$644,707Average Value$416Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Witch City, USA
It is nearly impossible to reference South Salem, Massachusetts without conjuring images of witchcraft and the infamous trials of 1692. Rather than hide this past, the community honors the lost lives with memorials and by making accurate historical information available as it continues to be discovered. But the gravity of reality has not stopped the city from having a bit of fun with its national reputation. The high school proudly boasts that it is the “Home of the Witches”, and the silhouette of a pointy-hatted spellcaster astride a flying broomstick adorns the water tower to be seen for miles around. Police cars are emblazoned with this same symbol in the center of their shield, proclaiming Salem “The Witch City”. Even the shopping centers get in on the festivities, as Witch City Mall remains a popular destination in the center of town. All through October, tourists descend upon Salem to make a month-long celebration of Halloween, taking walking tours inspired by hit films like Hocus Pocus and snapping photographs with the statue of Samantha, the lead character of the classic sitcom Bewitched. However, Halloween is not the only appeal for visitors. “Salem has a great history,” says Realtor David Brown with Coldwell Banker, who was born and raised in the North Shore. “There’s tourism year-round now. There are lots of woodlands and trails, the ocean, Salem State University – there’s always something to do in Salem.”
Salem, MA is well known for the witch trials that took place in 1692.
South Salem is a quaint neighborhood in a busy city.
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Cape Cods, colonials and condos
In South Salem, streets are lined with charming Cape Cods nestled on Housing stock in South Salem is a mix of colonial-style single-family homes and Victorian-era constructions, several which have been adapted into condos. Cape Cods, Tudor revivals, midcentury Colonial Revivals and bungalows all line the tightly packed streets, set back from sidewalks by walkways that lead to front doors. Homes tend to sit on small lots, with backyards just large enough for fenced-in gardens. Street parking is common on the narrow neighborhood roads, although several homes do have driveways large enough for singular vehicles. During the autumn, the influx of visitors can put a strain on available parking spaces. However, the city takes steps to minimize homeowners’ inconveniences. “If you live in Salem, you get a special parking sticker,” Brown says. “If you have that in your window you can park anywhere, whereas tourists will have to pay for parking in most places.” Prices for condos begin around $350,000 and rise as high as $575,000, while single-family homes tend to cost anywhere between $400,000 and $900,000. Cozy lots, as well as some larger classic and colonial properties, some of which date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many older properties have been converted into townhouses and condominiums. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about two weeks and typically sell between $400,000 and $600,000.
South Salem streets are lined with charming Cape Cods nestled on cozy lots.
South Salem's large historic homes grace Lafayette Street.
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The largest Halloween celebration in the world
Every year, on the first Thursday of October, the town kicks off the Halloween season with its Haunted Happenings Parade. This nighttime tradition sees crowds of costumed locals and tourists march through the city from Shetland Park to Salem Common. This begins the world’s largest celebration of all things magical and spooky, which includes live magic shows, craft fairs, street markets, costume-making expos and witch trial reenactments. Dozens of events take place daily every night throughout October, and annual visitor numbers routinely climb over 15,000. Throughout the rest of the year, walking tours of the city draw visitors from up and down the coast. One underappreciated part of Salem’s story is its history as a haven for pirates, which can be explored at the Real Pirates Salem Museum on Derby Street. The Peabody Essex Museum features exhibits of modern American and Asian art, while the literary crowd can visit Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous House of the Seven Gables.
Crow Haven Corner offers tarot card readings in Salem, MA.
South Salem residents head to the nearby Haunted Happenings Marketplace on the weekends.
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Salem Public Schools and Salem State University
Children in South Salem attend Salem Public Schools such as Witchcraft Heights Elementary, which earns a C-plus from Niche. English as a Second Language instructors at Witchcraft Heights have received recognition from Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and earned the 2022 Teacher of the Year award. Other options include the Saltonstall School, a public institution that educates students from kindergarten through grade 8 and scores a B-minus. Salem High School, the home of the witches, also receives a B-minus and partners with Salem State University to offer students an early college program. Established in 1854, Salem State University is among the oldest and largest colleges in the North Shore region of Massachusetts.
Salem High School educates the students of Salem, MA in grades 9th through 12th.
Salem State University is found on the outskirts of downtown Salem.
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Modern shopping and classic eats
Crosby’s Marketplace on Canal Street is the closest supermarket, and fresh produce is also available at Daily Table toward the center of town. The nearest Target is 3 miles west of the neighborhood at the Hawthorne Square shopping center, where folks can also pick up weekend project supplies at The Home Depot and the first coffee of the morning at Dunkin’. Essex Street is Salem's commercial center, home to many popular tourist destinations, restaurants and specialty shops. “The restaurant scene in Salem is excellent,” Brown says. “There’s tons of good places to eat. Ledger Restaurant is an old bank building that’s been remodeled into a restaurant, and Bambolina has great pizza.” The Village Tavern at Witch City Mall is a popular patio stop in the center of town. Prospective witches and wizards shouldn’t miss an opportunity to stop into Wynott’s Wands, while Ye Olde Pepper Company claims to be among the oldest candy shops in the United States.
Residents in South Salem enjoy people watching at Rockefellas on Essex Street.
The Village Tavern at Witch City Mall is a great spot for food and fun near South Salem.
