North Common - Lawrence, MA Area Guide

The North Common area has had a rich and diverse history with influences from all over the world. Abbott Lawrence and four other Water Power Association Members purchased the area and built the Great Stone Dam in 1845, harnessing the power of the Merrimack River. This fueled the textile mills within the community, which were the foundation of the area's economy. In 1912, 25,000 workers went on strike in North Common, creating one of the most important labor actions in American history. The strike is known as the Bread and Roses strike or the Lawrence textile strike. The strikers eventually won wage increases for both themselves and workers across New England.

The Lawrence History Center, formerly the Immigrant City Archives, has spent four decades collecting, preserving and exhibiting the history of the city and its people. The Essex Art Center hosts art classes, gallery exhibits, and events such as the New Paint gala, Octoberfest, and a Halloween 5K and kid's fun run.

Tripoli Pizza and Bakery serves fresh, hand-made, Italian-style breads as well as cookies, cakes, pastries, and the signature Tripoli Pizza. Ask for the pepperoni with extra cheese, and don't forget to try an authentic Italian cannoli. Whether it's the bread, cakes, or pizza that you crave, Tripoli has been serving it up since the 1940s, with locals just as loyal today as back then.

If you crave Mexican food, head to Cafe Azteca. Fresh, quality ingredients provide authentic, homemade Mexican fare in a chic, artistic environment. At Cafe Azteca, you can find all the dishes you know and love, including sizzling fajitas and cheesy quesadillas, as well as some you probably haven't heard of, such as puerco chipotle, thinly sliced pork served in a spicy chipotle salsa and topped with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese. Enjoy camarones al vegetal, a shrimp dish served with creamy salsa, sauteed celery, squash, zucchini, red peppers, carrots, onions, and cheese.

Nightlife can be found in downtown Lawrence on the streets that run parallel to the canal such as Common, Essex, and Methuen Street. Centro Nightclub is the go-to spot for DJs and dancing. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at Johnny G's Sports Bar, Rio Bar & Grill, or the Claddagh Pub, where the homey environment invites you to be one of the family as you watch the game, play billiards or darts, and enjoy some live music and good beer. Claddagh even provides your hangover cure with great pub grub such as a half-pound breakfast burger topped with cheese, ham or bacon, and a fried egg.

The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority's buses serve the Lawrence area including North Common. Buses on route 33 provide service to and from Boston. The North Common neighborhood is about 30 miles from downtown Boston. Commuting to Boston via bus takes about an hour. If you want speedier transportation options, call a cab. Options include Merrimack Taxi Inc and Caribe Express Transportation, as well as online choices such as Uber.

North Common has several bike-friendly roads and trails, especially along Bloody Brook, so when staying close to home, you can enjoy other means of transportation such as walking and biking. You can find free parking along the street available in most areas. Long-distance commuters have the benefit of easy access to major thoroughfares such as Interstate 495 and Route 28.

In the heart of North Common, Campagnone Common was named for three brothers who gave their lives during WWII. In this park you can find a great place for reflection and relaxation at the Robert Frost fountain, as well as a place for fun and games in its baseball field and playground. From the Civil War to the Gulf War, Campagnone Common proudly hosts monuments in honor of America's military history.

Dedicated to preserving and celebrating local history, Lawrence Heritage State Park has become a huge part of this community. The park began by turning an original mill worker boarding house into a free visitor center and park, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It has grown to include the North Canal Walkway, Pemberton Park, Riverfront Park and the Bashara Boathouse. Lawrence Heritage State Park hosts many annual events that have become community staples such as the Trolley Tours, May Day in the Park, Kite Festival in Pemberton Park, Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Lawrence Film Festival, and Matinee Movies in the Park.

The North Common Neighborhood Reviviendo Playground resides in the heart of North Common. The small park was built by the community to be a safe place for children and families to picnic and play. Other parks close to the area include Misserville Park, O'Neil Park, and Dr. Nina Scarito Park.

The cost of living in the North Common neighborhood of Lawrence is 25 percent less than the average cost of living in Boston, though still nearly 15 percent higher than the rest of the country. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in North Common costs on average $1,100.

Without a pass, a bus fare costs $1 per hour, which happens to be about how long it takes to reach downtown Boston from North Common in Lawrence. This may come as some relief since gas is nearly four percent higher here than the national average. That's not the case for beer in North Common, which costs on average just over $8, making it slightly lower than the national average.

North Common residents head to Essex Street to do their shopping in unique and trendy shops. Osiris Unlimited, a high-end store, offers hip and classy fashion apparel. Another great local gem, Atractivas Boutique by Eunice, specializes as a beauty salon and fashion boutique.

Small, locally-owned grocers service the area such as Jimenez Supermarket, Family Market, Grace's Market, Essex Street Market, and more. The Market Basket, a great local, family-owned supermarket chain, can be found in Essex Plaza Shopping Center. The chain features fairly priced, fresh produce, meat, and baked goods. The Lawrence Farmers Market, held twice a week during the months of July through October, offers all kinds of locally-grown produce and hand-made crafts. On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the farmers market opens at Campagnone Common and then again on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Route 28 at the corner of Broadway & Park Street across from Loft Five 50.