$624,550Average Value$525Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A residential neighborhood offering access to Downtown without the crowds
Perched just south of Salem, Castle Hill is a residential Massachusetts neighborhood that offers a respite from the activity of Downtown Salem, while still being within arm’s reach. Salem attracts 1.8 million annual visitors to its historic city, which is famed for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. “Salem has become the New Orleans of the Northeast,” says local real estate agent Dan Bernal of J. Barrett & Company. “Huge throngs of people come from land and sea for October, but now also during the summer.” Castle Hill’s location on Salem’s collar draws homebuyers to the small hamlet. “What’s great about Castle Hill, more than anything, is that it’s a short drive to Downtown, but you can get out of the city quickly because it keeps you out of Midtown,” Bernal says. “These days, getting into Downtown is easy, it’s a matter of getting out — it can be daunting when you have 2,000 visitors a day. You get really good at knowing how to stay away from Downtown if it’s not where you’re going.” Still, Downtown Salem’s cultural landmarks and charming restaurants appeal to Castle Hill’s residents just as much as the area’s access to strongly rated schools, many parks, and the Salem Hospital, which sits adjacent to the neighborhood.
New England home styles perched above Salem
A mix of single-family and multi-family homes line the orderly streets of Castle Hill, framed by narrow sidewalks and shaded by a sparse canopy of established trees. The neighborhood sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding area. “It’s definitely hillier than the rest of Salem,” Bernal says. “In the winter, kids will come to Castle Hill to go sledding because it has the best hills.” New England styles are prevalent in the residential architecture; Cape Cods sit beside Dutch colonial vernacular styles and small ranch-style homes. Prices typically land between $400,000 and $800,000 for single-family homes, while multifamily properties can cost around $1 million.
New England style Cape Cod homes are a prominent feature throughout the Castle Hill neighborhood, adding a timeless, charm to the area.
Multifamily properties in the Castle Hill area typically have price tags around $1 million, reflecting the neighborhood's desirable location.
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Access to nearby parks, beaches and athletic facilities
While the facilities at Castle Hill Park and Captain John Bertram Athletic Field offer recreational and green spaces within the neighborhood, Castle Hill boasts proximity to many of the area’s most popular parks. “Castle Hill is very close to a ton of parks in the area,” Bernal says. “You have four or five parks within a few minutes’ drive.” Forest River Park on Pickering Point is 2 miles east and features rocky riverfront beaches, a children’s playground and a public pool that is open seasonally. Salem Woods Highland Park sits adjacent to Castle Hill and offers marked trails for nature hikes through acres of woodland. The Salem Parkway Multi-Use Path runs through the neighborhood and connects south to the Marblehead Rail Trail and north into Downtown.
Children delight in the vibrant play structure at Castle Hill Park in the Castle Hill neighborhood, where they can swing high into the air, race down the twisting slides, and zoom across the thrilling zipline, filling the air with laughter and excitement.
It's a perfect day to explore the scenic trails and lush landscapes of Salem Woods Highland Park, nestled just a short distance from the Castle Hill neighborhood.
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Annual Arts Festival and historic cultural attractions
While the hordes of Halloween visitors make October the city’s busiest month, Salem offers events and social gatherings for its residents year-round. “Everything happens centrally in Salem, mostly around the common and outdoor mall,” Bernal says. Once used for militia training, the Salem Common hosts regular events for all ages, including exhibits, live music series and more. One of Salem’s largest events takes place in Derby Square, the city’s centermost plaza by the Old Town Hall. For a weekend in June, the square fills vendors and exhibits as part of the Salem Arts Festival. The annual fest celebrates art in all forms, from dance and film to music and painting, with a slew of stacked performances and presentations throughout the weekend.
Castle Hill’s proximity to Downtown offers residents easy access to the city’s many cultural attractions, including famed institutions like the Salem Witch Museum and The Witch House, where visitors can delve into the history of the Salem Witch Trials and the city’s past. Other spooky attractions include the International Monster Museum and the many Hocus Pocus movie shoot locations around Salem. Peabody Essex Museum houses a vast collection of modern art and artifacts.
