$599,669Average Value$503Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
The history of Salem's maritime history right next to downtown
Just to the east of downtown Salem lies the Derby Street community, a waterfront neighborhood with historic housing and parks. The community was initially built around the 1800s to house the workers who helped maintain boats in the Salem harbor. Many of these buildings still exist today, in addition to landmarks like The House of the Seven Gables, popularized by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, and the Salem Maritime Historic Site, the first historic site in the U.S. Homes here are more modest than those in nearby areas like the McIntire district, and there are plenty of multifamily options. Residents can access downtown Salem and Boston by foot, car or boat. “The Derby Street area was definitely one of the more colorful parts of Salem back in the day,” says Michael Selbst, a resident of Salem and agent with Gibson Sotheby's International Realty for over 11 years. “The culture of Salem developed around the seagoing vessels departing and landing in Salem's port.”
Browse through many galleries at Salem Artoberfest in Derby Street.
Salem City Hall is easily accessible for Derby Street residents.
1/2
Tightly packed historic homes for the workers on the water
Many homes in the Derby Street neighborhood were constructed in the mid to late 1800s to house workers, such as sailmakers, carpenters and net makers. Many Colonial Revivals and New Englander-style residences have been converted into multiunit properties. "Many of the front doors in the neighborhood are also turned away from the street, as many houses were originally taxed based on how much of the street the façade takes up," says Julie Andrews, a sales associate with Keller Williams Evolution who has been serving Salem for over 10 years. "Homes were rotated to conserve space and save money." This results in some homes not having as much yard space. Multifamily units can range between $200,000 and $500,000, and townhouses and row houses can cost from $500,000 to $900,000. The area has been experiencing rising water levels, and while there has not been much of an issue so far, the city is working diligently to protect homes from the waves.
Renovated Dutch Colonial-style homes are a modern and unique look in Derby Street.
Derby Street residents have the best of both worlds being right next to Salem and the Ocean.
1/2
Maritime historic sites and The House of the Seven Gables
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site was the country’s first national historic site established by the National Park Service. The area consists of 12 historic buildings as well as the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a vessel from the 1790s that is used to highlight Salem harbor's past. The site is also home to the Derby Wharf Light Station, which Selbst and Andrews say is a great spot to walk out to with a picnic lunch and enjoy the panoramic views. Just two blocks from the park is The House of the Seven Gables, a famous mansion from the 1600s that inspired the American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne. Here, residents can take a guided tour of the restored house and tour Hawthorne’s childhood home, which was moved to the lot in 1958. Winter Island is less than 2 miles from the neighborhood, where residents can camp, sail and explore the beach and the historic Fort Pickering Lighthouse. Collins Cove Park has pickleball and basketball courts along the water’s edge.
Accompany a seagull during its lunch at the Derby Wharf Light Station.
Residents of Derby Street are a short walk away from the Salem Maritime Historic Site.
1/2
Patio and pub views of the Salem waterfront
Pickering Wharf, known as “the wharf” to some residents, has over 30 storefronts, including nail salons, haunted houses and a fish print store. Dining options closer to the water often have coastal themes, like Finz and Longboard. Patio seating and seafood dishes are commonplace, and the sounds of laughing patrons and music can be heard by those walking past. Just a few blocks up Derby Street is Mercy Tavern, a spot where residents can order steak tips and one of the tavern’s seasonal cocktails. Steve’s Quality Market is just under a mile from the neighborhood, and Stop and Shop is 2 miles away.
Visitors enjoy drinks and great food at Oyster Fest.
Pickering Wharf sits at the corner of Derby Street and has a whole host of amenities.
1/2
Ferries, sidewalks and Salem commuter rails
Sidewalks line many of the neighborhood streets, allowing folks to walk their dogs and run errands on foot. “If you need to go to the grocery store, you get in your car, but restaurants and everything else in Salem is super walkable,” Andrews says. Salem Commuter Rail Station is a mile from the neighborhood, and major roads like Essex Street and U.S. Route 1 are nearby. Boaters can dock at the Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove Marina. Right next to the marina, residents can also find the Salem Ferry, an additional option for commuting in the summer. “You can get to Boston along the same route people did 200 years ago,” Selbst says. “Sometimes you can see coworkers plan out their day so they can enjoy a drink on the ferry with friends on their way home from work.” Logan International Airport is 17 miles away, and the Salem Hospital is 2 miles to the west.
