$689,320Average Value$462Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Historic homes and walkable streets define Salem Common
Salem Common serves as the historic centerpiece of the town of Salem , Massachusetts. This vibrant neighborhood offers a unique blend of urban-suburban living, where history is woven into every street and residents enjoy easy access to distinctive shops, lively culture and cherished local landmarks. “Salem Common is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods of Salem. It’s right in the heart of the Salem community,” says Salem resident and broker Tyson Lynch of The Proper Nest Real Estate. “What’s appealing is that it’s surrounded by houses that date back to the 1800s and it’s walking distance to everything Salem has to offer like the museums, the waterfront and downtown.”
Colonial Revival and New England-style homes line the Common
A mix of paved and cobblestone sidewalks frame Salem Common’s traditional vernacular residences, which include condo units, townhouses and single-family homes. “Salem Common has that quintessential Salem vibe,” Lynch says, emphasizing architectural styles like Colonial Revival that were popular in the mid-1800s. “This part of the city was spared by the fire in 1914, so you have a lot of the charm people are looking for.” Most single-family homes are classic New England-style houses situated on more generous properties. “The larger mansions were built for the sea merchants that made their fortune here,” he says. “Historically, they have been larger homes with a lot of great architectural details that you don’t find in houses today, such as marble fireplaces and custom handrails on the staircases.” These single-family homes, depending on size, typically start at $850,000, with grand estates fetching up to $2.6 million. Condos may cost between $330,000 and $650,000, though outliers can price up to $1 million. Townhouses can range from $385,000 to $850,000.
Students attend Salem Public Schools with a major rebuild ahead
School-aged children in the neighborhood may attend Salem Public Schools, a district serving over 3,800 students that earns a C-plus rating from Niche. Kids can begin at Carlton Elementary School, which earns a B-minus, for kindergarten through fifth grade before advancing to Collins Middle School, rated a C. Salem High School gets a B-minus. Starting in 2030, Salem High students will attend classes at a newly constructed campus valued at $365 million, which includes an indoor fieldhouse and pickleball courts. The new building is slated for construction in 2028 and will take the place of the existing site.
Community gatherings and outdoor fun center around the Common
Salem Commons is a 9-acre tract of green space that has functioned as a prominent central gathering site for the community since the 17th century. “Salem Commons is the heartbeat of the community,” Lynch says. “It’s not just a park; it’s utilized by the community. There are all these interesting things happening there.” Other nearby recreational offerings include Collins Cove Beach, which provides a sandy tidal beach, and the Collins Cove Rail Trail, a half-mile multi-purpose pathway along the waterfront. Less than a mile north of the neighborhood, Collins Cove Park has a playground and athletic facilities such as softball fields and pickleball courts.
The neighborhood hosts a variety of well-loved community events year-round, including Salem Heritage Days, the Salem Literary Festival and seasonal activities such as summer concert series. It is especially known for being the site of Halloween’s Haunted Happenings celebration, drawing crowds for themed festivities.
Walkable dining and shopping with historic Salem flair
Salem Common is surrounded by a selection of shopping and dining options that reflect the area's unique history. The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall serves as a lively hub, featuring a variety of stores that lean into the city’s spooky past with witch-themed and handcrafted items that capture Salem’s distinctive charm. Dining choices nearby range from casual to upscale, including Ledger Restaurant & Bar, which serves contemporary New England cuisine in a restored historic bank, and Witchside Tavern, a laid-back spot known for its burgers. The Hawthorne Hotel provides both fine dining at Nathaniel’s and a cozy, casual atmosphere at its Tavern. “There are so many restaurants spanning so many cuisines that you can dine from all parts of the world without leaving Salem,” Lynch says. For additional retail and dining experiences, Witch City Mall offers indoor shopping and a diverse array of eateries.
Walkable neighborhood with commuter rail and seasonal ferry
Lynch emphasizes that Salem Common’s location gives residents easy access to the city’s amenities as well as convenient transportation options. Bridge Street is one of the neighborhood’s main streets that circumvents Downtown Salem . “Salem Common is north of Downtown, so you have a way of getting out of Salem without dealing with the Downtown traffic,” he says, adding that tourists come with the territory. “If you live in the neighborhood and your car is registered with the city, you can park in the neighborhood and tourists and visitors can’t,” Lynch says. “It’s a double-edged sword; you have to realize that you’re going to be seeing tons of tourists walk down the street almost daily.”
While most people can get around on foot, Salem Common boasts convenient access to public transportation. Bus stops are scattered around the neighborhood, and the Salem station offers a direct commuter train to Boston, getting locals to the heart of the city within 30 minutes. “The neighborhood is highly walkable, and the options are fantastic because of its proximity to Downtown,” Lynch says. “You don’t need to drive anywhere. You would only need a car likely for grocery shopping or going to the mall.” Additionally, the Salem Ferry runs seasonally. Boston Logan International Airport is about 17 miles away. For medical needs, Salem Hospital is less than 2 miles from the neighborhood and serves as a major healthcare provider on the North Shore.
GreatSchools:
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Salem Common Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Salem Common, Salem sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Salem Common, Salem over the last 12 months is $590,750, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located on a tree-lined street w/Salem Common & Collins Cove as scenic bookends, this 3-bed, 2-bath residence in the coveted Putnam Masury Condominiums, offers the perfect blend of period elegance & thoughtful updates. Step inside & discover a spacious living room w/a stunning fireplace - an ideal spot for relaxing or entertaining. The adjoining formal dining room elevates special meals w/ its
Jessica SchenkelWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home Services
Masterfully blending timeless historic elegance with modern luxury living! The Joseph Story House, is a private, gated 6,897 sf Federal-Style estate, reborn and renovated stem to stern 2007-09. This eco-honored historic treasure—celebrated in Architectural Digest—enchants with 13 rooms, 5 beds, 4 full/3 half baths, and 4 fireplaces. Its chef’s kitchen, four-layer fountain terrace, and lush,
Move-in ready downtown Salem townhouse with single-family feel! The seller has an assumable 30-year fixed loan at just 3.125%. This 4 bed, 3 bath home features 1,663 sqft of beautifully updated living space. The open-concept main level is filled with natural light from large windows in living room and dining room. The modern and spacious kitchen offers quartz countertops, peninsula seating,
Property Id: 1423945Welcome to the Mack! Built in 1810 this beautiful brick building was once The Mack Industrial School. Nestled between Collin's Cove and the Salem Common, you get the best of Land and Sea while reaping all the benefits of downtown Salem. The bathroom is 2 years old, new carpet in the bedroom, new floor in the kitchen, and all new paint throughout. Coin-op
Spacious, newly renovated two bedroom apartment situated on the second floor of a building rich with history, located just off the Salem Common. The brand new kitchen features white Shaker cabinets, stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. A large living room offers plenty of space for relaxing. There are two large bedrooms with lots of windows, plus a walk-in closet/dressing room with
Welcome to this sun-drenched & spacious 3rd-floor condo in the heart of downtown Salem, perfectly situated just around the corner from the historic Salem Common. This charming 1 BR, 1 bath unit offers the perfect blend of character and modern updates, featuring cathedral beamed ceilings, skylights with remote-controlled shades, and abundant natural light throughout. Enjoy an updated kitchen,
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