If you’re typing Ipswich MA zip code into a search bar, you’re likely looking for one specific number: 01938. That’s it. That is the magic sequence for this historic North Shore town. But honestly, if you think a five-digit number tells the whole story of where mail goes in this part of Essex County, you’re missing the weird, localized quirks that make Massachusetts geography a headache for newcomers.
Ipswich is big. It’s geographically sprawling compared to its neighbors like Hamilton or Wenham. We are talking about 42 square miles of salt marshes, drumlins, and some of the oldest colonial homes in the United States. Because the terrain is so varied—ranging from the high-end estates near Castle Hill to the tight-knit neighborhoods near the MBTA station—the way people use the 01938 zip code actually changes depending on who you’re talking to.
It’s just one code. Unlike Boston, which has a dozens, Ipswich keeps it simple with 01938. But simple doesn't always mean straightforward.
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The 01938 Boundary: Where Ipswich Ends and Confusion Begins
You’d think a zip code follows town lines. It doesn't. Not exactly.
The Ipswich MA zip code covers the vast majority of the town, but there are these strange little "grey zones" near the borders of Rowley and Essex. For instance, if you’re driving down Route 1A, you might pass a house that feels like it’s in Ipswich, looks like it’s in Ipswich, but the mail carrier treats it like Rowley (01969). This matters more than you’d think. If you are looking at real estate listings, always verify the tax records rather than just trusting the zip code on a Zillow pin.
Ipswich is famous for Crane Beach. It's famous for clams. But for the people living there, 01938 represents a specific lifestyle balance. You have the "In-Town" folks who can walk to the Choate Bridge—built in 1764 and arguably the oldest bridge of its kind in the country—and then you have the residents out on Argilla Road or toward the Neck.
The density varies wildly. In the town center, 01938 feels like a bustling, classic New England village. Five miles out toward the Crane Estate, the same zip code feels like a secluded coastal wilderness.
Why the Post Office Box Matters Here
Here is a pro-tip that locals know but Google won't necessarily scream at you: The physical Post Office in Ipswich is located at 120 Market Street.
Because Ipswich has so many historic narrow streets and rural routes, some residents still prefer or are required to use P.O. Boxes. If you see a mailing address that looks like Ipswich, MA 01938-9998, that extra four-digit suffix is a dead giveaway for the post office itself.
The "Zip+4" system is actually quite useful here. Because 01938 is so large, the extra four digits help the USPS sort mail for the disparate parts of town, like the business district versus the residential areas near Willowdale State Forest.
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Real Estate, Taxes, and the 01938 Premium
Does a zip code affect your wallet? In the North Shore, absolutely.
When people search for the Ipswich MA zip code, they are often doing it because they are comparing home prices to nearby 01915 (Beverly) or 01930 (Gloucester). Ipswich is unique because it offers a "Right to Farm" community vibe while maintaining a very high property value.
- Property Taxes: Ipswich has a different tax rate than Rowley or Hamilton.
- School District: The 01938 zip code is tied to the Ipswich Public School system, which is a major draw for families.
- Utility Services: Most of 01938 is served by Ipswich Municipal Light Department (IMLD). This is a huge deal. Because Ipswich has its own electric department, rates are often significantly lower than the surrounding towns served by National Grid or Eversource.
Honestly, the "municipal light" perk is one of the best-kept secrets of the 01938 zip code. When your neighbors in other towns are complaining about a 30% spike in electric delivery charges, Ipswich residents are usually sitting pretty with more stable, locally-controlled rates.
The Great "Ipswich vs. Pinehurst" Misconception
Sometimes, people get confused when they see "Pinehurst" or "Little Neck" associated with Ipswich. These aren't different zip codes. They are neighborhoods within 01938.
Little Neck is a fascinating case. It’s a private community on land owned by a trust (the Feoffees of the Grammar School). For a long time, the land was leased, not owned. Even though it has its own distinct culture and very specific road rules, it still sits firmly under the 01938 umbrella.
Logistics and Shipping to 01938
If you are shipping a package to Ipswich, you need to be careful with "Route 1."
Route 1 runs through the western edge of Ipswich, near the Topsfield and Rowley lines. There are businesses with Ipswich addresses that are actually located on the Turnpike (Route 1). If you just put "Ipswich, MA 01938" into a GPS without a specific street number, you might end up in a salt marsh or a farm field.
Ipswich is also a "commuter rail" town. The station is right in the heart of the 01938 zone. This makes the zip code highly desirable for people working in Boston who don't want to deal with the soul-crushing traffic of I-93 or Route 1. You can jump on the Newburyport/Rockport line and be at North Station in about 50 to 60 minutes.
The Environmental Factor
You can't talk about this zip code without mentioning the water. A huge chunk of 01938 is literally underwater or prone to flooding during King Tides.
If you're looking at property in the 01938 zip code, specifically near High Street or the coastal roads, checking the FEMA flood maps is more important than checking the school ratings. The Great Marsh—the largest continuous salt marsh in New England—dominates the eastern half of the zip code. It’s beautiful, it’s ecologically vital, but it also means that "01938" includes a lot of land that can never, ever be built upon.
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Practical Steps for Residents and Newcomers
If you are moving to the area or just trying to get business done in town, keep these specific logistics in mind.
First, verify your specific precinct. Even though there is only one zip code, Ipswich is divided into different voting precincts. You can find this through the Town Clerk’s office at 25 Green Street.
Second, set up your IMLD account immediately. Do not call National Grid. You will feel silly. The Ipswich Municipal Light Department is located at 272 High Street.
Third, get your beach sticker. Living in the 01938 zip code entitles you to a resident pass for Crane Beach. Without it, you're paying $30-$40 a visit during the summer, which is wild. Residents get a massive discount, but you need to prove your 01938 residency with a vehicle registration tied to an Ipswich address.
Lastly, pay attention to the mail. Because Ipswich has a high concentration of "First Period" houses (homes built between 1626 and 1725), some addresses are historically wonky. Some houses are tucked behind other houses on "shared driveways" that have their own names. If you’re expecting a delivery, adding a note about the nearest cross street or a physical landmark is usually a smart move.
The 01938 zip code is more than a routing number for the USPS. It’s a gateway to a town that refuses to turn into a cookie-cutter suburb. It’s a place where you’ll find world-class clams, billionaire estates, and 17th-century farmhouses all sharing the same five digits.
To ensure your mail or move goes smoothly, always use the full Zip+4 code found on the USPS Look Up tool. This small step bypasses the automated sorting errors that occasionally plague the rural routes stretching out toward the Rowley line. If you are registering a business, ensure your "Doing Business As" (DBA) paperwork is filed at Town Hall on Green Street, as the 01938 zip code is also home to a thriving community of local artisans and small-scale manufacturers who benefit from the town's unique commercial zoning.