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Salem
Considered to be one of the best places to live in Massachusetts, Salem is a city on the north coast of Massachusetts above Boston.... it's a land of enchantment, history, and culture! Salem is a good place for young couples and families. Not only is Salem more affordable than living in Boston and Cambridge, but its small-town charm makes it one of the most sought-after places to live in the New England region.
Earth and World 2024
Salem Historical
Salem History
Salem is famous for its 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. Landmarks from this episode include the Witch House, the former home of a trial judge. The Peabody Essex Museum has a massive collection of global art and artifacts, including a rebuilt Qing-era Chinese house.
Salem Demographics
Salem, MA has a population of 43,897. What about cost of living in Salem, MA? The median income in Salem, MA is $72,884 and the median home value is $553,143.
Some of the best neighborhoods in or around Salem, Massachusetts are South Salem, Salem Neck and North Salem. Consider buying or renting a home in one of these popular neighborhoods.
Most people in Salem, MA drive alone to work, and the average commute time was 31.1 minutes. The average car ownership in Salem, MA was two cars per household.
WOKQ
Realtor.com
The Salem Market
The real estate market in Salem, MA, is known for its blend of historic charm and modern appeal, drawing both buyers and investors. The city offers a mix of homes, from centuries-old colonial houses to newer constructions, often priced higher due to Salem’s proximity to Boston and its vibrant cultural scene. While the market can be competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods close to the waterfront and downtown, Salem's unique character—highlighted by its rich history, museums, and coastal views—continues to attract a diverse range of buyers. As a result, property values have seen steady growth, with a growing demand for both single-family homes and condos.
Things to Do in Salem, MA
Explore this spooky-meets-historic town full of unique shops, restaurants, tea rooms, ocean views, and walking tours!
Shopping & Dining
- Ledger Restaurant - located in a historic Salem building, this spot is situated right along many of the walking tour routes
Olde Main Street Pub
Hawthorne Hotel - a popular and stunning 1920s building that offers lodging, dining, and events including the Halloween Ball
The Record Exchange - filled with new & used collectible records for music enthusiasts
Modern Millie - vintage style clothing boutique
Artemisia Botanicals
The Cauldron Black
Crow Haven Corner - oldest witch store in Salem!
Coven's Cottage
Hex
In Salem, Massachusetts, there are some excellent food tours that offer a delicious way to explore the city's history and culinary scene. One of the most popular is Salem Food Tours, which offers a variety of walking tours that combine tastings with local history. Their Afternoon Stroll (3.5+ hours) and Salem Food Tour (4.5+ hours) provide a chance to sample local treats such as New England clam chowder, artisanal bread, cheese, wine, and chocolate, all while learning about Salem’s historical spice trade and modern cultural landscape
Woodworking Stores:
Atlantis Woodworking offers high-quality architectural woodworking services. Based at 283 Derby Street, they specialize in home repairs and renovations using wood and plastics. You can contact them at (978) 745-5312 for further inquiries
National Lumber on 33 Mason Street provides a well-stocked lumberyard with various building materials, from doors and windows to decking, and also includes woodworking supplies for DIY and professional projects
Winer Bros. Hardware at 86 Lafayette Street in Salem is another place where you can find tools and materials for woodworking, along with a wide range of hardware supplies
Crow Haven Corner
Pyramid Books
Libraries & Bookstores
Salem Public Library offers a variety of museum passes that can be reserved by library cardholders. You can access discounted or free entry to museums in Salem and beyond, including the Salem Witch Museum, House of the Seven Gables, and Peabody Essex Museum, as well as more distant attractions like the Museum of Science and Boston Children's Museum.
Pyramid Books - Blend of metaphysical store and bookstore.
Wicked Good Books - Large independent bookstore with Boston flair!
Historic Homes of Salem
The House of Seven Gables - Most famous for being the setting of the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel by the same name.
Daniels House Historic Site - Salem's oldest inn
Phillips House - with tours and history galore!
Salem, Massachusetts, is home to the Real Pirates Salem museum, which showcases an exciting exhibit focused on the infamous pirate ship Whydah Gally. The ship, captained by "Black Sam" Bellamy, was famously wrecked off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717 during a violent nor'easter storm. This wreck is one of the most significant pirate shipwrecks in history.
Baker's Island is a small island located off the coast of Salem, Massachusetts. The island is known for its historic lighthouse, Baker's Island Light, which has been guiding ships since 1828. The lighthouse, a focal point of the island, is still operational and managed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
7gables.org
Wix
Dog Spots
Many shops and restaurants with outdoor seating in downtown Salem are welcoming to dogs. Additionally, some local cafes and stores put out water bowls and treats for visiting pets.
For off-leash opportunities, check out nearby towns or designated dog parks such as Danvers Dog Park and Lynn Woods Reservation, which offer more extensive space for dogs to run freely.
