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Cape Ann Current: Keeping Cape Ann current

Free public information for Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, in plain English

Business

Openings, closings, new owners and the companies that keep Cape Ann running.

Economy data

Cape Ann's economy by the numbers

Jobs, wages, prices, the waterfront and the businesses behind them in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Every number comes from public records and links to its source. Updated as new figures come out.

See the numbers

Real estate

Property taxes on Cape Ann

What would a home pay in each town? Compare tax rates and average bills in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, see how much room each town has under Proposition 2½, and explore assessed values and parcels by type. Updated as the state posts new figures.

Compare the four towns

Local Business Spotlight

12 Cape Ann Artisans open their studios for 43rd fall tour Oct. 10 and 11

The self-guided tour of working studios in Gloucester and Rockport adds two new members this year. The group is taking applications for 2027 through Oct. 31.

Know a business we should feature? Nominate it.

Business updates

Business

Business on Cape Ann: what our Business section offers, and a new Friday series

By Ana Lucia How we work

Jobs, pay, property taxes and a map of local businesses are all in one place. Starting Oct. 16, a three week series follows the public money that reaches Cape Ann businesses.

GloucesterRockportEssexManchester-by-the-Sea

Business

Woodman family foundation passes $1 million in giving, with two fundraisers this month

Cape Ann Current Staff How we work

The Essex foundation started in 1988 as a single scholarship. It now helps Manchester Essex seniors, Woodman's student workers and local families. A restaurant day at The James and a Left Right Center night in Manchester are coming up.

EssexManchester-by-the-Sea

Business

Casella takes over Gloucester trash pickup Thursday as purple bags end

Cape Ann Current Staff How we work

The city's new hauler starts automated cart collection Oct. 1 under a five-year contract. Most homes now pay $300 a year on the utility bill, and bulk items must be booked with Casella.

Gloucester

Business

Two new wellness businesses open on Manchester's Beach Street

Cape Ann Current Staff How we work

Renew by the Sea Regenerative Care and A'mi Nail Studio have set up shop downtown. The nail studio holds a free open house Oct. 8.

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Business

Rocky Neck Art Colony sets Halloween fundraiser at 51 Rocky Neck Oct. 24

Cape Ann Current Staff How we work

The third annual Beaux Arts Ball adds an online auction of 12 experiences. Tickets are $75, or $60 for colony members.

Gloucester

Business

Ipswich River Craft opens its new Essex studio with a ribbon cutting Thursday

Cape Ann Current Staff How we work

The maker of hand painted nautical flag signs celebrates on John Wise Avenue Oct. 1. Also: a new manager at Beacon Bank's Gloucester branch.

EssexGloucesterManchester-by-the-Sea

From Cape Ann Chamber members

Member posts from the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce news page, written by the businesses themselves. We report out the newsworthy ones.