Peabody, MA

Peabody is located just 15 miles northeast of Boston and 18 miles west-southwest of Gloucester.

It has a land area of nearly 17 square miles and a population of approximately 51,000. With access to four major highways (Interstate 95, MA Route 128, US Route 1 and MA Route 114), Peabody is at the crossroads of the North Shore, boasting a busy downtown, commercial business and many hotel rooms.

Settled in 1626 as part of Salem, Peabody was incorporated as a city in 1916, its name deriving from noted philanthropist and citizen, George Peabody. Peabody began as a farming community, but soon became a major center of New England’s leather industry well into the second half of the twentieth century. Despite the eventual loss of the leather industry, Peabody recovered and grew quickly due to its diversification in other businesses.

City-owned Brooksby Farm provides year-round family enjoyment with autumn apple picking, winter cross country skiing, and summer berry picking. Peabody features 20 parks and playgrounds, three branch libraries, and a senior center considered the envy of the region. It is home to the George Peabody House Museum, Peabody Leather Workers Museum, and the Northshore Children’s Museum. The Northshore Mall offers an upscale shopping atmosphere with a wide variety of 120 specialty stores. Peabody pride is on display each year at the International Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich ethnic diversity.