$812,736Average Value$522Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Homes situated on a peninsula in Salem Willows
Jutting off the northern coast of Massachusetts, the peninsular neighborhood of Salem Willows sits close to where the Danvers River becomes a network of channels and sounds that eventually take the form of the Atlantic Ocean’s western fringes. Flanked by a pair of coves, it’s not rare to see the hulls and sails of boats dotting the surrounding waters from the numerous waterside beaches and parks on Salem Willows. “It’s a quintessential New England seaside neighborhood,” says Tyson Lynch, a broker and associate with The Proper Nest Real Estate. “It looks like it’s from a storybook. If you pull out pictures of some of the houses, it looks like something someone would’ve written about. You’re just steps from the water on three sides.”
The neighborhood is also part of the Salem Neck peninsula and includes Winter Island, where the stout white tower of the Fort Pickering Lighthouse sits on one of the easternmost points of the neighborhood. Though it’s no longer operational, the former beacon echoes the maritime past and present of the Massachusetts coastline. History also abounds in the nearby Salem, but locals are removed from the city’s general draws. “The appealing part is that it’s not really on the tourist map because it’s two miles away from downtown,” Lynch says. “If you’re looking to move to Salem and be out of the tourists, Salem Willows could be an option. You still have the history, because a lot of the houses there are from the 1800s, so you have these really beautiful Victorian cottages right by the water.”
Fort Pickering Lighthouse echoes the maritime past of Salem Willows.
Like a welcoming arm reaching out into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, Salem Willows offers stunning waterfront views from three sides.
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Homes with views of the water
Home inventory in Salem Willows is limited, though some have views of the coves and several have docks for mooring watercraft on the property. “There’s not a lot of inventory there,” Lynch says. “You seldom find properties coming on the market there, because they either stay in the family for generations or sell privately.” Prices rarely dip below $750,000, and some homes sell for over $1 million or even close to $2 million. Single-family homes are the most common design. “Prices have kicked up a bit from $750,000 recently,” Lynch says. “You do have some condos up there, usually in the $500,000s, depending on whether or not you’re on the water. Most of the styles there are Victorians and colonial-style homes, unless something was rebuilt recently.”
With its prime location along the water, a significant number of properties in Salem Willows boast enviable ocean views.
For those seeking a home where the beauty of the sea is a constant presence, Salem Willows presents a wealth of opportunities.
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Events and recreation on the water at Salem Willows Park
Salem Willows Park occupies part of the northernmost end of the neighborhood. “Back in the day, it used to have roller coasters,” Lynch says. “It’s a very East Coast seaside park. Nowadays, it has typical arcade-like things you’d have at a boardwalk.” Salem Willows Park hosts events like movie nights and concerts, and other amenities include sports courts and picnic areas. Boaters can take to the waters of the surrounding inlets, which include Cat Cove, Juniper Cove and Collins Cove, and the Salem Willows Yacht Club operates a boat ramp. The neighborhood offers proximity to several beaches, including Fort Pickering Beach, and kids can take to Juniper Point Playground. The attached Winter Island has a campground.
Experience the pleasure of overlooking Cat Cove from Salem Willows.
The gentle lapping of waves against the pier, the salty air, and the anticipation of a catch make fishing a beloved pastime in Salem Willows.
The city of Salem comes out in the snow for Freezin' For A Reason Polar Plunge.
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Dining in downtown Salem or on the water
Within Salem Willows itself, residents can find ice cream at the Holy Cow Ice Cream Café or E.W. Hobbs Popcorn, Ice Cream & Grill. “A of people love going to E.W. Hobbs,” Lynch says. “They’re also a restaurant, but for the most part, people go there in the summer for popcorn and ice cream.” With downtown Salem close by, though, residents can find more restaurants within a short drive or even bike or walk there. “Salem’s food scene is pretty eclectic and diverse,” Lynch says. “If you can think about it, it’s likely there. There’s Moroccan, Indian, Mexican, lots of American, ramen and classic seafood. If you go to Pickering Wharf, you have a bunch of seafood options. Everything there is within a mile and a half of the Willows.”
On Derby Street, Mercy Tavern serves classic pub fare. “They have live music with blues, jazz and rock on the weekends,” Lynch says. “It’s a pretty interesting spot. The food is good and the drinks are good.” Locals can also find baked goods at Ziggy & Sons Donuts or head closer to the water in downtown for more eateries. Finz Salem serves up seafood, while Longboards Restaurant & Bar has outdoor seating and the Sea Level Oyster Bar offers dining with views of the water. Grocery shoppers have a Stop & Shop less than 5 miles inland in Peabody.
At Sea Level Oyster Bar, located just a stone's throw from Salem Willows, you can indulge in a delectable meal of expertly prepared seafood.
Stop & Shop is the primary supermarket near Salem Willows.
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Parades, historical sites and more mark the calendar and area
The area also hosts events outside of Salem’s typical annual festivities. The annual “Parade of Horribles” alludes to a Northeast tradition dating back to the mid-19th century. “It happens in northeastern communities around the Fourth of July,” Lynch says. “Historically, they would satire what’s going on in the news or politics – locally or nationally. The Willows have just continued the tradition.” Locals can also visit the grounds of Fort Lee, which dates to 1776. Salem proper is known for its Halloween parades and celebrations, but other events include a maritime festival and Revolutionary War battle commemorations. “There’s always stuff happening in Salem,” Lynch says.
Education close to the coastline at Carlton Elementary School
Neighborhood students are served by Salem Public Schools, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Carlton Elementary School sits on a neighboring body of land that juts out into the water and earns a B-minus. The public school pipeline continues farther inland, from the C-rated Collins Middle School to Salem High School, which receives a B-minus and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. In 2024, Salem High School received a “School of Distinction” recognition from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Carlton Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of Salem.
Collins Middle School provides education to the residents in Salem MA.
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Limited avenues into and out of Salem Willows
Fort Avenue and Szetela Lane are the only two-way roads that make their way into Salem Willows, which Lynch notes can be a drawback for residents. Downtown Salem is less than 3 miles from the furthest reaches of Salem Willows, while Boston is around 25 miles south and Manchester-by-the-Sea is less than 15 miles northeast. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has stops in the area and a train station that reaches Boston in just over half an hour. The Salem Ferry links locals to Boston, running from May to November. “Salem also has a bike program where you can rent bikes and ride them to downtown,” Lynch says. Interstate 95 is around 7 miles or more from the neighborhood. Beverly Hospital sits less than 5 miles north.
GreatSchools:
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tyson Lynch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Irzyk Park
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
30 min drive
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Salem Willows, Salem sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Salem Willows, Salem over the last 12 months is $872,000, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
GORGEOUS OCEAN VIEWS from every room of this adorable 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom Victorian in the very special Juniper Point neighborhood. You won't believe the efficient use of space that allows for a spacious kitchen with quartz counters and stainless steel appliances opening into a gracious dining room with views of the water. The living room features full ocean views and fireplace and the
Waterfront access doesn't get better than this! A coastal beach condo located on first floor with one level living. Enjoy breathtaking and panoramic views of Salem Harbor and direct access to the beach & ocean and the natural beauty of the coastline. There is an updated large three-season deck along with an additional enclosed smaller deck, perfect for all season enjoyment. Primary bedroom
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tyson Lynch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
854
Median Age
51
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,437
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,229
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.8%
College Graduates
60.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
16/ 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.
