Why Marblehead?

It’s a typical weekday afternoon for me, stressing out about getting home after a long day at work; internally debating whether to take Route 1 and cut through Beverly and Salem or brave Route 114. Which will take less time? As I inevitably make the wrong choice and sit in a long line of traffic on 114, extending the five plus mile ride from Peabody to Marblehead to more than 30 minutes, I think to myself, “Why do I live in Marblehead?”

Unlike many of my neighbors and friends whose parents were born in Marblehead, I landed here quite by chance. Originally born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, my family made the tough decision to relocate to New England when I was just eight. We originally headed for Swampscott, but then our home fell through, so my mother made the split decision to settle in Marblehead. I remember those early years fondly, settling into our place on Lee Street and attending Rhodes School and later Bell. I was in awe by Marblehead - having the ocean at our fingertips and nearly everything within walking distance. And, soon after moving here, we learned – albeit the hard way - why most New Englanders don’t brave the frigid ocean waters in May.

As children we had a great deal of freedom growing up in such a small town. Afternoons were spent playing in the grass at Abbot Hall or walking to Old Town Country Store for candy and a soft serve ice cream. On hot days we cooled off at Crocker Park, a favorite for kids today as well. High school years were filled with sports, sunbathing and swimming at Gracie’s and spending time with friends; friends that I still cherish today.

Having gone away to college in New York, I knew I would return to Massachusetts and the North Shore someday. My parents sold our house and moved away, so my Marblehead roots were gone. My friends all moved out of town, so I explored other great communities like Newburyport and Exeter, New Hampshire, but, for me, they just did not compare. Was it the quaintness of town, the quiet nature, the beauty, or the familiarity? I could not put my finger on any one attribute, but I knew my true desire was to make Marblehead my home again. Just over seven years ago I returned to town. While I was surprised by a lot of new faces and places, I felt at home – safe, comfortable, and happy. Now as I walk through town or run the neck on the weekend, I feel at peace; maybe it’s because Marblehead is what I know and maybe it’s just because Marblehead is a great place to live. Either way I feel privileged to have grown up here and to have the opportunity to live here now. For everyone, the reasons are different and typically many, but honestly, it’s hard for me to fathom living somewhere else.