Is Beverly Safe, Pros and cons of living in Beverly
Beverly, Massachusetts, offers a compelling blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, making it an attractive option for those seeking a new place to call home. This historic city, located on the North Shore, provides residents with access to beautiful coastlines, a vibrant downtown area, and a strong sense of community.
The city is known for its rich industrial history, being a birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and a significant contributor to early American manufacturing. Today, Beverly continues to evolve, balancing its historical roots with modern amenities and a forward-looking approach to climate initiatives. Its unique character and desirable location contribute to its appeal for a diverse range of residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Beverly?
Beverly generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The city’s overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, with specific crime categories showing favorable statistics. Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Beverly is approximately 1 in 164 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data).
Violent crime rates in Beverly are notably lower than the national average. Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 600 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates also fare well, being below the national average, meaning you are less likely to experience incidents like burglary or theft compared to many other American communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living and Housing in Beverly
The cost of living in Beverly is higher than the national average, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. The overall cost of living index for Beverly is 131, indicating it is 31% more expensive than the national average (as reported by Home & Money). An individual living in Beverly can expect to spend approximately $42,731 annually on essential living expenses, which is higher than the national average of $38,433 (as reported by Home & Money).
Housing costs in Beverly contribute significantly to the overall cost of living. The median home price in Beverly was reported as $660,000 last month, with a median sale price of $804,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). Rental prices are also elevated, with the average rent for an apartment in Beverly being around $2,600 per month (as reported by Zumper and Zillow).
Housing Market Dynamics
The Beverly housing market is described as very competitive, scoring 89 out of 100 (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Beverly typically receive multiple offers and sell relatively quickly. In March 2026, home prices saw an increase of 14.9% compared to the previous year, with homes selling for a median price of $804,000 (as reported by Redfin).
For renters, the median rent for all property types in Beverly stands at approximately $2,661 as of April 2026. This figure is 37% higher than the national average, underscoring the premium for housing in this desirable coastal city (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
Beverly boasts a robust job market, with key economic drivers in healthcare, education, and professional, scientific, and technological services. Major employers in the area include N.E. Hospital Systems, Axcelis Technology Inc., Beverly Hospital, and Endicott College (as reported by Home & Money and Zippia).
The average salary in Beverly, Massachusetts, is approximately $75,532 per year, or $36 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Another report indicates the average annual salary in Beverly is $65,164 as of late April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Beverly was reported as $106,044 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT).
Employment and Unemployment
The employment rate in Beverly is currently around 96.82% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The unemployment rate in Beverly was reported at 4.5% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). More recently, the unemployment rate for the 01915 zip code, which includes Beverly, was 3.2% in 2026 (as reported by Zip Atlas).
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Beverly, MA, saw a slight decline of 1.39%, resulting in approximately 22,900 employed individuals (as reported by Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Beverly experiences a climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The warm season generally lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 72°F. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 81°F and lows of 63°F. Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F. January is the coldest month, with lows around 22°F and highs of 37°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
The average annual rainfall in Beverly is approximately 47 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Winter months can bring significant snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of around 50 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Residents should be prepared for the possibility of storms, particularly Nor’easters, which are common in this coastal New England region. The city is actively focusing on climate work to protect its future, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability (as reported by Wikipedia).
Education and Schools
Beverly offers a range of educational opportunities, with its public school system generally receiving positive reviews. Beverly Public Schools are rated as above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 49% of students are proficient in math and 61% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, schools like North Beverly Elementary School and Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School are noted for their performance. Beverly High School also receives a B rating from Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While generally well-regarded, some reviews of Beverly High School mention concerns regarding bullying and inclusivity, though staff also work to foster a positive environment (as reported by Niche).
Higher Education and Technical Schools
Beverly is also home to institutions of higher learning, including Endicott College, which plays a role in the city’s economy and educational landscape. Montserrat College of Art is another institution that contributes to the city’s academic offerings (as reported by Data USA).
For those seeking technical training, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School is a notable option in the greater Beverly area, offering specialized programs and receiving a B rating (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Beverly, Massachusetts, has a population of approximately 42,665 residents as of the most recent US Census data, making it the 34th most populated city in the state (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT). Projections estimate the population to reach around 42,983 by 2026 (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT).
The racial composition of Beverly is predominantly White, making up about 84.3% of the population. Other racial and ethnic groups include Hispanic (6.1%), Two or More Races (4.5%), Black or African American (2.8%), and Asian (1.7%) (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT and Census Dots).
Age and Household Income
The median age of Beverly residents is 39.0 years (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT). The median household income in Beverly was $106,044 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT). Approximately 6.7% of Beverly families live below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau data compiled by CUBIT).
The city’s median household income is higher than the national average, reflecting a generally well-off populace. However, a portion of residents do experience financial hardship, with a poverty rate that, while relatively low, still impacts a segment of the community.
Pros and Cons of Living in Beverly
Beverly offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with access to amenities and a strong community feel. The city is recognized for its relatively low crime rates, good schools, and a thriving job market, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors (as reported by Home & Money).
However, prospective residents should be aware of the higher cost of living, which is significantly above the national average. Housing prices and rental rates are also substantial. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with the potential for severe storms common to the New England coast (as reported by Home & Money).
Key Advantages
One of the primary advantages of living in Beverly is its safety. With crime rates significantly lower than the national average, residents can feel secure in their community (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). The city’s commitment to safety is a significant draw for families and individuals alike.
The educational system in Beverly is another strong point. The public schools are rated as above average, and the presence of higher education institutions like Endicott College provides opportunities for residents and contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere (as reported by Niche).
Considerations for Potential Residents
The substantial cost of living is a major factor to consider when contemplating a move to Beverly. Both median home prices and average rents are considerably higher than the national benchmarks, requiring a strong financial standing (as reported by Redfin, Zumper, and Zillow).
Furthermore, while the climate is generally pleasant with warm summers, the winters can be harsh, characterized by cold temperatures, snow, and wind. Residents should also be prepared for the possibility of coastal storms, which are a characteristic of the region (as reported by Weather Spark).