Economic Spotlight on Groveland, Massachusetts

The North Shore Alliance, or the “Alliance,” prides itself on supporting economic development initiatives across the 30 communities and four Gateway Cities of the North Shore of Massachusetts. Each month we will be conducting a community highlight. We will be taking a look at some of these communities, where they stand economically, and highlight commercial development sites that may be of interest to our readers. 

This month we will be taking a closer look at the town of Groveland, Massachusetts, a small, rural family-friendly town located along the North Shore. It is nestled along the south bank of the Merrimack River in the northeast corner of Massachusetts and is 31 miles north of Boston and 255 miles from New York City.

Located in northeastern Massachusetts as a part of Essex County, Groveland is bordered by West Newbury on the north, Newbury and Georgetown on the east, Boxford on the south, and Haverhill on the west. In this location there is easy access to Routes 95 and 495. 

A Word About Groveland, Massachusetts 

Groveland was originally the East Parish of Bradford, which was originally part of the town of Rowley. Before Bradford was separated from Rowley in 1672, it was called “Rowley on the Merrimack”, or just “Merrimack”. Bradford in turn was annexed by Haverhill in 1897. Groveland officially incorporated as a separate town on September 9, 1850. Groveland residents celebrate the anniversary of this date as Groveland Day.

In the early years of its incorporation, the town relied primarily on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing including saw and grist mills, tanning yards, a chaise factory, and shoe shops with some shipbuilding on the Merrimack River.

Groveland’s economy shifted gradually during the 20th century from a shoe industry and textile manufacturing community to one which is almost wholly residential, serving now as a suburb of nearby cities. The population has increased over the years and now is home to about 6,400 people and about 2,100 homes in town.

Points of Interest 

Historical Homes 

Groveland is an integral part of historical Massachusetts with its many 17th and 18th century housing. The  Massachusetts Historical Commission site has many pre revolutionary homes to explore located in beautiful downtown Groveland, Massachusetts. 

One such historical home is the Little Red Schoolhouse which is the current home of the Groveland Garden Club, is still situated at its original location on Broad Street in a section of town known as Savaryville. The North School, as it is also called, was once a one room schoolhouse which eventually outgrew its location in the post WWII era. 

Outdoor Activities

Groveland Community Trail 

The Groveland Community Trail began its construction in December 2021 after years of feasibility studies and town votes. Construction has already begun at the trail heads at King Street, Ashcroft Terrace, School and Center, and Main Street. 

The multi-use trail will eventually be a 2 mile, shared-use paved path connecting multiple community areas, including the Bagnall Elementary School, the Center Street Greenway, Shanahan Field, and multiple residential neighborhoods.

Veasey Memorial Park 

Known as the “Hidden Gem of Groveland,” Veasey Park is  an open space and recreational facility for the public to enjoy. It offers almost 50 acres of fields, miles of walking trails, 80 acres of freshwater shoreline for fishing and canoeing as well as picnic and recreation areas.

For more information and resources on the town of Groveland, Massachusetts, check out their website.