📍 Location & Geography
Manchester is a coastal town located in the northeastern part of the state of Massachusetts. It is part of Essex County and is situated on Cape Ann. The town is bordered by Beverly and Wenham to the west, Hamilton to the southwest, Essex to the north, and Gloucester to the east. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the south of Manchester.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Manchester, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5778° N latitude and 70.7676° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Manchester is part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts. The town covers a total area of 18.3 square miles, of which 9 square miles is land and 9.4 square miles is water. The town is also known as Manchester-by-the-Sea, a name that reflects its location along the Atlantic Ocean.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Manchester is approximately 5,136. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in Manchester is around 46 years.
🏛️ History
Manchester was first settled by Europeans in 1629 and was officially incorporated in 1645. It was originally known as Jeffrey’s Creek, but was renamed Manchester in 1672 after the city in England. The town was a modest fishing and farming community in its early years. In the 19th century, it became a popular summer resort for the wealthy, with many grand estates and mansions built along the coast.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Manchester is known for its scenic beauty, with a coastline featuring sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and marshlands. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Coolidge Reservation and Agassiz Rock. Singing Beach, one of the town’s most popular attractions, is famous for the unique ‘singing’ sound the sand makes when walked upon.
🏫 Education
Manchester’s public school system is shared with the neighboring town of Essex. The Manchester Essex Regional School District includes an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The town is also home to Brookwood School, a private, independent day school for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
🚧 Transportation
Manchester is served by the Manchester train station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, providing direct access to Boston. The town is also accessible by Route 128 and Route 127. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, located about 30 miles south of Manchester.
📜 Trivia & Events
Manchester is famous for its ‘Fourth of July Parade’, a tradition that has been held annually for over a century. The town is also known for the ‘Manchester Road Race’, a 4.75-mile run held every Thanksgiving Day. In addition, Manchester was the filming location for the 2016 film ‘Manchester by the Sea’, which won two Academy Awards.