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
Siri Wilbur Kamien,
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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WHY BUILD? THIS ONE HAS IT ALL! Elegant & warm, Immaculate, barely lived-in luxury home loaded with upgrades. Brazilian cherry flooring, soaring ceilings, chef’s kitchen with quartz island & double ovens, large pantry closet, and a great floor plan for entertaining. Heated sun porch, custom tile master shower w/rain head, soaking tub, and generous walk-ins. Finished lower level with Bonus Room +
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! This 2 bedroom condo is located just steps away from Salem's Tuscan Village, shopping, restaurants and just minutes to Route 93. These are large units, close to 1000 Sq. ft., in unit laundry and under $300k!! First time home buyers and investors take notice, LOW condo fees at only $210 per month. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to get into the booming Salem
Set on 1.25 acres of peaceful, wooded surroundings, this thoughtfully updated 3 bedroom, 2bath home offers the perfect blend of flexibility, comfort, and privacy. The open-concept main level features a beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops, center island, and seamless flow into the dining and office space. Ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. A versatile first floor
WHY BUILD? THIS ONE HAS IT ALL! Elegant & warm, Immaculate, barely lived-in luxury home loaded with upgrades. Brazilian cherry flooring, soaring ceilings, chef’s kitchen with quartz island & double ovens, large pantry closet, and a great floor plan for entertaining. Heated sun porch, custom tile master shower w/rain head, soaking tub, and generous walk-ins. Finished lower level with Bonus Room +
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
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 arch doorway,
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! This 2 bedroom condo is located just steps away from Salem's Tuscan Village, shopping, restaurants and just minutes to Route 93. These are large units, close to 1000 Sq. ft., in unit laundry and under $300k!! First time home buyers and investors take notice, LOW condo fees at only $210 per month. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to get into the booming Salem
Experience the pinnacle of penthouse living at 18 Artisan in the heart of Tuscan Village. Unit #519 is the largest 2-bedroom residence in the building, offering an exceptional 2-bedroom + den, 2.5-bath layout designed for both comfort and sophistication. Positioned on the top floor, this residence delivers the privacy, natural light, and exclusivity that define true penthouse living. The
Philip HarasekKeller Williams Gateway Realty/Salem
Sunny and bright new construction Colonial in Salem, NH, A vibrant town known for small town charm with modern amenities. This beautifully designed home features 3 generous bedrooms and 2 1/2 tiled baths, offering a perfect blend of comfort and modern style. Enjoy a fireplaced living room and an open-concept custom kitchen with dining area, ideal for every day living and entertaining. Oversized
Joanne PazzaneseDiamond Key Real Estate/ Haverhill
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
We're live! 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. 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 appliances. Step on to the
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
Set on 1.25 acres of peaceful, wooded surroundings, this thoughtfully updated 3 bedroom, 2bath home offers the perfect blend of flexibility, comfort, and privacy. The open-concept main level features a beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops, center island, and seamless flow into the dining and office space. Ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. A versatile first floor
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
First floor private front and rear entry. Nice yard. One bedroom plus an office or second bedroom. Gas stove. Full bath with tub. Come home to the tranquility of a charming antique building with character, on a private 1.7 acre lot nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood. This freshly painted apartment is ready for occupancy. Enjoy stepping out onto your new deck into a spacious yard.
3 Lancelot Court, Unit 10 – Salem, NHWelcome home to this comfortable 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo featuring an open-concept kitchen and living area that feels easy and inviting. Step out onto your private balcony—perfect for a morning coffee or some fresh air. Heat and hot water are included for added convenience. Located close to Tuscan Village, shopping, restaurants and major highways, making
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
Welcome to this spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in the heart of Salem, New Hampshire, offering a comfortable and inviting living experience with abundant natural light throughout, convenient on-site laundry, and included parking for added ease. Situated close to local shops, dining, and everyday essentials, this home places you right where you want to be for both convenience and
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.
Experience comfort and convenience in this spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Salem, New Hampshire! Featuring modern stainless steel appliances and elegant granite countertops, while in-building laundry, off-street parking, and a private deck enhance your living experience. Plus, with heat and hot water included, you'll enjoy effortless living year-round!
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
Live in Tuscan Village! Enjoy quiet, modern living in the heart of it all at The Residence at 18 Artisan at Tuscan Village. This private 3rd-floor end unit offers 1 bedroom + den, a full bath with double vanity, a fully top-end applianced kitchen, automatic blinds and in-unit washer/dryer.Access to all of the amenities; heated pool, gym, grills and patio overlooking the Village.Steps from
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!
Bright and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in a highly desirable location near Tuscan Village. This unit includes two dedicated parking spaces, on-site laundry, and heat and hot water included in the rent.
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
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
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