A Great Place

Recreation | Demographics | Education | Rich in history | Did you know?

A unique place to live, work and do business

A great place to live and work

Nearly 60,000 people call Haverhill home. Within the city’s 36 square miles are a wide variety of land uses that make it a unique place to live, work and do business. Here, you’ll find rural agricultural areas, a variety of business districts, a bustling downtown, a vibrant arts district and four modern industrial parks. Lease rates and purchase prices are more than competitive. The city offers a mix of housing options that appeal to a diverse population. With long-established residential neighborhoods, multi-family homes, newer single-family and condominium developments and a number of rental units, there’s something for everyone who wishes to relocate here.

Recreation
Located on the Merrimack River in northeastern Massachusetts, the city offers almost limitless recreational opportunities. Haverhill boasts four 18-hole golf courses, a downhill ski area, two horseback riding academies, the 700-acre wooded Winnekenni Park and other recreational areas, a public skating rink and a sailing program. Residents and visitors alike enjoy walking or jogging along the Merrimack and experiencing its natural beauty.

Demographics
Developers will find the city’s demographic information helpful when seeking government contracts.

Haverhill Population: 1970 - 2000

1970	1980	1990	2000
46,120	46,865	51,418	58,969

Source: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission analysis of U.S. Census data

Haverhill Growth: 1970 - 2000

1970-80 % change	1980-90 % change	1990-00 % change
1.6	9.7	14.7

Source: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission analysis of U.S. Census data

Haverhill by Race and Ethnicity: 2000

White	Black/ African American	American Indian/Alaska Native	Asian	Other Race	Hispanic Origin	Persons of two or more races
89.7%	2.4%	0.2%	1.4%	4.3%	8.8%	2.0%

Source: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission analysis of U.S. Census data

Haverhill Per Capita Income: 1989 - 1999

1990 Population	1989 Per Capita Income ($)	Percent of State	2000 Population	1999 Per Capita Income ($)	Percent of State
51,418	$15,464	90.0%	58,969	$23,280	89.7%

Source: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission analysis of U.S. Census data

Education
More than two-thirds of the area workforce has a high school and/or college education. In addition, several local agencies provide training and educational opportunities at their own facilities, at area colleges and in the workplace.

Haverhill Population by Educational Attainment: 2000

Less than High School	High School Graduate	Some College	Associate Degree	Bachelor’s Degree	Graduate or Professional Degree
16.30%	31.10%	20.20%	9.00%	16.10%	7.30%

Source: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission analysis of U.S. Census data

Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is a public, two-year college that offers comprehensive programs of study leading to the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Science degree and Certificates of program completion. The college is also a hub of cultural activity in Haverhill. Students, alumni and the general public enjoy exhibits, concerts, dance, choral performances and summer concerts.

In addition to the more traditional career education and training opportunities offered through various college academic divisions, one of Northern Essex Community College’s top priorities is to play a key role in the economic and workforce development of the region it serves. The college’s goal is to become the workforce training and development provider of choice. NECC assists area businesses and individuals who need customized training and education through its Center for Business and Industry, Northeast Regional Training Center for State and Municipal Employees, Institute for Community and Workforce Development, NECC/HUD Community Institute for Business Education, and Small Business Development Center along with much community outreach, collaboration and partnerships.

The college also has a second campus in Lawrence, Mass.

For more information, CLICK HERE to download the Haverhill Means Business Resource Directory in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

Rich in history
One of the oldest historic communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Haverhill has a rich history that dates back more than 360 years. 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. The 18th century brought shoe manufacturing to Haverhill, which was once known as the “Queen Slipper City of The World.” It was the city’s leading industry for 180 years.

Haverhill was home to many historical figures and prominent individuals including poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier, movie mogul Louis B. Mayer, Lahey Clinic founder Frank Howard Lahey, New York department store magnate R.H. Macy, Archie comic strip creator Bob Montana , former U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Donald J. Atwood and many others.

Donald J. Atwood, former U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary

Did you know?
In 1995, Money Magazine rated Haverhill the best place to live in the Northeast. It was also selected in 1978 as an “All-America City” by the National Civic League – a distinction it retains to this day. The award honors communities whose citizens work together to address local critical issues. In 1998, Haverhill gained national exposure for its vibrancy and historical richness by being selected as the ending point for the History Channel’s cross-country Great Race.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce

87 Winter Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
Phone: (978) 373-5663

1-877-HAV-MBUS

City of Haverhill

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