Situated about 6 miles from Hatch and 46 miles to Las Cruces, Salem offers a peaceful country lifestyle in the center of the United States’ chile industry. Hatch, the nearest town, is renowned for the Hatch chile, and many of Salem’s residents work on the farms that grow the famous crop. The overall CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. While Hatch offers a few dining and grocery options, residents typically travel to Las Cruces, 46 miles away, but close access to Interstate 25 makes for an easy trip. Salem is also near two of New Mexico’s largest lakes, Caballo Lake and Elephant Butte Lake.
Elephant Butte State Park is just a short drive from Salem, offering scenic views and outdoor adventures.
The fields near Salem burst with green during chile and onion season.
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Manufactured homes that rarely enter the market
Most homes here are manufactured houses that sit close together along narrow sidewalk-less streets, though some stucco-sided ranch-style homes are also available. Properties are typically surrounded by stucco or chain-link fencing, and landscaping features low-water plantings and dirt front yards that offer plenty of room for parking. Farmland surrounds the community’s center, and homes on the outskirts sit farther apart along gravel and dirt roads. Houses in Salem rarely come on the market. According to a Homes.com calculation, which uses a combination of estimate data, the average home value was around $190,000 in early 2025.
Salem's manufactured homes are a popular choice for those looking for affordable country living.
With their large plots of land, Salem’s ranch houses offer privacy and tranquility.
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Swimming and boating at Caballo Lake State Park
Farmland surrounds the community, giving it a feeling of open space. Hatch Valley Park in nearby Hatch has a playground for kids to burn off some energy. At the over 5,300-acre Caballo Lake State Park, 17 miles north, locals can swim or boat in the lake; fishing is also big here, and anglers can catch walleye and bass. The over 24,000-acre Elephant Butte Lake State Park is about 40 miles north, featuring more boating, fishing and swimming on the state’s largest lake.
Salem locals often head to Caballo State Park for picnics and family outings in the open, green spaces.
Hatch Valley Park features open spaces and a colorful playground for family gatherings.
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Green chile cheeseburgers at Sparky’s Burgers & BBQ
Hatch, located about 6 miles away, has the nearest restaurants and stores. Situated next to a statue of Uncle Sam holding a green chile, Sparky’s Burgers & BBQ is best known for its green chile cheeseburgers. Valley Café offers its own take on a green chile cheeseburger and also serves New Mexican-style breakfasts. Hatch is also home to several food stores specializing in chile products, and Dollar General and Village Market offer essentials. For more retail options, locals make the 46-mile trip to Las Cruces.
Salem locals flock to Sparky’s for its wide variety of burgers, from classic to unique creations.
Known for its fiery, flavorful chiles, the Hatch Chili Market celebrates New Mexico’s famous green chile varieties.
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The Hatch FFA at Hatch Valley High
Local kids can start school at Garfield Elementary, which serves kids from pre-kindergarten through Grade 2 and is located about 5 miles away. They can then attend Rio Grande Elementary, 7 miles away, from Grades 3 through 5. Both schools earn a C from Niche. Hatch Valley Middle earns a B-minus, and Hatch Valley High earns a C; both are also 7 miles away. Kids at Hatch Valley High can join the Hatch FFA, an agricultural organization that offers leadership and career development opportunities. Members can compete at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque and attend the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.
Rio Grande Elementary has a proud history of academic achievement and community spirit.
Hatch Valley High School has a great reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and tight-knit community.
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Along Interstate 25
Interstate 25 borders Salem, leading 6 miles to Hatch and about 46 miles to Las Cruces. With no public transportation, bike lanes or sidewalks, locals rely on their cars to get around. Sierra Vista Hospital is about 36 miles away in Truth or Consequences. Las Cruces International Airport, a general aviation airport with flights to Albuquerque, is about 52 miles away, and El Paso International Airport is a 96-mile trip.
The annual Hatch Chile Festival
The annual Hatch Chile Festival has drawn crowds to Hatch each Labor Day weekend since 1972. At this iconic area event, Hatch businesses dedicate themselves to celebrating the town’s namesake chile, selling chile-themed accessories, clothes and foods. The festivities include a parade, hat decorating contest and a chile-eating contest.
The Hatch Chile Festival includes a parade, live music, and traditional New Mexican dancing.
The Hatch Chile Festival draws thousands each year to celebrate New Mexico’s iconic green chile.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
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Schools
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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.
