ARMSTRONG FIELD REAL ESTATE BLOG

Salem, Massachusetts · 1626–2026 The History of Salem, MA: 400 Years on the North Shore From a fishing outpost at Naumkeag to the richest port in America, the story behind the city many of us are lucky to call home. Derby Wharf Light Station, at the end of the half-mile wharf that once served Salem'

Essex County market report · Armstrong Field Group The Five Most Expensive Homes Sold on the North Shore This Past Year Three oceanfront estates, a 1929 Colonial with a restored tennis court, and a shingled property in Manchester with its own greenhouse. Here's what actually changed hands at the top

September Is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Prostate Cancer Screening: The PSA Test That May Have Saved My Life This is not a real estate story. It is a personal story—and one I hope encourages more men to have an important conversation with their doctors. I Had My PSA Checked Every Year I was diag

North Shore Massachusetts Real Estate · 2026 The $1 Million Home Isn’t a Mansion Anymore What buyers actually get for seven figures in Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Marblehead, Gloucester, and other North Shore communities—and why the answer can change within a few miles. By Jim Armstrong, REALTOR® · Arm

Artificial Intelligence · Technology & Society Is AI Really Planning to Take Over the World? There's a lot of talk about artificial intelligence becoming too powerful, escaping human control, or even deciding that people are no longer necessary. How much of that is science fiction, and how much shou

A LOCAL GUIDE FOR HOME BUYERS Moving to Beverly, Massachusetts An honest look at Beverly's neighborhoods, commute, schools, and housing market — from a North Shore REALTOR® who has called this city home for years.Beverly, MA  ·  Essex County  ·  Updated September 2026 Beverly sits right where the No

A LOCAL GUIDE FOR HOME BUYERS Moving to Salem, Massachusetts An honest look at Salem's neighborhoods, commute, schools, and housing market — from a North Shore REALTOR® who knows the city block by block.Salem, MA  ·  Essex County  ·  Updated 2026 Salem is one of those North Shore communities that ma

North Shore Living Guide Living in Gloucester, Massachusetts: What to Know Before You Move to Cape Ann A working harbor, a 400-year fishing history, and a stretch of coastline unlike anywhere else on the North Shore. 1623 Founded Cape Ann Location MBTA Rail Direct to Boston Gloucester doesn't try to

North Shore Living Guide Living in Beverly, Massachusetts: A Local's Guide to Every Neighborhood I grew up one town over in Danvers, lived in Salem for thirty years, and now call North Beverly home. Here's an honest look at Beverly's eight neighborhoods, the real commute picture, and what buyers and

  North Shore Living Guide Living in Ipswich, MA: What to Know Before You Make the Move A first-hand look at the town's history, its beaches, its commute to Boston, and what buyers ask me most about Ipswich real estate. 1634 Town Founded 59 First Period Homes 29 mi To Boston's North Station 4 mi Cra

  National Dog Day on the North Shore: What Dog Owners Look For in a Home Celebrating August 26 with a practical look at fenced yards, walkable neighborhoods, and finding a home that works for the whole family — four legs included Aug 26 National Dog Day, since 2004 65.1M U.S. Households With a Dog

The Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Beverly, MA One of the quiet perks of living on the North Shore is that you're never more than a few minutes from a good trail. I get asked about this more than you'd think — usually from buyers relocating from out of state who want to know if their dog is go

  A Relocation Guide for Young Families Life is Better at the Shore Why Swampscott, Massachusetts is one of the North Shore's best-kept secrets for families putting down roots. 📍 Swampscott, MA  ·  Est. 1852  ·  Pop. ~15,500 Imagine your kids building sandcastles before school, catching the commute

First-Time Buyer Guide How Much House Can I Afford? What North Shore Buyers Need to Know Before They Start Looking Understanding your real budget before you fall in love with a home — a practical guide for buyers in Beverly, Salem, Danvers, and the rest of the North Shore. Jim Armstrong, REALTOR®Arm

North Shore Home & Health — Serving Beverly · Salem · Danvers · Gloucester · Marblehead · Swampscott · Rockport · Ipswich · Hamilton & Beyond Home Safety · North Shore Massachusetts The Invisible ThreatHiding in Your Home Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States — an

Moving to Beverly, Massachusetts: The Complete Guide for New Residents Why Consider Moving to Beverly, Massachusetts? Thinking about moving to Beverly, Massachusetts? You’re not alone. This charming coastal city on the North Shore has quietly become one of the most desirable places to live in Essex

Moving to Ipswich, Massachusetts: A Coastal Town with History, Nature, and Community Charm 🌊🏡 If you’re dreaming about a New England town that blends coastal beauty, historic character, and a relaxed lifestyle, moving to Ipswich, Massachusetts might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located on M

Moving to Salem, Massachusetts: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go So, you’re thinking about moving to Salem, Massachusetts? That’s exciting. Salem isn’t just a postcard-perfect New England town with cobblestone streets and colonial homes. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner

If you’re thinking about relocating and buying a home, one question probably sits at the top of your list: Where is the best place in the U.S. to raise a family? According to WalletHub’s Best & Worst States to Raise a Family in 2026 report, the answer is clear: 👉 Massachusetts ranks #1 in the entir

With a $700,000 single-family budget in Essex County, the “best value” pockets right now tend to be places where you’re buying into (1) solid schools, (2) a real commute option (train/Route 128/93 access), and (3) towns that aren’t the priciest on the North Shore, but still ride the same long-term d