5 things to know about living in Saugus
Once a rural town, Saugus is also the location of the historic Saugus Iron Works, which was in operation from 1646 to 1668 and is now a National Historic Site for being the first integrated iron works in North America.
Saugus is also known for its landmarks along Route 1, though several been hit by wrecking balls in the past few years. The Boston Globe notes that “the loss of three landmark destinations in less than a year reflects a rapidly changing stretch of Route 1 in Saugus. New zoning allows for taller buildings, hotels, apartments, and retailers, all on the same site.”
But not all iconic spots in Saugus are gone, the Globe adds — there is still a Leaning Tower of Pizza on top of Prince Pizzeria and a tiki god over the entrance to Kowloon restaurant.
Check it out.
1. You’ll live in…
… a home close to some type of water. Saugus is very close to the ocean and has its own massive salt marsh, the Rumney Marsh Reservation, in town. You can also live close to the Saugus River, which can provide some excellent views.
The Breakheart Reservation in northern Saugus contains two freshwater lakes as well as part of the Saugus River. You probably won’t be able to see these lakes from your window, but they are always a quick drive away.
2. You’ll pay…
… slightly more than the neighboring town of Revere. The Zillow Home Value Index puts the median home value in Saugus at $358,900, while in Revere it is $320,000. Home values in Saugus have increased 5.6 percent over the last year and are expected to increase another 1.3 percent in the next year.
For $300,000 to $400,000, you can get a single-family home that has about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of living space. Saugus has a Walk Score of 39, meaning you need a car. The most walkable neighborhoods in town are Pleasant Hills, Downtown and Cliftondale.
3. You’ll hang out…
… in nature. The Breakheart Reservation has 640 acres of land filled with, “jagged, rocky outcroppings, two fresh-water lakes, and a rambling section of the Saugus River.” There are even some hills on the reservation with views of Boston, southern New Hampshire and central Massachusetts. There are plenty hiking trails and spots to fish.
If you’re more of a camper, Camp Nihan Environmental Education Camp is a 65 acre site with woodland forest, marsh, and a pond. It has cabins you can rent out, places to camp, and is within hiking distance of Breakheart.
Rumney Marsh Reservation is another massive space encompassing parts of Saugus and Revere that is open all year round. Here you can see migratory birds and marine life, as well as fish, boat, and walk.
If you feel like seeing some history, you can go to Historic New England’s Boardman House, which was built in 1692, making it a National Historic Landmark. Saugus Town Hall is also a historic site.
When you need to get your shopping done, you can go to Square One Mall in the northern part of Saugus.
The No. 1 rated restaurant on Yelp is Victor’s Italian Cuisine, which has been open for over 20 years and has a large menu filled with all the Italian food you could want. Don’t forget dessert — there are plenty of places for that as well.
4. Your kids will…
… not go to great public schools. Saugus High School gets a 5 on the 1-10 GreatSchools rating scale, which is the highest in town. Waybright Elementary School has the next best ranking at a 4, the rest get 3s or 2s.
Along with all the outdoor activities, the Saugus Public Library has plenty of activities for kids, along with museum passes to use around the area.
5. You’ll love…
… Saugus Ironworks, which the National Park Service describes as the “birthplace of the American iron and steel industry.” At the National Historic Site you can take a tour guided by a park ranger, walk on the nature trails, or see a variety of other tours within. There is also a museum and a 17th century herb garden.
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