Parks in Salem
- Salem Common
Winter Island Park
Willows Park (Salem Willows)
Mack Park
Wikipedia
Monterey Boats
Water & Swimming
Salem, Massachusetts, is known for its beautiful waterfront and rivers, offering a mix of historical charm and natural beauty. The city's rivers and shores have played a significant role in its maritime history and continue to be a key feature of the area today. Here’s a closer look at the rivers and shorelines in and around Salem:
Salem Harbor
Dead Horse Beach
Winter Island Park
The Naumkeag River
Bass River (Beverly and Salem Border)
The Essex River (North of Salem)
Salem Neck
Hikes and Nature
- Salem Woods
Salem Maritime National Historic Site: While not a traditional hiking location, this area has walkways along the waterfront with historical markers and beautiful views of the sea, blending a walking experience with a bit of history.
Gallows Hill Park has some trails and wooded areas that can be explored for short walks or casual hikes.
Forest River Park
All Trails
Notch Brewing Company
Breweries
Salem, Massachusetts, has a growing brewery scene that offers locals and visitors a range of craft beer experiences. Here are some notable breweries in Salem:
Notch Brewing
East Regiment Beer Company
Deacon Giles Distillery & Speakeasy Lab
Village Tavern
These establishments contribute to Salem's lively food and drink culture, offering a mix of traditional and innovative flavors in their craft beer selections.
Nightlife
All Souls Lounge - vintage vibes with neon lights and youthful bites!
Mercy Tavern - has live music!
Bit Bar - Old-school bar with arcade games and more.
All Souls Lounge
Coffee Shops
Odd Meter Coffee Co
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
On the Grind Cafe - Family-owned!
On the Grind Cafe
Farms & Farmers' Markets
- Salem Farmers' Market: Located in Derby Square, in the heart of downtown Salem. Typically runs from early June through mid-October, Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Find fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, meats, seafood, flowers, and handmade products from local artisans. The market often features live music and events, creating a lively community atmosphere.
Maitland Farm - homegrown pickles and more!
Salem Farmers' Market
WikiDo
Town Days
Salem Heritage Days: Typically held in early August. A week-long celebration that includes family-friendly activities, live music, a pizza competition, ice cream social, arts and crafts fairs, and other community-centric events.
Haunted Happenings: October (entire month). This famous festival embraces Salem’s history as the "Witch City" and draws visitors from all over.
Salem Arts Festival: Early June. A celebration of the local arts community featuring live performances, art installations, and vendor booths. The festival spans multiple days and showcases a variety of artistic talents, including music, theater, and visual arts.
Salem So Sweet Festival (Feb.): This event celebrates Valentine’s Day with ice sculptures, chocolate tastings, and promotions at local shops and restaurants.
Hotels & Places to Stay
- The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites - A modern hotel located right on the water, offering spacious rooms and suites, many with views of Salem Harbor. It’s a popular choice for both tourists and business travelers.
The Merchant - A stylish boutique hotel housed in a historic building, offering contemporary rooms and a prime location near downtown Salem's shops and attractions.
The Hawthorne Hotel - A historic hotel dating back to 1925, located in the heart of Salem. It features classic, elegant rooms and is known for its charm, as well as its proximity to Salem’s historic sites and waterfront.
Salem Inn - A collection of three historic homes that have been converted into a charming inn. The Salem Inn is known for its cozy, old-world charm and central location.
Witch City Inn - A budget-friendly, simple motel with basic amenities located a bit outside of the historic downtown but still within a reasonable distance to Salem’s main attractions.
Destination Salem
Transportation
Salem, MA, benefits from a variety of transportation options that make it relatively accessible for residents and visitors alike. The city is well-connected to the greater Boston area via major highways, most notably Interstate 95 (Route 128) and Route 1A, which provide quick access to neighboring communities and the regional interstate system. This makes commuting to and from Boston, about 16 miles south, relatively easy, though traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours.
In terms of public transit, Salem is served by the MBTA commuter rail, with the Salem station offering regular service to North Station in Boston, making it a popular choice for commuters. Additionally, there are several bus routes that connect the city to surrounding areas, though Salem’s public transit infrastructure is generally considered less extensive compared to larger cities.
For those who prefer non-motorized transportation, Salem has been expanding its bike infrastructure, with designated bike lanes and bike racks placed around the city, particularly near the waterfront and downtown areas. The city also promotes bike-sharing programs and has worked to make the downtown area more pedestrian-friendly. However, biking conditions can be inconsistent in certain areas, and further improvements are needed to provide a more seamless, safe experience for cyclists.
While transportation options are relatively good, traffic congestion and parking can be challenges, particularly in the historic downtown district, where narrow streets and heavy tourist activity limit space. Nonetheless, Salem’s transportation network provides a solid mix of commuting options that can accommodate the needs of its residents and visitors.
Flooding & Flood Insurance
Salem, MA, faces significant flood risk, particularly due to its coastal location and low-lying areas near the Salem Harbor and the Danvers River. According to data from FirstStreet.org, a substantial portion of Salem’s properties are at risk of flooding, with increasing threats from sea level rise and storm surges, particularly in neighborhoods along the waterfront. These areas are classified in higher risk flood zones, where extreme rainfall and coastal flooding are expected to worsen in the coming decades. In fact, rising sea levels and more frequent storms could elevate the potential for flood damage, increasing the likelihood of property damage, disruption, and financial loss. Given these risks, homeowners in Salem should strongly consider investing in flood insurance to protect against potential future flooding.
