit for family buyers seeking a balance between suburban living and urban accessibility, as well as commuters who value proximity to Boston. The city's diverse housing stock and strong retail base also attract investors looking for stable, long-term rental demand.
The Peabody Public Schools district is the primary provider, generally regarded as providing a solid educational foundation with a variety of extracurricular and vocational opportunities. The district is often noted for its commitment to student development and community engagement, though individual school ratings vary.
The city is well-connected via major highway corridors including Route 1 and I-95, facilitating commutes to Boston and surrounding North Shore communities. Public transit options are available, though the city remains largely car-dependent for daily commuting.
Peabody offers a robust amenity base including the expansive Brooksby Farm, numerous public parks, and the Peabody Institute Library. Residents also benefit from proximity to major shopping districts and regional trail networks that support an active outdoor lifestyle.
The rental market in Peabody is characterized by high demand and low vacancy rates, driven by its accessibility to the Boston metro area. Rent trajectories have remained upward, with a mix of multi-family complexes and single-family rentals catering to a diverse tenant base.
Peabody's economy is anchored by a strong retail sector, healthcare services, and a growing base of small-to-medium enterprises. Its strategic position on the North Shore provides residents with access to a broad regional labor market.
Peabody benefits from its strategic location on the North Shore, serving as a commercial hub with significant retail infrastructure like the Northshore Mall. Economic momentum is supported by a diverse mix of small businesses, healthcare services, and proximity to Boston's employment corridors.
Ongoing planning efforts are focused on the revitalization of the downtown district and the modernization of local infrastructure to support sustainable growth. These initiatives aim to increase density and improve the aesthetic and functional appeal of the city center.
Parcels in Peabody are subject to standard municipal and school district levies, with no significant MUD or PID structures reported. The city operates its own school district and participates in regional utility and waste management cooperatives.
Peabody generally maintains a crime rate consistent with or lower than other suburban communities in the North Shore region. Local law enforcement reports stable trends, with property crime being the primary concern, though violent crime remains relatively low compared to larger urban centers.
Peabody faces standard New England climate risks, including winter storm impacts and potential localized flooding in low-lying areas near the North River. Insurance markets remain stable, though property owners are encouraged to review flood zone maps as part of standard due diligence.
Property insurance in Peabody is influenced by regional coastal and winter weather risks, with premiums generally reflecting standard Massachusetts market conditions. Homeowners are advised to maintain adequate coverage for wind and water-related events.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Massachusetts) — Massachusetts Local Property Tax: Ad valorem tax calculated as (Municipal Budget / Total Assessed Value of all taxable property) = Tax Rate per $1,000 of assessed value. Assessments must be at 100% of full and fair cash (market) value.
Researched annual trajectory for this city, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau QuickFacts and Census Reporter profiles.
No public schools report a street address in this area. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.