Haverhill

Established in 1640 as Pentucket, Haverhill was incorporated as a city in 1870. Although originally settled as farmland, the city evolved into a major industrial center through the establishment of saw and grist mills in the late 17th century, tanneries and boat yards in the early 18th century, and shoe manufacturing, its leading industry for 180 years. The city remained a thriving industrial center until the depression of the 1930s.

Today, as more and more people discover the city’s natural beauty, diverse mix of rural, suburban, and city landscape, excellent transportation network, and vibrant downtown and nightlife, Haverhill is experiencing a strong resurgence, with a diversifying economy and robust housing market.

Found within the City of Haverhill is a revitalized business district which, residents note, includes one of the finest Queen Anne style industrial streetscapes in America. An established restaurant district and a proliferation of specialty shops are all within walking distance of each other, while surrounding neighborhoods reflect interesting architectural diversity, displaying Victorian splendor, blue-collar housing, and early 20th century middle class avenues. These residential neighborhoods display Haverhill's prominence in the shoe industry as well as its wealth of ethnic heritage and tradition. A rural village built around Bradford Common, a river-front area where shipbuilding was carried on, is also part of the city's architectural resources.

The city has a tremendous array of active and passive recreational opportunities. The Merrimack River meanders through the city providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and sailing. A trail network along the river is under construction to provide walking, jogging, and bird watching opportunities. Haverhill's residents invite visitors to come and watch the growing population of bald eagles, which seasonally inhabit the city along the Merrimack.

Helpful Links

City of Haverhill Website
State Information Page for Haverhill

State Legislators

Senator Steven A. Baddour
Representative Barbara L'Italien:-ward two (precinct one and two, ward five (precinct two) and ward seven (precinct two)
Representative Brian S. Dempsey:- ward one (all precincts), ward two (precinct three), ward three (all precincts), ward four (precincts one and two), ward five (precincts one and three) and ward six (all precincts)
Representative Harriett L. Stanley:- ward four (precinct three) and ward seven (precincts one and three)

Haverhill Statistics

Land Area square miles
33.3

Population Estimate 2006
60,176

Labor Market May 2007

Labor Force

30,766

Employed

29,253

Unemployed
1,513

Rate
4.9%

Tax Rate FY 2007

Residential
10.32

Commercial/Industrial
18.09

Median Single Family Housing Price 2007 thru May
$286,500

Affordable Housing Inventory July 2007
9.1%

Detailed 2000 Census Data
Haverhill.xls

Haverhill Trail Maps

Meadow Brook Conservation Area and Pear Tree Lane Trail
Winnekenni Park Conservation Area