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
Darcy Mantel,
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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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
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 is set to begin soon 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
Value-packed equity opportunity conveniently located right in the middle of Salem! Priced competitively at $560,000, this home sits in an unbeatable, central neighborhood keeping you just minutes from local schools, commuter routes, and the vibrant premier shopping and dining at Tuscan Village. Step inside to find a sprawling 14x20 structural rear addition featuring an updated kitchen complete
Here’s your rare opportunity to own a stunning corner unit in one of Salem’s most sought-after age-restricted condominium communities. Perfectly positioned in a quiet, tucked-away setting, this home offers exceptional privacy from through-traffic while still being just minutes from everything—Tuscan Village, shopping, top-rated restaurants, and convenient highway access.Step inside and you’ll
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
Modern contemporary home so versatile and well made, it can take on any decor.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
Tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious home offers privacy, flexibility, and room to grow on a wooded lot bordering Methuen. Surrounded by nature yet conveniently located near shopping, dining, major highways, and everyday amenities, the setting provides the best of both worlds.The main home features four bedrooms, an additional office or potential fifth bedroom, multiple
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 55+ garden condo featuring a spacious bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet! The kitchen showcases elegant granite countertops, ideal for meal preparation. The bright living room offers a cozy gas fireplace, and newer luxury vinyl flooring (2020). Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, a walk-in shower, and modern amenities such
Stephanie Kane Realty GroupKeller Williams Gateway Realty
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
Rare opportunity to build your dream home in Salem's highly desirable Arlington Pond community. This .11-acre REC-zoned lot offers a tremendous head start, with many major improvements already completed, including a 25' x 34' foundation that has passed inspection, an approved 2-bedroom septic system, and a 500-foot-deep drilled well already installed. Electric is available at the street, helping
Like new manufactured home built in 2023. It resides in a well sought after community. You walk in to the open living room and kitchen layout. Fresh paint. New laminate flooring. The natural light is boasting. The central air is as cool as a cucumber. The primary bedroom has an en-suite bath. Also, there is an extra bedroom with a bathroom adjacent. The kitchen is equipped 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
Energy Star Certified- Brand New and Ready for Occupancy. Enjoy comfortable living in this new 1 bedroom, 1 bath home featuring an applianced kitchen with abundant cabinet space, vinyl flooring throughout, and convenient laundry hookups. Additional features include: FHA propane heat, central air conditioning, shed, and decks for outside enjoyment, modern finishes throughout. Sorry no dogs are
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
Charming Five-Year-Old Colonial Home in Prime Salem LocationDiscover this beautifully maintained five-year-old colonial nestled in one of Salem's most sought-after neighborhoods. Designed for modern living with classic appeal, this home offers spacious comfort and thoughtful features throughout its well-laid-out floor plan. Key FeaturesFour large bedrooms, including a primary suite with a
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
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.
Hanover Toscana features 230 light-filled apartment homes with luxurious finishes and modern-day amenities. Located in the ever-growing New Hampshire neighborhood of Tuscan Village, Hanover Toscana 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,
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.
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
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!
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
Property Id: 2537413Renovated, 2-bedroom, 1 bath, 2nd floor apt. available June 1st, located in south Salem NH. Close to shopping, dining, routes 93, 28, 495 & 213. The kitchen has new stainless-steel appliances, counter tops, floor, sink/faucet, and cabinets. The living room has a working fireplace, new carpeting, and there are 2 bedrooms with new carpeting as well, a laundry/storage
Fully renovated last year and move-in ready, this garden-style condo features a sleek eat-in kitchen with like-new appliances and stylish tile flooring throughout. Beyond the spacious bedroom, you’ll find a versatile flex room perfect for your dream home office or nursery. Whether you're commuting to Boston or eager to enjoy Salem’s best dining and shopping including Tuscan Village (a stone's
Beautiful 4-bedroom Colonial near Arlington Pond beach! Highlights include a modern European kitchen with waterfall quartz/granite and high-end appliances, an open-concept main floor with plank flooring, and a primary suite with a luxury whirlpool bath. The finished walk-out basement features a wet bar and a 4th bathroom, ideal for a teen or guest suite. Enjoy the peace of a private, wooded
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