Upper Shore Coastal Region Single-Family Sales Skyrocketed 141.7% in Q2 from Q1

Welcome to the Upper Coastal North Shore: Historic Charm & Vast Natural Splendor

The Upper Coastal North Shore is a breathtaking region where history, pristine nature, and coastal living harmoniously intersect. Defined by its sprawling salt marshes, historic seaports, and scenic protected landscapes, this sub-region comprises five distinct communities: Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury. The Upper North Shore experienced incredible market activity in Q2 2026. Closed home sales skyrocketed by 141.7% (climbing to 116 units from 48 in Q1), while spring inventory drove the regional median home price up by 11.8% to $950,000 from $850,000 in Q1.  Average Days on Market was 33 vs 53 in Q1 and Months of Inventory fell to 2.4 months from 3.9 in Q1. 

The Towns of the Upper North Shore: Market Stats & Buyer Appeal

Salisbury, MA

• The Q2 2026 Stats: Median Price: $770,000 | Volume Change: +11 units (17 sold vs. 6 in Q1) | Average Days on Market: 58 days.
  
  
• Why You Want to Move Here: Salisbury offers a fun, classic beach town atmosphere combined with beautiful, open salt marshes. Buyers choose Salisbury for its 5 miles of sandy beaches, state reservation parkland, and accessible price point on the coastal New Hampshire border.

Newbury, MA

• The Q2 2026 Stats: Median Price: $920,000 | Volume Change: +21 units (31 sold vs. 10 in Q1) | Average Days on Market: 27 days.
  
  
• Why You Want to Move Here: Newbury captures quintessential coastal agricultural charm. Stretching across the mainland to the southern half of Plum Island, it appeals to buyers seeking diverse options—from historic farmhouses in Old Town to seaside cottages along the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Ipswich, MA

• The Q2 2026 Stats: Median Price: $1,010,000 | Volume Change: +14 units (27 sold vs. 13 in Q1) | Average Days on Market: 28 days.
  
  
• Why You Want to Move Here: Home to the largest collection of preserved First Period historic homes in the nation, Ipswich is ideal for history and nature lovers. Residents enjoy exclusive access to Crane Beach and the miles of scenic trails across the historic Crane Estate.

Rowley, MA

• The Q2 2026 Stats: Median Price: $1,025,000 | Volume Change: +7 units (10 sold vs. 3 in Q1) | Average Days on Market: 31 days.
• Why You Want to Move Here: Rowley is a peaceful, picturesque community popular with buyers seeking acreage and modern suburban builds. It combines low tax rates and an MBTA Commuter Rail station with historic town common charm.

Newburyport, MA

• The Q2 2026 Stats: Median Price: $1,030,000 | Volume Change: +15 units (31 sold vs. 16 in Q1) | Average Days on Market: 32 days.
  
  
• Why You Want to Move Here: Newburyport is a vibrant, highly walkable coastal city rich with maritime heritage. Buyers love its brick downtown, luxury boutiques, fine dining, and active marinas along the Merrimack River.

Navigating the Upper North Shore Region with Kathy and Terry Sullivan

With properties selling at a rapid pace of 33 average days on market and inventory levels dropping to 2.4 months in Q2, navigating the Upper North Shore demands a strategic, protective approach.

As the Sullivan Team, we guide you through every step of the transaction:

• Terry’s Analytical Precision & Risk Management: Leveraging his studies as an Economics Major, his MBA in Finance, and his background as a Risk Manager, Terry leads the back-end due diligence. He creates detailed market trend analyses and adjustments for comparable properties while auditing property liabilities to keep your financial position secure.
  
  
• Kathy’s Winning Client Strategies: Utilizing Terry's deep-dive data and trend metrics, Kathy builds winning strategies tailored specifically to your buying or selling goals. She leads client communications, crafts compelling offer strategies, and designs market-leading marketing plans that produce results.

Whether you're purchasing on Plum Island or listing in historic Ipswich, Terry and Kathy Sullivan provide the analytical authority and strategic representation you need to achieve your goals.