Rockport

Miles from Boston 37
Population 7,763 (2005)
Median house price $400,000 (Jan.-May 2007)
Tax rate $8.05
Average single-family property tax $4,431 (State average, $3,799)
Transportation Routes 127, 128. MBTA commuter rail. Cape Ann Transportation Authority bus service.
MCAS Among 280 systems, 10th-graders ranked 54th in English and 129th in math, according to a Globe analysis of 2006 results. Sixth-graders ranked 227th out of 305 systems in English and 108th in math. Thirdgraders ranked 91st out of 298 systems in reading and 33d in math. Member, North Shore Vocational Technical Regional school district.
Census facts Median family income is $69,263 compared to national rate of $50,046; 44 percent held a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 24 percent nationally.
Website town.rockport.ma.us

ROCKPORT -- Things of beauty are numerous here at the tip of Cape Ann.

There is the former granite quarry with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean that is now Halibut Point State Park. And there is Motif Number 1, the harbor shack featured in countless paintings and photographs.

Town Administrator Michael Racicot said there are intangible attractions in what he called a classic New England seaside community. "I let my kids walk around here without giving it a second thought," he said. "It's a great place to raise your kids."

Settled by Europeans in 1690 and incorporated in 1840, Rockport is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides and by Gloucester to its south. Tourism has supplanted granite, forestry, and fishing as the main economic force here. Commuter rail makes it a bedroom community of Boston, Racicot said. "But you get away from the troubles and cares of the workplace" when you return, he said.

Like most other communities, Rockport is facing tough budget times and cuts are coming in the school system this year. But Racicot said school buildings -- located on a single campus for the 1,000-student system -- are in good shape. Future capital spending may include a new fire station.

On a recent week, Realtor.com listed 62 single-family homes, ranging from $299,000 for a three-bed, one-bath, 1,008-square-foot home to $1.2 million for a two-bed, one-bath 985 -square-foot ocean front home. Median price of a single-family home through May was $400,000, according to Warren Group, which publishes real estate information.

JOHN RICHARDSON ELLEMENT