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Forest River Park - the feather in the mayor's cap
Forest River Park is located on a small peninsula jutting into Salem Harbor. Residents can head here to play baseball on the diamond at Stephen M. O’Grady Field, basketball on McKenna Court or enjoy a day at the beach when the weather is pleasant. “Forest River Park used to be kind of run down,” Brown says. “But it’s been redone, with the new Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center. The pool there is fabulous. That was a real feather in the cap of the mayor, who’s now Lieutenant Governor.” At the Salem Pioneer Village, visitors can experience a recreation of life in colonial times. Year-round, folks can walk the Marblehead Rail Trail from Mill Street in Salem all the way to Roundhouse Road in nearby Marblehead, roughly a 3-mile journey. There is a nine-hole golf course at Olde Salem Green, with tee times available to be scheduled up to a week in advance by Season Pass holders. The course blends effortlessly into Salem Woods Highland Park, a 129-acre plot of forest and marshland woven through with trails.
Kids in South Salem have a blast at the adventurous playground at Forest River Park.
South Salem is home to Old Salem Greens golf course.
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Options for getting around town
While the neighborhood is somewhat bikeable and walkable, most residents still have cars to get to the surrounding area. Lafayette Street is the effective Main Street of the area, running from the harbor coast to Old Town Hall. South Salem is 7 miles from the nearest access point to Interstate 95, although it is just 1 mile from Salem Station. Any of the city’s bus lines can bring residents here, where they can catch the Newburyport/Rockport Line train and be in Boston in just over half an hour.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tyson Lynch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Salem Common
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Forest River Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Castle Hill Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Marrs Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Salem Woods Highland Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Hiking
Pickman Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Broad Street Playground
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Palmer Cove Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Trails
High Street Park
Basketball
Playground
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
24 min drive
Bus
Highland Ave & Marlborough Rd
Bus
Highland Ave & Walmart
Bus
Loring Ave Opp Leggs Hill Rd
Bus
Highland Ave & Thomas Circle
Bus
Loring Ave Opp Jefferson Ave
Bus
Opp 30 Highland Ave
Bus
Highland Ave & Salem Hospital
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Salem
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Salem, Salem sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $573,126, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic and character-rich 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial located in South Salem, just minutes from Salem State University, downtown Salem, and Salem Harbor. This home offers the perfect mix of period details and updates, including a new oil heating system (2021) and a new roof (2022). Inside, a warm and inviting kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite countertops and plenty of storage. Well-designed
NEW CONSTRUCTION. 5 Rooms. 3 Bedrooms. One Full Bath. One 3/4 Bath. First floor unit. Open floor plan. 3/4" oak hardwood flooring throughout. Central air/heat Bosch Units. Beautiful kitchen w/42" wall cabinets with large island, Quartz counter tops, SS Whirlpool appliances. Pantry closet. Linen closet. Double hung Harvey windows. independent parking for 2 vehicles. Large common area
NEW CONSTRUCTION. 5 Rooms. 3 Bedrooms. One Full Bath. One 3/4 Bath. First floor unit. Open floor plan. 3/4" oak hardwood flooring throughout. Central air/heat Bosch Units. Beautiful kitchen w/42" wall cabinets with large island, Quartz counter tops, SS Whirlpool appliances. Pantry closet. Linen closet. Double hung Harvey windows. independent parking for 2 vehicles. Large common area
NEW CONSTRUCTION. 5 Rooms. 3 Bedrooms. One Full Bath. One 3/4 Bath. First floor unit. Open floor plan. 3/4" oak hardwood flooring throughout. Central air/heat Bosch Units. Beautiful kitchen w/42" wall cabinets with large island, Quartz counter tops, SS Whirlpool appliances. Pantry closet. Linen closet. Double hung Harvey windows. independent parking for 2 vehicles. Large common area
Top floor PENTHOUSE unit w spectacular OCEAN VIEW and LOW condo fee! This modern 2-bed, 2-bath unit boasts a spacious open flr plan, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy breathtaking water views everyday from your kitchen or private deck plus abundant natural sunlight pouring through high ceilings and large windows. The dream worthy kitchen is equipped w island, ss appliances,
The Lucci Witte TeamWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
UNIT 1 IS VACANT. UNIT 2 LEASE ENDS MAY 31ST. UNIT 3 TAW, MOVING OUT JULY 31ST. Adding to the rental portfolio? Or maybe looking to get started? Look no further than 3 Hazel Street. Unit 1 and 2 offer flexible configuration and can be used as 1 or 2 bedroom units, each with 1 bathroom. Unit 3 is a charming 1 bed 1 bath unit. Unit 1 has had a recent renovation including new kitchen, refinished
Jonathan McCarronWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
Welcome to 278 Lafayette Street, Unit 2 – a beautifully maintained, sun-splashed condo in the vibrant heart of Salem. This spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath home blends historic charm with modern updates, offering an ideal setting for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone looking to enjoy the North Shore lifestyle. Step inside to find a warm and inviting floor plan with hardwood floors throughout,
This nice 1 Bed 1 Bath place in the SALEM area is available for 08-01-2025. Included Features are: Laundry in Unit.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 at
Spacious two bedroom apartment located in close proximity to all Salem has to offer, but tucked away on a quiet side street! In addition to the bedrooms and bathroom, this large first floor unit also includes a kitchen, dining room, living room, and another room perfect for a home office. This well-maintained unit includes a lot of original character, including hardwood floors, a stained glass
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
9,117
Median Age
33
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$79,600
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$95,337
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
College Graduates
51.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.9%
% Population in Labor Force
73.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
71/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 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.
