$599,154Average Value$501Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes 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. Many of the vintage buildings exist today; landmarks include 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. Some homes date as far back as the 17th century, and many are from the 18th-century Federal era. During the 1800s, the area grew to house the workers who helped maintain boats in the Salem harbor. Homes were added up until the mid-20th century, while many of their older counterparts have been converted into multiunit properties. 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, one of the larger events in the year, is sponsored by the Peabody Essex Museum. Guests can watch a show, listen to a local band or visit art booths. The Salem Jazz and 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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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
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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 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Derby Street, Salem over the last 12 months is $510,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Charming condo in a historic area just steps from the water. Features a spacious open floor plan, two large bedrooms with great natural light, and a private entrance. Ideally located a short walk to Salem’s vibrant downtown, full of restaurants, shops, attractions, and entertainment. Conveniently near Salem State University, Salem Common, Salem Willows, Pickering Wharf, and
Live in the heart of historic Salem in this beautifully designed 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo located on iconic Derby Street. This sun-filled, ground-level residence offers 401 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with exceptional finishes throughout. Features include hardwood flooring, quartz countertops with a full-height backsplash, in-unit laundry, and a stylish bathroom showcasing
Located between Derby and Essex Streets, in one of Salem’s most vibrant neighborhoods, this beautifully RENOVATED THREE BEDROOM condo offers TWO CAR PARKING, A PET FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION, HEAT & HOT WATER INCLUDED IN THE CONDO FEE, PLUS A WALK SCORE OF 96 (Walker’s Paradise). Classic Salem style meets today’s modern aesthetic, with Downtown Salem, the waterfront, restaurants, shops, the Salem
All the historic Salem charm you’re looking for—paired with the modern features today’s renter needs—come together in this spacious 2-bedroom. Set on a quiet street, this unit offers a layout that just feels right. The open living space is filled with natural light and finished with wide plank wood flooring that nods to the home’s 1800s roots, while the kitchen provides the function and space you
All the historic Salem charm you’re looking for—paired with the modern features today’s renter needs—come together in this spacious 2-bedroom. Set on a quiet street, this unit offers a layout that just feels right. The open living space is filled with natural light and finished with wide plank wood flooring that nods to the home’s 1800s roots, while the kitchen provides the function and space you
Great Location, off Derby Street easy walk to restaurants historical sites Pickering wharf, Winter Island the Willows, and Downtown, also the Salem to Boston Water Ferry is conveniently located at the end of the street as well as an easy walk to the train station if you prefer.PS: Pets Considered.1st,last,and security required.Other units do come available so please provide;1-Your
This large 3 Bed / 1 Bath unit is located in Downtown Salem, walking distance to the Commuter Rail, many Restaurants and Bars, and the Boston Ferry! On premise Washer/Dryer, ample street parking is available with parking permit, and storage in basement.Security deposit of $2,500 due at signing, first and last month's rent due at move in. Note: 1 of the 3 bedrooms would be
Nice 1 bedroom apartment in Salem on Derby St. Short walk to downtown, Sale Harbor + Salem Willows, Salem common, and the Commuter rail.Fenced in yard.Rotating driveway parking
AMAZING LOCATION! Live just steps from Salem's famed Derby Street - close to downtown, the ocean, and more! Updated 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with everything you need including PARKING, stainless steel appliances, and dishwasher! Hardwood floors, updated kitchen & bath, a dedicated/locked storage space and common laundry in basement round out the list of amazing perks. Rent includes HEAT & HOT
Incredibly charming and rare full floor residence in a stately brick historic building offering two large bedrooms, two bathrooms with an updated kitchen, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Also featuring beautiful wood beams, exposed brick walls and two fireplaces, one with an electric insert and dimming feature. Other details include oversized sun-filled windows with interior
Large two-bedroom apartment located in Salem's Pickering Wharf. This unit includes 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a large deck overlooking the marina, living room, dining room, fully applianced kitchen, and washer/ dryer hook-up. Walking distance from restaurants, shopping, and downtown Salem.
This is a 2 bedroom apartment is located in Salem's Pickering Wharf Marina. This space includes 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, living room, dining room, fully- applianced kitchen, and washer/dryer hook-up. This bright 2 bedroom has an open concept living/ kitchen area with lots of natural sunlight. Walking distance from restaurants, shops, public transportation, and the marina.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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