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
Teal Murphy,
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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Welcome to Eagle Estates Condominium, a brand-new 55+ community designed for those who appreciate quality, comfort, and connection. Building #3 is now available, offering 15 thoughtfully designed 1 and 2 bedroom condominiums. Every residence showcases high-end craftsmanship and attention to detail. You’ll love the warm hardwood floors, elegant quartz countertops, and beautifully tiled bathrooms.
Welcome to Eagle Estates Condominium, a brand-new 55+ community designed for those who appreciate quality, comfort, and connection. Building #3 is now available, offering 15 thoughtfully designed one and two-bedroom condominiums. Every residence showcases high-end craftsmanship and attention to detail. You’ll love the warm hardwood floors, elegant quartz countertops, and beautifully tiled
Location, location, location! An incredible, completely renovated home situated on over 15 acres of private land, perfectly located on a quiet cul-de-sac. It boasts a bright and open floor plan, a beautiful patio, and ample outdoor space for enjoying your morning coffee, relaxing, and enjoying your private backyard. The renovation includes: a new kitchen, new heating system, new water heater, new
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Welcome to comfortable, care-free living in Ackerman’s Retirement Park. This well-maintained 1,404 sq ft home, built in 2012, offers an intelligent blend of convenience and warmth in a quiet 55+ community near Arlington Mill Reservoir. The thoughtful layout includes two bedrooms and 13⁄4 bathrooms, a bonus room/den and in-unit laundry for everyday ease. A wonderful wood
Privacy, space, and scale—rarely found together in Salem. Privately set on a 1.89-acre lot surrounded by mature trees, this impressive property offers the feel of a secluded retreat while being just minutes from shopping, dining, Tuscan Village, Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course, and major commuter routes. Offering nearly 6,000 square feet of living space, this expansive residence
Welcome to Eagle Estates Condominium, a brand-new 55+ community designed for those who appreciate quality, comfort, and connection. Building #3 is now available, offering 15 thoughtfully designed 1 and 2 bedroom condominiums. Every residence showcases high-end craftsmanship and attention to detail. You’ll love the warm hardwood floors, elegant quartz countertops, and beautifully tiled bathrooms.
Modern contemporary home set on a private 1.14-acre corner lot in a well-established neighborhood. A circular driveway and attached three-car garage provide impressive arrival and everyday convenience. Offering 5,042 sq. ft. of open living space, this home blends comfort with thoughtful design. The marble-floored foyer welcomes you into a refined formal living room with fireplace. At the center
Discover effortless, city-style living in this pristine 4th-floor corner condominium. Designed for low-maintenance living with the sophistication of boutique luxury, this 1-bedroom plus den, 2-bath residence features an open-concept design and high-end finishes. Expansive corner windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting a sleek, modern kitchen with an oversized island that flows
Diamond Estates AssociatesKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Why rent when you can own? Opportunity to own this charming second-floor garden-style condo in a well-maintained 24-unit complex nestled in a neighborhood setting while still close to shopping, dining, and quick highway access to I-213 and I-93. This bright one-bedroom unit offers a comfortable living room with custom built-ins and a dining area with wall AC. The spacious kitchen has ample
Charming and move-in ready single-family home set on a private .39-acre wooded lot in desirable Salem. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home blends classic New England character with thoughtful modern updates throughout. Recent improvements include LifeProof luxury vinyl plank flooring, an updated kitchen, newer roof and windows, a brand-new heating system, and recently installed mini-split systems for
Welcome home to this charming, turn-key manufactured home built in 2020, offering easy one-level living with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom in the desirable Brookwood Park community in Salem, NH. This thoughtfully cared-for home features a bright and comfortable living space along with a versatile bonus room ideal for a home office, den, or additional storage, plus in-unit laundry for added
ALL AGES! NO LONGER 55+!! Welcome to this spacious and versatile mobile home in Tisdale Park offering far more room than you’d expect. With multiple living areas including a comfortable livingroom, separate dining space, and an additional family room, there is flexibility for entertaining, working from home, or simply spreading out and enjoying everyday life.The primary suite is generously sized
Welcome to The Lightwell, where natural light, modern updates, and easy living come together in a well-established 55+ community in Salem. From the moment you step inside, you feel it: open, airy, impeccably maintained. Far from ordinary, The Lightwell features full drywall construction and high-quality flooring throughout, offering the solid, residential feel of a traditional home within a
Kathryn WilkinsKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
This freshly renovated ranch style building boasts an incredible location. Just a stones throw to The Tuscan Village and Rte 93 exit 2. with over 10,000 cars a day this property offers great synergy for a home office or business! Newly sided and roofed with a completely new interior. Owner went through this building with great detail and is suitable for multiple uses!
