Red Hill Cooperative, Peabody, MA

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents seeking a genuine sense of community and an affordable path to homeownership in the highly competitive North Shore real estate market, Red Hill Cooperative in Peabody stands out as an exceptional choice. Located conveniently in Essex County, this community is more than just a place to live; it is a successful example of a Resident-Owned Community (

ROC

). This means that homeowners collectively own the land beneath their homes, as well as the common areas and infrastructure of the park. This unique co-operative model is specifically designed to permanently preserve affordable housing options, giving every member a share in the park’s governance and a stable, non-profit-driven monthly fee.

Red Hill Cooperative is a well-established community with approximately 51 homes, offering a quiet, suburban atmosphere. The commitment of residents to their community is evident in the condition of the homes, many of which feature thoughtful updates like modern kitchens, private outdoor spaces, and even fireplaces, providing a true single-family home experience. The appeal of Red Hill lies in its ability to offer the independence of homeownership combined with the supportive structure of a close-knit neighborhood. This is an all-ages community, welcoming retirees, young families, and individuals who value convenience and affordability without sacrificing quality of life. The median sale price for homes here is significantly more accessible than traditional stick-built housing in surrounding Peabody neighborhoods.

Being a co-op, the community operates on democratic principles, where the elected board of directors, composed of fellow residents, makes decisions about budget, maintenance, and long-term improvements. This local control, often supported by technical assistance organizations like ROC USA, ensures that the community’s focus remains firmly on the well-being and affordability for its Massachusetts homeowners.

Location and Accessibility

Red Hill Cooperative is strategically located at

251 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960, USA

, placing it in an optimal position for North Shore residents. The address sits directly on Route 1 North (Newbury Street), which is one of the most vital commercial and commuter arteries in the region.

This location is a commuter’s dream, offering near-immediate access to major highways. Residents benefit greatly from being adjacent to

U.S. Route 1

and having quick connections to

Interstate 95 (I-95)

and

Route 128

. This network of routes is critical for local users, enabling fast travel:

To Boston: The co-op is a manageable drive from Downtown Boston, making the city’s business and cultural hubs accessible for daily commuting or weekend excursions.
To New Hampshire: The proximity to I-95 and Route 1 facilitates easy, direct travel north into New Hampshire.
North Shore Amenities: The entire Peabody-Danvers commercial corridor is moments away. Residents have convenient access to extensive shopping and dining options, including the
Northshore Mall
and essential services like the
Big Y World Class Market
and various medical facilities.
Local Transportation: While a car is recommended for full mobility, the location is near public transportation options, connecting to nearby cities like Lynn and Salem via MBTA bus routes.

Beyond the excellent highway access, the community itself is situated on a paved, private road, often ending in a cul-de-sac, which helps maintain a quieter, residential feel despite its proximity to the major road network.

Services Offered

The monthly co-op fee paid by residents at Red Hill Cooperative is a comprehensive charge that bundles essential services for community maintenance and utility provision. This fee structure is a hallmark of the co-op model, ensuring the cost of running the community is shared efficiently and kept affordable. Services typically included in the low monthly fee are:

Water and Sewer: Public water and public sewer services are covered, eliminating two major utility bills for individual homeowners.
Property Taxes: The fee covers the real estate taxes for the land and common areas of the co-op, simplifying the tax burden for the member-owners.
Trash Removal: Convenient rubbish and recycling pickup is provided as part of the shared community service.
Snow Removal: Plowing and maintenance of the paved, private community roads are included, a critical service during Massachusetts winters.
Common Area Maintenance: Ongoing upkeep of shared facilities, infrastructure (like street maintenance and tree trimming), and any community parks or facilities.
Co-op Governance and Administration: Funding for the democratic management of the community by the resident-elected Board of Directors, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and continued affordability.

Features / Highlights

Resident-Owned Community (ROC) Status: The defining feature is the collective ownership of the park, giving residents security, control over lot fee increases, and a permanent voice in community management.
Affordable Housing Alternative: Red Hill Cooperative provides one of the most accessible entry points for homeownership in Peabody, offering significantly lower home prices compared to traditional condos and single-family residences in Essex County.
High-Quality Homes: Many homes within the co-op are regularly updated or modified, featuring modern amenities such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, private fenced yards, sunrooms, and even wood-burning fireplaces, far exceeding the typical perception of manufactured housing.
Paved, Private Roads: The community features well-maintained, paved roads, often arranged around quiet cul-de-sacs, contributing to a tranquil and safe atmosphere.
Immediate Highway Access: Strategically located directly off Route 1, providing unparalleled convenience for commuting to all points north and south, including major employment centers and amenities.
All-Ages Community: Unlike some communities restricted to senior living, Red Hill is open to all ages, fostering a diverse and integrated neighborhood environment.
Dedicated Parking: Individual homes typically feature two dedicated, off-street parking spaces on a paved driveway, a premium feature in the North Shore area.

Contact Information

For Massachusetts residents interested in becoming a member-owner at Red Hill Cooperative, or for general inquiries about the community and the co-op process, please use the following contact information. Note that all potential buyers are subject to approval by park management/the co-op board as a standard procedure for resident-owned communities.

Address: 251 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960, USA

Phone: Prospective buyers are often directed to contact a real estate agent specializing in the community, as the park office phone number is typically for member-only administration. Public records indicate that local agents specializing in Red Hill Cooperative often serve as the first point of contact. (A phone number for the co-op itself is not publicly available on general listings, so it is omitted to maintain factual accuracy).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Red Hill Cooperative is a profoundly suitable living option for Massachusetts locals because it directly addresses the intense financial pressures of living in the Boston metropolitan area’s North Shore. It provides a highly affordable, equity-building entry point into homeownership—a crucial consideration for young families, downsizers, and retirees who are currently priced out of the conventional Peabody housing market. The resident-owned nature of the community is arguably its most significant benefit to local users. It transforms a mobile home park into a financially secure investment, with residents having a direct say in their future costs and neighborhood quality, a stability not found in landlord-owned parks.

Furthermore, the location at 251 Newbury Street is unbeatable for the Massachusetts lifestyle, offering a fast track to both urban necessities and regional travel. Whether it is a quick ten-minute drive to the Northshore Mall for shopping, a convenient route for a job in Boston, or easy access to the numerous medical facilities in the Peabody area, the co-op’s convenience is a massive practical benefit. For locals who seek a quiet, well-maintained neighborhood life, with a strong community spirit, and the unparalleled financial advantage of low entry cost and stable monthly fees, Red Hill Cooperative presents a smart, long-term housing solution in Essex County.