Peabody

About Peabody

Peabody is a city in Massachusetts' Essex County, tucked in the northeast corner of the state. It's part of the North Shore region, a primarily coastal area made up of rocky shorelines, wetlands and marshes. Other cities in the region include Salem and Gloucester.

The city of Peabody evolved from the residential sprawl that took place as the town of Salem, Massachusetts expanded. The areas to the north and west of Salem were originally known as the Northfields, Brooksby and The Farms. Over time, these merged into what is now known as Peabody.

The History of Peabody

Peabody has long been a center of industry, with industrial roots that can be traced back to the 17th century. It was the site of a grist mill, a saw mill, a fulling mill and a glasshouse during the 1600s, fueling a flourishing colonial economy. The origins of the first leather mill here date back to 1639.

By 1855, the area had 27 tanneries, which fueled a leather industry that was an important part of the city's economy for nearly a century. By 1919, the city was known as "The Leather City," and had close to 100 different establishments producing and processing leather. Though the Travel Leather Co. is the only business of its kind still operating here today, the Peabody Leatherworks Museum offers a look into the city's industrial past.

Jobs in Peabody

Although Peabody is no longer a hub for the leather industry, its economy has evolved with the help of several other flourishing industries and businesses. If you're planning to look for a job in Peabody, you'll find that there are various options to consider, ranging from retail to technology.

The Northshore Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the region and a major shopping center for people from several of Peabody's neighboring cities. It has been open since the 1950s and is still a major provider of jobs today. Another major development in the city is Centennial Park, a large industrial park that houses several technology and medical companies.

The area's major employers represent a range of industries, and include Boston Children's Hospital, Christian Book Distributors, Saucony, Northshore Mall and UTC Aerospace Systems.

Peabody Schools

There are both public and private schools to choose from in Peabody, including elementary, middle and high schools. Private campuses include Catholic and other Christian schools.

Resources for Moving to Peabody

If you're getting ready to move to Peabody, the following information will be useful:

• Utilities: Peabody Public Services and the Peabody Municipal Light Plant provide utilities services to the homes of Peabody.
• Garbage and Recycling: Peabody is split into a few different collection zones, each one assigned a specific trash and recycling collection schedule.
• Transportation: You can use the MBTA bus system, which operates several routes through Peabody, to access many neighboring communities.

Peabody Housing

Peabody offers a range of housing options and styles, ranging from 1970s split-level homes to colonial-style homes with plenty of historical character. Many homes include features like landscaped backyards, outdoor decks and garages. If you'd prefer to rent, there are many apartment communities throughout the city, many of which have amenities like swimming pools and parking.