Easy Living at Kings Court Condominiums in Salem NH. .....PETS ALLOWED.....First floor Updated condominium. (See update list in documents). Move in ready , quick closing as property is vacant. Located in a very desirable area 1 block from NH RT28. 45 minutes to Boston via Interstate RT 93. , Ample shopping within minutes. Minutes from Canobie Lake Park.
Balancing form and function, Epicurean offers a boutique collection of studio to 3-bedroom apartment homes where luxury is lived, not just admired. Experience polished interiors and best-in-class amenities. Unwind in the outdoor pool, connect in the coworking lounge, gather at the onsite bar, and enjoy direct access to Whole Foods and the vibrant mix of shops and restaurants nearby. Set within
Charming furnished studio available March 15th at Lancelot Court in Salem, NH! Perfectly situated just off Route 93 and only minutes from Tuscan Village, Canobie Lake Park, shopping, dining, public transportation and so much more.. Recent updates include new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new appliances, new interior doors and new window. Heat, hot water, electricity and a/c are included along with
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
Recently Updated 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. Great Commuter location that is centrally located just minutes to the Tuscan
Conveniently located in Salem, NH, BV West offers studio, one and two bedroom apartment homes. We are a pet-friendly community with amenities that include an in-ground pool, fitness center, and our newly renovated clubhouse!
Clean, Bright, Updated, 3rd Floor END Unit with 2 Off Street permitted Parking spots. Inside you will find Granite Counters. Newer Cabinets, StainlessSteel Appliances, including Microwave and Dishwasher, Wood Floors throughout, Washer and Dryer in the Unit, to good size bedrooms, an Updated Bathroom. lots ofextra closet space, open Dining Room, Living Room combo facing the balcony outside of the
Located in Salem, New Hampshire, Willow Park offers studio, one and two bedroom apartment homes. Our newly remodeled homes feature air conditioning, ceiling fans, modern kitchen complete with microwave, central vacuum, and additional storage. You will also feel good to know that Heat and Hot Water are Included. You will save on utilities so you could enjoy TAX FREE shopping nearby. We are within
Rare rental in sought after Salem, NH! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome is located in a quiet suburban neighborhood. The first floor features a living area, eat-in kitchen, and a convenient half bath. The 3-season room off the kitchen opens up to a lovely outdoor deck. Upstairs, you’ll find a comfortable primary bedroom, a second bedroom ideal for a home office or guests, and a
Kate HernandezKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Nestled only two blocks from picturesque Canobie Lake, Carlton Oaks offers peaceful yet luxurious apartment home living in the suburban town of Salem, NH. Our community of garden style apartments includes one- and two-bedroom apartment homes all designed for an elegant and relaxing lifestyle. Take a dip in the swimming pool and catch some rays on the spacious sun deck or break a sweat in fitness
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
Depot & Main is a recently built community that offers affordable Studios, 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes. The community features brand new appliances, flooring, granite counter tops, and more in a convenient location. The devlopment provides easy access to nearby jobs, retail shopping, services, and transportation, and is in close proximity to the new Tuscan Village development. Schedule a tour
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