$513,509Average Value$514Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
The stately town hall hosts a plethora of events, be sure to check it out when visiting Salem.
History and commercial activity in Salem
Downtown Salem is known for its storied past and chilling tales of witchcraft. From the cod fishermen that initially gave rise to the city’s wealth, to the Salem Witch Trials in the 1690s, there is plenty of history here. However, today's Salem offers much more than what's found in witch movies and historical documents. The downtown community is a thriving, walkable area with dozens of multi-use buildings that house local boutiques and restaurants on the ground floor, and apartments and condos above. These buildings are just a short walk from museums and historical sites, and parks are less than 2 miles from most homes. Locals also have access to Boston via the commuter rail or nearby highways. “People think that Salem is a spooky city, but it is so much more than that with the history and architecture that can be found around every corner,” says Julie Andrews, a sales associate with Keller Williams Evolution who has been serving Salem for over 10 years.
Red's Sandwich Shop has been proudly serving Salem since 1945.
Dining options in repurposed banks and Irish pubs
Many refer to Salem as the restaurant capital north of Boston, and the majority of the city’s most popular options are in the heart of downtown. Ledger is one of the more established spots here, built out of the former Salem Savings Bank from 1818. The use of classic architecture and low lighting creates an inviting eating space. A 360-degree bar is at the restaurant’s core, so a hot order of their famous popovers and a custom seasonal cocktail are just steps away from the table. Right across the street from Ledger is O'Neil’s Pub & Restaurant, a more laid-back establishment with Irish and sports team paraphernalia lining the walls. Friends often meet up here to watch the Celtics and enjoy the pub’s famous Shepherd's pie. Next to the Salem Witch Memorial, All Souls, is a bar where local store owners and residents can relax with a cocktail and order a sandwich after a long day. “I absolutely love the grilled cheese sandwiches there,” Andrews says. These popular restaurants are next to numerous boutiques and stores, many catering to visitors and tourists with their magical or witchy themes. Grocery shopping options include local stores like Steve's Quality Market and nearby chains such as Stop & Shop and Market Basket, less than 2 miles away.
The Samantha statue in Salem is one of the most photographed statues in town.
Sidewalks and commuter rails in the downtown area
Transportation options are one of the main reasons for Salem’s popularity. The city itself is only around 8 square miles, so the entire community is walkable, especially downtown. This is further improved by streets with boutiques and restaurants being closed off to cars, increasing the amount of daily foot traffic. The Salem commuter rail station is on the northern end of the neighborhood and takes residents to Boston’s North Station in just about 30 minutes. “You have a real ability to get anywhere from Salem, whether you want to go skiing to the north or head 30 minutes to the south for Boston,” says Dan Fox, a broker with MerryFox Realty who has served the community for over 25 years. Part of this access is due to the Yankee Division Highway that is a short drive to the west of downtown. However, with all the transportation options available to residents, it is not uncommon for cars to remain in the driveway or parking lot for days at a time. Boston Logan International Airport is 16 miles to the south, and Salem Hospital is less than a mile away.
Salem's Winter Island is a popular recreation spot known for it's natural beauty.
The Salem Common and Winter Island
Downtown Salem residents can walk the shaded streets to access recreation options. The closest park to the area is the Salem Common, a wide-open green space with paved sidewalks that crisscross a stone pavilion. These paths connect a shaded seating area, a popular spot for local events, to the basketball court and playset on the other side of the park. “It’s a very dog friendly area,” Andrews says, “I walk my dog there all the time.” Winter Island Park offers camping spots and boat ramps alongside the Historic Fort Pickering Lighthouse. The park is also home to Waikiki Beach, which Andrews says is quite different from the Hawaiian beach with the same name. The Salem YMCA, which fits seamlessly into the downtown area, houses numerous gyms and a pool behind its historic façade.
The Peabody Essex Museum is truly fantastic museum to visit when in Salem.
Museums and events throughout the year
In Downtown Salem, there are plenty of activities for tourists and residents, even when it is not the Halloween season. Downtown museums contribute to many of the area's happenings. The Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest continuously running museum in the country. It features historic galleries and rotating exhibits that create a labyrinth of information and art. The historic city hall is where reenactments of the Salem Witch Trials take place, and tour groups pause to learn about the city’s history. Festivals and events throughout the year include the Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival in February, where illuminated ice sculptures and chocolate competitions among local vendors take place.