Classic row houses are common within the Derby Street neighborhood.
Derby Street residents can easily walk anywhere around Salem.
1/2
Music programs in nearby Salem schools
Students can start their education at the Carlton Innovation School, which receives a B-minus rating on Niche. Collins Middle School earns a C rating. The final stop for many students is the B-minus-rated Salem High School. The high school's band won the New England Scholastic Band Association finals in November of 2024. Additional education options include the Salem Academy Charter School, which earns a B-plus rating and is known for its college prep courses and community service.
Salem High School hosts students from 9th through 12th grade.
Collins Middle School provides education to the residents in South Salem.
1/2
Arts and jazz festivals in Salem
While all of Salem is known for its connection to Halloween, the city offers many events throughout the year for visitors and residents. The Salem Arts Festival In July is one of the larger events in the year, sponsored by the Peabody Essex Museum. Guests can watch a show, listen to a local band or visit art booths. The Salem Jazz & Soul Festival takes place in Salem Willows in August and helps raise money for music education.
Vendors sell unique handcraft gifts at Oyster Fest.
Bring a friend and spend the day at Salem Artoberfest.
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
Are you familiar with the Derby Street neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Derby Street
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Derby Street Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Derby Street, Salem sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Derby Street, Salem over the last 12 months is $520,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
THE SWEET SPOT WITH PARKING!!!! Welcome to 69 Essex Street, perfectly located between bustling DERBY ST and HISTORIC SALEM COMMON. This 2nd floor walk-up welcomes you with a gracious (23 x 18) deck perfect for entertaining, outdoor living and GARDENING. 69 ESSEX has a birds eye view of the Historical Park Land of the Derby House located right next door, Inside, you will be welcomed by an eat in
Louise Touchette TeamColdwell Banker Realty - Lynnfield
Welcome to your dream waterfront condo in the heart of Pickering Wharf Marina, Salem, MA! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers a versatile third floor room that can easily serve as a bedroom or a spacious office, catering to all your needs. Step out onto your private deck and indulge in the serene views of the marina as boats gently sail by. Inside, the cozy fireplace offers the
Live your best life in the heart of Salem’s vibrant & historic Derby St neighborhood. Just steps from the waterfront, Salem Maritime Historic site, fine dining, taverns, shops, the PEM, Pickering Wharf, The Common, House of Seven Gables, & the ferry & commuter rail to Boston. This meticulously maintained 2BR condo blends modern comfort w/ the ultimate downtown lifestyle. Enjoy exclusive access to
Stunning brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath condominium penthouse with in the most amazing location in historic Salem! This property backs up to the Salem Maritime Park-LOCATION,LOCATION,LOCATION! Steps from Derby Wharf, Pickering Wharf, the Willows, Hawthorne Hotel, Museums, & the Salem Common. Modern open concept custom style throughout the interior, beautiful lighting, light paint palette, & gleaming
AVAILABLE JUNE 1st 2026Welcome to 25 Essex Street, Unit 1 a beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo just one block from Collins Cove and two blocks from the Marina. This home blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering a serene retreat right in the heart of Salem's most desirable neighborhood.As you enter, you'll feel an immediate sense of warmth and care. The
Million Dollar View! Charming 3rd floor walk up apartment directly across from Derby Wharf in beautiful historic owner-occupied home. Beautiful views of the wharf and harbor beyond. Freshly painted and brand new carpet. Large eat in kitchen with dishwasher. Three additional rooms with flexible use. Decorative fireplace in largest of the rooms. First floor laundry available for use by two third
Fully furnished quiet and cozy apartment available 12/1/2025-4/30/2026. Just steps from the Salem Ferry, with free, private, off-street parking and walkable access to shops, museums, and all the historical magic of Salem. This whimsical second-floor apartment features original pine floors, exposed wood beams, and an eclectic mix of antique charm and cozy comforts. You’ll have everything
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.
