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
Karen Cronin,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Salem, NH sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Salem, NH over the last 12 months is $1,100,000.
Refined luxury meets effortless living at 99 Pond Street in Salem, New Hampshire. Perfectly positioned on over two private acres, this exquisitely reimagined residence has been transformed from top to bottom with exceptional craftsmanship, sophisticated finishes, and timeless design.Bathed in natural light, the thoughtfully curated interior showcases an open layout. The stunning chef-inspired
Experience luxury living in one of Salem's premier neighborhoods, where you can make this dream home your reality. This impressive custom-built home offers exceptional living spaces, resort-style outdoor amenities and an unbeatable location just minutes from Tuscan Village, the Massachusetts border, major commuter routes and Campbell's Scottish Highlands Golf Course. Designed for entertaining,
Melanie NorcrossKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Rare opportunity to own a well-maintained home in Salem for under $500,000! Offering exceptional value, this 3 to 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath Cape is ready for its next chapter after 56 years of ownership. Set on a level 0.77-acre lot with public water and public sewer, the property features a welcoming covered front entry, low-maintenance vinyl siding with gutters, an 8-year-young roof, and a detached
Catherine ZerbaKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Here’s your rare opportunity to own a stunning, move-in ready corner unit in one of Salem’s most sought-after condominium communities with convenient highway access. Step outside to your private deck and enjoy a peaceful moment with your morning coffee or lunch, surrounded by birdsong and the opportunity to create your own seasonal garden oasis. The lower level features a huge finished bonus
Refined luxury meets effortless living at 99 Pond Street in Salem, New Hampshire. Perfectly positioned on over two private acres, this exquisitely reimagined residence has been transformed from top to bottom with exceptional craftsmanship, sophisticated finishes, and timeless design.Bathed in natural light, the thoughtfully curated interior showcases an open layout. The stunning chef-inspired
Welcome to this spacious Colonial nestled in the highly sought-after Old Coach Neighborhood and located within the desirable Barron School District. Set on a level corner lot with a fully fenced backyard and a convenient U-shaped driveway, this home offers a wonderful combination of space, functionality, and location. The thoughtfully designed first floor features a formal dining room that flows
Jill O'ShaughnessyJill & Co. Realty Group - Real Broker NH, LLC
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
Experience luxury living in one of Salem's premier neighborhoods, where you can make this dream home your reality. This impressive custom-built home offers exceptional living spaces, resort-style outdoor amenities and an unbeatable location just minutes from Tuscan Village, the Massachusetts border, major commuter routes and Campbell's Scottish Highlands Golf Course. Designed for entertaining,
Melanie NorcrossKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Rare opportunity to own a well-maintained home in Salem for under $500,000! Offering exceptional value, this 3 to 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath Cape is ready for its next chapter after 56 years of ownership. Set on a level 0.77-acre lot with public water and public sewer, the property features a welcoming covered front entry, low-maintenance vinyl siding with gutters, an 8-year-young roof, and a detached
Catherine ZerbaKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Welcome to easy, low-maintenance living in the desirable Brookwood Park community of Salem, NH! Built in 2019, this move-in ready manufactured home offers modern comfort, thoughtful outdoor living spaces, and an unbeatable location just minutes from I-93, Tuscan Village, shopping, dining, and all that Salem has to offer. Inside, you'll find a bright, well-maintained interior that's ready for its
Why wait for new construction when you can move right into this like-new 2023 manufactured home? Located in the desirable Kachadorian Manufactured Home Park, a welcoming 55+ community in Salem, NH, this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 900 square feet of modern, low-maintenance living. The open-concept layout features a bright kitchen with stainless steel
Come see this well-maintained unit in the heart of Salem NH! New electric, furnace, tub, new roof, stairs, paint and plaster. This is your Salem NH home. In a quiet park but close to all of the action, you will be able to enjoy life if you make this home yours. Great NH schools, close to stores, highways, and Tuscan Village, you can do all this area offers or just relax and do nothing. The unit
LAKEFRONT NEW CONSTRUCTION on Arlington Pond! Come walk the lots and bring your questions to the BUILDER’S OPEN HOUSE 6/17 from 4:00-6:00. Construction has already begun on this exceptional lakefront home offering the rare opportunity to customize finishes and selections while the home is being built. Perfectly situated on the shores of Arlington Pond in Salem, this thoughtfully designed
Jill O'ShaughnessyJill & Co. Realty Group - Real Broker NH, LLC
Welcome to this exceptional property offering the perfect blend of space, versatility. The main home features 3 generously sized bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, providing a comfortable and functional layout designed for everyday living. Multiple living spaces, including two spacious living rooms, offer endless possibilities for entertaining, relaxing, creating a home office, or accommodating a
Alex VaillancourtKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
This freshly renovated ranch style building boasts an incredible location. Just a stone's 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! The owner re sided and re roofed with a completely new interior including new flooring throughout, brand new kitchen, new interior trim with craftsman style doors and
2 Bed, 1 Bath Condo – 661 Sq. Ft. – Prime Location Near Tuscan Village This 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers 661 square feet of comfortable living space. The open-concept layout between the kitchen and living room creates a spacious and inviting feel. Conveniently located near shopping and the vibrant Tuscan Village, with easy access to Route 93—making commuting a breeze. Rental
Novella at Tuscan Village features 230 light-filled apartment homes with luxurious finishes and modern-day amenities. Located in the ever-growing New Hampshire neighborhood of Tuscan Village, Novella is one place to experience it all. With impressive resort-style amenities, a supreme location and a devoted staff, these luxury apartments in Salem, NH, are uniquely designed to offer an effortless,
Siena Tuscan Village offers refined apartments in Salem, NH, at the gateway of Tuscan Village. Enjoy spacious homes, curated amenities, and attentive service in a welcoming community, with dining, shopping, and entertainment nearby from a calm, residential setting.
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
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
Expand your apartment living experience at a community that allows you to customize your lifestyle. Each home at Corsa Tuscan Village is brand new, specially constructed to meet your standards of convenience and luxury in the heart of Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire.
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
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 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!
Welcome to 1-7 Meisner, a charming apartment complex nestled in the heart of Salem, NH. Our apartments offer a variety of spacious 2 and 3 bedroom layouts, perfect for those seeking a comfortable and inviting living space. One of the key features of our apartments is the inclusion of heat in your rent, ensuring a cozy and warm environment throughout the colder months. We understand that pets are
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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