A number of classic Federal Style homes line the sun soaked streets of Salem.
Multifamily and multiuse buildings above Salem storefronts
Multi-unit and multi-use buildings make up most of the housing options in Downtown Salem. While it may seem that there is little space for residences, a quick glance up from the ground-level storefronts reveals curtains and personal touches on windowsills. These condos and apartments are typically two- to six-story structures and share similar construction dates. Most were built in the 1980s and 1990s, but some date back as far as the early 1900s. “Even with all the historic buildings around, there are many new developments and new apartments popping up all around the city, especially by the river and the train station,” Fox says. "You really get a lot more for your money out here." Prices downtown can range from around $300,000 to $700,000, and rent often runs between $1,500 and $4,000 per month.
Music programs in Salem public schools
Students in Downtown Salem can start their education at the Carlton Innovation School, which receives a B-minus rating on Niche. They may continue on to Collins Middle School, which receives a C rating. The final stop for many students is the B-minus-rated Salem High School, which Andrews says has become known for its music and band programs. The high school band previously played at the Rose Bowl and won the New England Championship in November of 2024. Additional education options include the Salem Academy Charter School, which earns a B-plus rating and is ranked as one of the top 10 charter schools in the state.
Collins Middle School provides education to the residents in Salem MA.
Carlton Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of Salem.
Salem High School provides education in the neighborhood of
South Salem
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Parks in this Area
Piperpont Park
Winter Island - Waikiki Beach
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
26 min drive
Train
Salem
Bus
Salem
Bus
Hawthorne Blvd & Essex St
Bus
Washington St & New Derby St
Bus
Hawthorne Blvd & Derby St
Bus
Washington St & Church St
Bus
New Derby St & Klopp Alley
Bus
Hawthorne Blvd & Washington Sq S
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Salem, Salem sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $467,126, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated penthouse unit in desirable building with Westerly views across the city of historic Derby Square and Old Town Hall. Located in the heart of Salem, steps from shops, restaurants, museums, harbor, the Salem Common and the Commuter Rail, this unit has it all. Renovations by the current owners resulted in a spacious gourmet kitchen with newly installed quartz countertops and tile floors as
Looking to build your dream home? Perhaps a builder or developer looking for your next project? A rare find in well established neighborhood in Historical Salem MA. close to park, schools, shopping, and major routes and all the vibrant Community has to offer. If you have even bigger dreams a 2nd .23 buildable lot is also available. Surveyed and flagged. Raw land. Public water/sewer
A rare find in Salem, MA. .23 Buildable lot located on Salem/Peabody townline in well established neighborhood close to schools, shopping & major routes. The Northshore Community offers MBTA Commuter LIne, Salem State University, Salem Willows and Winter Island truly something for everyone to explore & so much more. Have even bigger dreams 2nd lot is also available. Surveyed & flagged. Sold as
This nice 1 Bed 1 Bath place in the SALEM area is available for 06-01-2025. Included Features are: Laundry in Unit. 1.Boston Pads is not responsible for any errors, omissions and change in price, prior sale, rent and withdrawal without notice. All information from sources reliable but not guaranteed. Photographs, videos, description and information about the properties reflect conditions
Located in the heart of Salem’s Downtown near many great restaurants, bars, shops, Salem’s waterfront, and The Peabody Essex Museum. Convenient to the commuter train station with only a 30-minute commute to Boston. 1-bedroom 1-bathroom apartment in downtown Salem’s newly renovated Peabody Building offers 14-foot ceilings, modern kitchen with stainless appliances and quartz counters, penny tile
Welcome to the heart of historic Salem! This spacious 1.5-bedroom apartment blends charm and convenience with a flexible layout that includes a dedicated office or study — perfect for working from home or adding extra space to your daily routine.Inside, you'll find a modern open-concept kitchen and living area with high ceilings, sleek black granite countertops, and maple cabinetry. The
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Virginia Todd,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,668
Median Age
43
Population under 18
15.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,810
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$104,156
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
62.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
