Salem

There are no witches in New Jersey, so you can rest easy in Salem and settle down to enjoy a historic community surrounded by the Salem River.

“It’s got diverse types of housing, everything from duplexes to old Victorian homes to newer traditional homes. You’ll see one and two-story options and a large variety of styles depending on the street,” says a local Realtor. “Houses around here can sell quickly, especially when it comes to investors. A year ago it would have been even quicker, but it has slowed down a little bit. There might be more investors in this area than buyers.” Home prices can be anywhere from $75,000 to $300,000 and homes can range in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. In this more established neighborhood, most homes were built between 1910 and 1950 and sit on smaller lots that typically fall between 3,000 and 8,000 square feet. Luckily these smaller lots encourage a strong sense of community as residents take advantage of shaded sidewalks to go out for a stroll and stop to chat with their neighbors. Smaller lots also mean simple, easy-to-maintain landscaping that can be enjoyed from your cozy front porch.

Students in Salem can attend John Fenwick Elementary School, which received a B rating from Niche and serves about 350 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Salem Middle School is another option that received a C rating from Niche and has about 450 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. Salem High School received a B-minus rating from Niche and serves about 400 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1, much lower than the national average, the school also encourages students to participate in National Honor Society, STEM club and yearbook club.

Take a deep breath of fresh air at Supawna Meadows Wildlife Refugee, where 2,800 acres contain everything from trails and wildlife to hunting and fishing opportunities. The area’s central location and landscape make it an important stop for migrating birds. Popular trails include Grassland Trail and Forest Habitat Trail. Be sure to bring your camera to capture local species like the American Woodcock and the Northern Long-eared Bat. Fort Mott State Park is another great place to stretch your legs. People love walking long the shoreline path or riding on the ferry. The old World War I fort is definitely the highlight of the experience, providing a unique backdrop for hikers and cyclists. During the snowy season, sledding and cross-country skiing are common in the park. Picnic areas and playgrounds are enjoyed in the warmer months.

Hungry? Grab a slice from Pats Pizza & Bistro, a family-friendly eatery with an impressive menu containing everything from sandwiches to Italian classics served since 1974. Ella's Mama Mia's Restaurant and Pizzeria is another option with tasty, homemade Italian dishes made fresh from scratch. They have proudly passed down their recipes for generations and achieve quality through passion, keeping boxed pasta and frozen pizzas far away from their kitchen. If you’re tired of pizza, try something new at Salem Oak Diner, known and beloved locally for its retro style. Built from an old Sterling Streamliner car, the restaurant captures an at-home feel with a menu full of everything from omelets to soups to cheeseburgers.

If you’ve been bitten by the shopping bug, Downtown Salem is filled with little boutiques and Fenwick Plaza has its own selection with plenty of local murals decorating the space. Or if you’d prefer to dive into history, the Salem Historic District has plenty to explore. Follow along Market Street and see for yourself why it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. 44 buildings include everything from the Old Salem County Courthouse to the three-story brick Ford's Hotel to the First Presbyterian Church built in 1856.