Overrated and expensive
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1/10/2020
On 3 different occasions I have lived here, each time it wasn't my first choice. My opinion has not changed, but gotten worse. First, the cost of living is not accurate according to the chart. Utilities are expensive. Beverly relies on National Grid for electricity, so for two working people you can expect your bill to be anywhere from $90-180 depending on the season. That's just wrong! Rents and mortgages are both expensive based on cost per square foot. You don't get a lot for your money.
The town itself is IMO going downhill. They do not take care of the roads which means more maintenance may be required for your vehicle. The work that they do manage to do is poor, which just makes the roads even worse. A lot of times they'll sweep the streets, which is great and all, but it's done repeatedly on roads that don't have debris. Before they start their work though, they fill their trucks using the hydrants which causes your drinking water to turn brown. I've been in contact with a gentleman from the water division. According to him this shouldn't be happening because the trucks are supposed to be filled before they leave, not while they're on the job. So for a good couple of hours on a weekly basis you have dirty drinking water.
The drinking water is disgusting. If you have a dish rack you may notice an opaque white film deposited on it after every wash. If you don't have a filtration system you'll also notice the water tastes like a swimming pool. The water rates are on the lower end, so you get what you pay for in that department.
Traffic has become worse because of all the condos that have been built as you get into the downtown area. People here are starting to drive like people in Lynn - no respect, speeding, incapable of actually stopping. I'm not exactly sure what Beverly has to offer as far as shopping and fun. If you're into the art scene, are a hipster-millennial, and don't care about saving your money then this might be the town for you.
Heather | Beverly, MA