$641,275Average Value$374Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Destination town at the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border
Salem’s town motto, “Still Making History,” resonates with a growing regional population. Home to around 30,000 residents along the New Hampshire-Massachusetts state line, the fast-evolving community regularly takes on large-scale development projects, from housing to retail to recreation. These projects fuel the local economy and attract new residents. “Buyers look to a place like Salem because it’s the first town over the border,” says Realtor Ellen Grant at Keller Williams, a 17-year seller who lives in the next town and works in Salem. “A lot of people are leaving their expensive homes in Massachusetts and are getting a lot more bang for their buck here,” Grant says. Some Massachusetts residents are initially lured by the tax-free shopping, but Salem's well-regarded school system, luxury 55-plus communities and a variety of recreation wind up converting some visitors to full-time New Hampshirites.
Salem offers privacy and comfort, without sacrificing the convenience of the nearby big city amenities.
Salem offers a mix of suburban life and natural beauty.
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Various housing types for mixed demographics
Buyers have a lot of options when home shopping in Salem. “It’s appealing to people of all ages – there are some neighborhoods with modest homes for the first-time buyer, upscale 55-plus communities, and apartments and condos near the shopping areas,” Grant says. Architecture ranges from early 2000s Colonial Revival-style builds to midcentury ranch and split-level designs. A few brand-new condos in large mixed-use developments round out the housing stock. Prices start around $150,000 for a simple lakeside cottage and climb to over $1 million for a luxury condo near the shopping district. The median price falls around $600,000, though some extra-spacious properties on private waterside lots reach almost $2 million in this growing locale.
A wide range of architectural styles are available to homebuyers in Salem.
Homes in Salem come in a variety of sizes, including more modest homes for first time buyers.
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Shopping tax-free at the Tuscan Village
Salem is a booming destination for many big businesses ready to set down roots in New Hampshire, including Shake Shack, The Container Store and a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, among many others that broke ground in 2023. “It’s a shopping metropolis,” Grant says. “I’ve watched the area grow over the years. The first date I went on was at the original horse track, which has transformed into a bustling village.” Tuscan Village, the community's mixed-use development, has become a popular destination for developers and new buyers seeking proximity to the action. The village houses markets, local restaurants and other businesses. “It’s the go-to place for shopping, dining and business lunches,” Grant says. “Everybody wants to shop in no-tax New Hampshire.” Salem is also home to The Mall at Rockingham Park, a two-story indoor mall housing several major labels.
At the Tuscan Village Marketplace in Salem, blend shopping, dining and entertainment all in one place.
The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem is a premier shopping destination featuring top national retailers, dining options, and a modern indoor experience.
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Salem Public Schools serves area students
The well-regarded Salem Public School District serves many area kids. Niche ranks it the No. 17 best district in the state and grades it a B-plus. The small district composed of eight facilities touts a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, significantly lower than the national average. Salem High School serves ninth through 12th graders and earns a B-plus. With a graduation rate of 94%, many rising students move on to nearby secondary education facilities like the University of New Hampshire, Boston University and Salem State University. Salem is also home to several charter and private schools, including the B-rated Arts Academy of New Hampshire, for those interested in exploring alternative educational routes.
North Salem Elementary School teaches kindergarten through 5th grade students.
Woodbury Middle School is a highly rated option in the Salem Public School District.
Salem High School offers a number of performing arts programs, including chorus, band, and theater.
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Seasonal fun at the historic Canobie Lake Park
Canobie Lake Park has been a recreational community landmark for over a century. Crowds come in from all over the region to ride rollercoasters, dine in the restaurants and play arcade games. Traditional parks and green spaces are also prominent. Field of Dreams is popular with local kids for its large wooden play area, and Hedgehog Park’s waterside trails are a go-to for dog walkers and cyclists. Griffin Park is busy with sports games, often accompanied by local food trucks flanking lines of hungry spectators. Golfers have several nearby courses to choose from, including the public 18-hole Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course on the western side of town.
Canobie Lake Park is a local amusement park founded in 1902.
Salem residents can take in the scenery at Hedgehog Park.
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Residents can take I-93 into downtown Boston
North Shore Medical Center, Salem State University and government offices employ the majority of Salem’s workforce — each within a 45-minute ride from home. “There’s an awful lot of job opportunities in town, but there's just as many people who commute out of town,” Grant says. Interstate 93 runs directly through this Boston exurb, routing daily commuters 30 miles south into the city. Most Salem residents get around by car, as public transportation options are limited in this developing town, but there are a few options for non-driving locals. Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation, or CART, offers reserved fixed routes and curb-to-curb bus rides to Salem and surrounding areas. It’s a shared service provided by the Manchester Transit Authority, shuttling passengers to and from each respective area. The Caregivers of Greater Salem is a volunteer-run program providing transportation to those unable to drive themselves for errands and appointments.
Crime
According to FBI data, Between 2022 and 2023, the violent crime rate increased by 30% and property crime rose by 15%. However, despite these increases, Salem's reported violent and property crime rates are lower than the national rate.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Charles Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vivien Marcus,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Salem, NH sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Salem, NH over the last 12 months is $582,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
** Unbelievable value in North Salem *** – A Private Entertainment Oasis Nestled against conservation land with a tranquil stream along the western border, this stunning residence blends luxury living with unmatched lifestyle amenities. A dramatic two-story entry foyer sets the tone, leading you into an elegant and functional floor plan. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with Thermador and
Welcome to this inviting Ranch style home in Salem! Tucked into a sought-after neighborhood, this property combines modern upgrades with timeless charm. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an attached two-car garage, and an enclosed backyard, it’s ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the ease of first-floor living with two bedrooms and a full bath on the main level, while an additional
This location has it all! Come see this beautiful oversized Cape style home in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the Arlington Mill Reservoir area of Salem. Privately nestled on 2 acres of land, this home has a sprawling yard with plenty of room for outdoor entertainment. Enjoy waterfront access from the backyard as well as your own tennis court on the property. Inside you will find
Conveniently located large 2 Bedroom Condo end unit in move in condition. This unit has brand new flooring, kitchen, and appliances. This unit consists of a very large living room, kitchen, dining room, and 2 bedrooms. Plenty of closet space, onsite laundry, and assigned off-street parking makes this a great place to live. The rent includes heat, hot water, water and sewer. The property
At Caro Tuscan Village, we are committed to offering the finest quality of living. Our contemporary studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments feature upscale amenities and stylish finishes. With spacious and open floor plans, you will have ample space to personalize your living areas, while our elevator building ensures easy access to all floors. There is a wide range of activities to
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