Castle Hill locals spend autumn weekends at the Haunted Happenings Marketplace, enjoying the festivities of Salem Common.
Step back in time and learn about Salem's intriguing history at the Salem Witch Museum, located just a short distance from Castle Hill, where the haunting stories of the infamous witch trials come to life.
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Strong academics within Salem Public School District
Kids in Castle Hill may attend schools within the Salem Public School District, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Horace Mann Laboratory serves kindergarten through fifth grade and funnels into Collins Middle School. Both earn a C grade. At Salem High School, students may opt into Advanced Placement classes or participate in the high school’s Programming and Web Development program. The high school earns a B-minus from Niche. Parents may also send their kids to top-rated private schools in the area, including the A-plus-rated Tower School, which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade. Castle Hill is also close to Salem State University, the oldest and largest public institution in higher education on the North Shore.
Horace Mann Laboratory provides education to the youngest students in Salem MA.
Collins Middle School provides education to the residents in Salem MA.
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Balance between Downtown eateries and convenient big-box retailers
While a few local eateries and shops cluster within Salem’s city center, Bernal says Castle Hill residents usually shop on the city’s outskirts. Shopping plazas along Highland Avenue provide plenty of convenient retail and grocery options, including Walmart, Market Basket, T.J. Maxx and Target. In Downtown Salem, restaurants sit shoulder-to-shoulder in historic brick buildings with charming painted facades. Eateries ranging from elevated lounges to casual stalwarts span cultural tastes. Menus features Indian, American, Mexican and more. Mainstays include the New England Soup Factory, Boston Burger Company and Front Street Coffeehouse, known for its cozy exposed brick interior and specialty drinks. Within Castle Hill, the Tin Whistle sits tucked among residential streets, offering classic American pub fare and outdoor seating. Other favorites closer to home include Far From The Tree Cidery and On the Grind Café.
Crowds flock from near and far to visit Crow Haven Corner, the nation's oldest witch shop, just a short distance from the Castle Hill neighborhood.
Stop by Garcon Super Slice Pizza near Castle Hill for exceptional pizza served in a lively, festive atmosphere, where the friendly staff and delicious pies make every visit a memorable experience.
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Commuting to Boston by train and car
The Newburyport/Rockport Line serves the Salem train station and connects commuters to Boston in about 30 minutes. Buses also serve the station, linking commuters to stops around the city. Residents are close to major thoroughfares like Interstates 95 and 93, and US Route 1. Drivers can link to Boston, 26 miles south, via these highways in under an hour during typical driving conditions. Castle Hill also boasts proximity to Salem Hospital, which sits adjacent to the neighborhood and serves as another draw for residents.
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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Live the coastal lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of in this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condex, ideally located just a short stroll (1⁄4 mile!) to the sand and surf. Highlights include a one-car garage, private outdoor space to enjoy salty breezes and summer sunsets, and best of all – no HOA fees! Home sold as is where is. All due diligence/Inspections are Buyer/Buyers agent responsibility
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** OPEN HOUSE: This Saturday 7/12/25 11am - 1pm ** This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom pet-friendly condo offers comfort, style, and versatility—just minutes from downtown Salem and Salem State University. Whether you’re looking for extra bedrooms, a dedicated home office, or a creative space, this unit adapts to your needs with ease. One bedroom is currently used as a home office/oversized
Looking for a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in a great location. Well, look no further! This recently renovated unit has hardwood floors, tiled kitchen, stainless steel appliances, granite countertop, tiled backsplash and pendant kitchen lighting. With three good sized bedrooms, laundry in unit, an exclusive use enclosed porch, dedicated storage for your unit and 1 car parking, this apartment
Spacious 3 bed, 1 bath apartment available now available! This bright and airy 1,100 sq ft second-floor unit is located in a quiet, well-maintained 3-unit building. Enjoy outdoor living on your large private deck overlooking the shared common yard—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Hardwood floors run throughout the unit and the kitchen is large enough for a dining table or portable island.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Jalbert,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
983
Median Age
45
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,962
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,004
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
48.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.6%
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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
51/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
59/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 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.
