General Information

Welcome to Swampscott Sign

Location

The Town of Swampscott is located in Essex County along the Atlantic Coast. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the East, on the South by the City of Lynn, and on the North by the City of Salem and the Town of Marblehead. The Town is approximately 12 miles from the City of Boston. Established as a town in 1852, Swampscott has a general population of 14,600 and occupies a land area of 3.58 square miles.

Government

Local legislative decisions are made by a representative meeting with administrative authority in a five-member Board of Selectmen. Local taxes are assessed by a board of three assessors elected for staggered three year terms. School affairs are administered by a school committee of five persons elected for staggered three year terms. In addition, the Board of Selectmen appoints members to various boards, committees and commissions.

Services

The Town provides general governmental services for the territory within its boundaries, including police and fire protection, a water and sewer system, public education K-12, parks and recreation and public library. Principal services provided by the County are a jail and house of correction and a hospital and registries of deeds. Private utilities provide gas and electricity.

The North Shore Regional Vocational School District provides vocational technical education in grades nine through twelve for the Town and fifteen neighboring communities.

The Swampscott Housing Authority provides housing for eligible low income families and handicapped persons. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides rail and bus services to the Town. Commuter rail service is provided by the MBTA with AMTRAK as operating agent.