Downtown Salem
Neighborhood in Salem, Massachusetts
Essex County 01970
Multifamily and multiuse buildings above Salem storefronts
Multi-unit and multi-use buildings make up most of the housing options in Downtown Salem. While it may seem that there is little space for residences, a quick glance up from the ground-level storefronts reveals curtains and personal touches on windowsills. These condos and apartments are typically two- to six-story structures and share similar construction dates. Most were built in the 1980s and 1990s, but some date back as far as the early 1900s. “Even with all the historic buildings around, there are many new developments and new apartments popping up all around the city, especially by the river and the train station,” Fox says. "You really get a lot more for your money out here." Prices downtown can range from around $300,000 to $700,000, and rent often runs between $1,500 and $4,000 per month.
The Salem Common and Winter Island
Downtown Salem residents can walk the shaded streets to access recreation options. The closest park to the area is the Salem Common, a wide-open green space with paved sidewalks that crisscross a stone pavilion. These paths connect a shaded seating area, a popular spot for local events, to the basketball court and playset on the other side of the park. “It’s a very dog friendly area,” Andrews says, “I walk my dog there all the time.” Winter Island Park offers camping spots and boat ramps alongside the Historic Fort Pickering Lighthouse. The park is also home to Waikiki Beach, which Andrews says is quite different from the Hawaiian beach with the same name. The Salem YMCA, which fits seamlessly into the downtown area, houses numerous gyms and a pool behind its historic façade.Music programs in Salem public schools
Students in Downtown Salem can start their education at the Carlton Innovation School, which receives a B-minus rating on Niche. They may continue on to Collins Middle School, which receives a C rating. The final stop for many students is the B-minus-rated Salem High School, which Andrews says has become known for its music and band programs. The high school band previously played at the Rose Bowl and won the New England Championship in November of 2024. Additional education options include the Salem Academy Charter School, which earns a B-plus rating and is ranked as one of the top 10 charter schools in the state.
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Museums and events throughout the year
In Downtown Salem, there are plenty of activities for tourists and residents, even when it is not the Halloween season. Downtown museums contribute to many of the area's happenings. The Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest continuously running museum in the country. It features historic galleries and rotating exhibits that create a labyrinth of information and art. The historic city hall is where reenactments of the Salem Witch Trials take place, and tour groups pause to learn about the city’s history. Festivals and events throughout the year include the Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival in February, where illuminated ice sculptures and chocolate competitions among local vendors take place.
Sidewalks and commuter rails in the downtown area
Transportation options are one of the main reasons for Salem’s popularity. The city itself is only around 8 square miles, so the entire community is walkable, especially downtown. This is further improved by streets with boutiques and restaurants being closed off to cars, increasing the amount of daily foot traffic. The Salem commuter rail station is on the northern end of the neighborhood and takes residents to Boston’s North Station in just about 30 minutes. “You have a real ability to get anywhere from Salem, whether you want to go skiing to the north or head 30 minutes to the south for Boston,” says Dan Fox, a broker with MerryFox Realty who has served the community for over 25 years. Part of this access is due to the Yankee Division Highway that is a short drive to the west of downtown. However, with all the transportation options available to residents, it is not uncommon for cars to remain in the driveway or parking lot for days at a time. Boston Logan International Airport is 16 miles to the south, and Salem Hospital is less than a mile away.
Dining options in repurposed banks and Irish pubs
Many refer to Salem as the restaurant capital north of Boston, and the majority of the city’s most popular options are in the heart of downtown. Ledger is one of the more established spots here, built out of the former Salem Savings Bank from 1818. The use of classic architecture and low lighting creates an inviting eating space. A 360-degree bar is at the restaurant’s core, so a hot order of their famous popovers and a custom seasonal cocktail are just steps away from the table. Right across the street from Ledger is O'Neil’s Pub & Restaurant, a more laid-back establishment with Irish and sports team paraphernalia lining the walls. Friends often meet up here to watch the Celtics and enjoy the pub’s famous Shepherd's pie. Next to the Salem Witch Memorial, All Souls, is a bar where local store owners and residents can relax with a cocktail and order a sandwich after a long day. “I absolutely love the grilled cheese sandwiches there,” Andrews says. These popular restaurants are next to numerous boutiques and stores, many catering to visitors and tourists with their magical or witchy themes. Grocery shopping options include local stores like Steve's Quality Market and nearby chains such as Stop & Shop and Market Basket, less than 2 miles away.
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Video By
Luke Mancari
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews
Keller Williams Realty Evolution
(978) 515-6286
34 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Salem
$365K - $369K Price Range
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Virginia Todd
Virginia Todd
Responds QuicklyLeading Edge Real Estate
(857) 323-6892
75 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Salem
$350,900 Price
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Michael Sokolowski
Michael Sokolowski
Torii, Inc.
(475) 476-1764
58 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Salem
$359,000 Price
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North Shore and More Team
North Shore and More Team
eXp Realty
(339) 444-2882
28 Total Sales
3 in Downtown Salem
$275K - $555K Price Range
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Tyson Lynch
Tyson Lynch
The Proper Nest Real Estate
(351) 666-4531
75 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Salem
$290K - $435K Price Range
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Gary Rogers
Gary Rogers
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX On the Charles
(857) 663-0335
64 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Salem
$500K - $595K Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
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Parks in this Area
Piperpont Park
Winter Island - Waikiki Beach
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
26 min drive
Train
Salem
Bus
Salem
Bus
Hawthorne Blvd & Essex St
Bus
Washington St & New Derby St
Bus
Hawthorne Blvd & Derby St
Bus
Washington St & Church St
Bus
New Derby St & Klopp Alley
Downtown Salem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Salem, Salem sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $432,500, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$450,000
Median Sale Price
$432,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$458,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$539,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-18%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$499
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
596
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
2.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,019
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,956
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,248
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
739
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,831
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jun 1511:30am - 12:30pm
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Sunday, Jun 1511am - 12:30pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Condo Buildings
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,668
Median Age
43
Population under 18
15.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,810
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$104,156
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
62.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
84
/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Bridge Street
Waterfront views and 1800s multi-unit homes just north of downtown Salem
Chestnut Street
Stately colonials and local libraries adjacent to the heart of Salem
Derby Street
Historic maritime homes and parks right next to downtown Salem
Mack Park
Historic homes and cemeteries close to downtown
North Salem
Multi-unit housing and green spaces just across the water from downtown Salem
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