$589,923Average Value$245Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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North Shore and More Team,
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Parks in this Area
Salem Common
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Collins Cove Park
Swiniuch Park
Derby Garden
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
28 min drive
Derby Street Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Derby Street, Salem sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Derby Street, Salem over the last 12 months is $402,500, down 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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-the smallest national park in the country! It is just steps from Derby Wharf, Pickering Wharf, the Willows, Hawthorne Hotel, Museums, and the Salem Common. Modern open concept custom style throughout the interior, beautiful lighting,
Luxury brand new 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condominium townhouse in the most amazing location in historic Salem! This property backs up to the Salem Maritime Park-the smallest national park in the country! It is just steps from Derby Wharf, Pickering Wharf, the Willows, Hawthorne Hotel, Museums, and the Salem Common. Modern open concept custom style throughout the interior, with soaring ceilings,
Sunny & beautiful 2 bedroom open floor plan condo. Kitchen eatures LG Smart stainless appliances, gas stove with air fryer and quartz countertops. There is washer dryer hookup in-unit. One assigned parking spot, Beacon Hill style paver patio in rear. The location can not be beat. It is close to everything Salem has to offer: dining, shopping, entertainment and the beach! Self managed
Back on market due to financing. What better place to enjoy summer than this 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Penthouse condo overlooking the sparkling blue water. With beautiful views from multiple rooms, this top floor corner unit in the heart of the Wharf is an ideal home base to enjoy Salem, PLUS the unit includes an assigned PARKING spot. Exposed wood beams offset the light walls to perfectly frame the
We are pleased to present this multifamily offering which consists of 9 units, with on street parking. This deal includes a 2-unit and a 7-unit building, both connected by a well maintained outdoor entranceway. The property has been very well maintained but offers investors and end-users future value through cosmetic improvements and management efficiencies. The property features unique finishes
Tours are not available until 9/05/25. Seeking September/October move in. This unit is in the heart of historic Salem, MA with lots to do and great walkability. With gorgeous hardwood floors, charming wooden accents and lots of natural light, you're sure to make a comfortable home here. This apartment comes with storage space and W/D in the basement. Lush backyard available for shared
This spacious two-bedroom apartment is nestled within an owner-occupied building in a quiet Salem neighborhood. Enjoy the short walking distance to downtown Salem's restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as Salem Willows Park and Collins Cove beach. Conveniently located, the apartment is minutes away from the Salem Commuter Rail train station and the Salem Ferry terminal, providing easy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
North Shore and More Team,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,393
Median Age
43
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$77,688
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,348
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
62.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59%
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®
38/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
63/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
