$276,925Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
A thriving rural community that embraces its past
First settled in 1762 and steeped in history, Salem is a small hamlet in eastern Washington County where history, art and agriculture converge. “It’s a beautiful area only 3 miles from the Vermont border and nestled between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks,” says Kristin Preble, broker-owner of Preble Realty LLC, who lives in Salem. “Folks who move here from urban areas are attracted to the community, quality of life and outdoor activities.” Covered bridges, 18th- and 19th-century buildings, an artists’ community and dozens of family farms give the area its unique charm. “In Salem, people like being around things that connect them to the past,” says James Post, a licensed real estate salesperson with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties who used to live in Argyle, 10 miles from Salem. “An original historic building does this, and Salem is full of them.” Yet, Salem is more than just a history lesson. It’s a vibrant community that supports its businesses and the arts. “Homeowners in the area keep this small community alive and well,” Post says. Salem may be growing at its own speed, but it is thriving.
Most residents in Salem own their own homes.
Salem Art Works supports emerging and established artists creating works in the region.
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A haven for historic home enthusiasts
Most homes in Salem were built around 1900. These are traditional bi-level wood-frame homes, often with small front porches and original hardwood floors. Many have been added onto over the years, with new rooms, back decks and screened-in back porches. Some have been remodeled, and most have maintained their original architectural details, such Italianate eaves and decorative Victorian cornices on front-porch columns. Salem homes often resemble farmhouses, some with exposed rustic wooden beams. “If you’re an old home enthusiast, we have plenty to work with,” Preble says. “Some sit on large parcels of land, and they’re relatively affordable compared to surrounding areas.” Prices range from $20,000 for properties needing complete restoration to $300,000 for the fully renovated. “Prices in Saratoga Springs are high enough that they’re pushing working families out,” Post says. “Many are moving back to rural areas like Salem because making a living and sending your kids to school is financially easier. In Salem, houses change hands, but they’ve maintained their historical integrity, something you don’t find in larger cities where investors alter older properties they don’t want to spend the money to preserve.”
Salem is safer than 75% of the cities and towns in the US of all population sizes.
The median age in Salem is 47.5.
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Close to skiing, river sports, museums and more
Salem is within 40 miles of major ski resorts, including Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain in Vermont, Gore in the Adirondacks and West Mountain in Queensbury. Closer to home, the Battenkill River, one of the longest Hudson River tributaries, offers ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking and tubing. Washington County’s agricultural history is linked to this waterway’s easy access. Three covered bridges in the area span the Battenkill: the Rexleigh Covered Bridge, built in 1874; the Shushan (now a museum), built in 1858; and the Eagleville, built in 1858. Golfers can also take advantage of Ondawa Greens, a 9-hole executive course.
Art lovers can check out The Georgi on the Battenkill, a community park and museum with Medieval and Renaissance paintings and a special mineral collection. Both attractions are south of town. In 2000, Salem’s Revolutionary War Cemetery was mapped, and the graves were identified. It was the only public burying ground for nearly 100 years until Evergreen Cemetery was established in 1859. Bancroft Public Library has served the community for over 120 years. Home to 42,000 items, the library is also a hub for Scrabble, Mahjong and other group activities. Off Broadway near the center of town, the Historic Salem Courthouse was built in 1869 and is one of the area’s finest examples of Italianate Victorian architecture. Since 2004, the Historic Salem Courthouse Preservation Association has renovated the structure and plans to restore it fully by 2030.
Salem residents are a short drive away from Ondawa Greens Golf Course
The Historic Salem Courthouse is also a Community Center for the neighborhood.
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From restaurants and farm stands to art galleries and theater
On Main Street, Jacko’s Corner Restaurant, open Thursday through Saturday, has a vintage soda fountain feel, serves small plates, wine and beer, and offers live music and open mike nights on weekends. Across the street, On a Limb Catering and Bakery Company is also only open Thursday through Saturday. It specializes in bread and pastries, espresso drinks, hand pies, soups and wraps. Salem also has several art and performance spaces, such as Rooted in Salem, an art gallery showcasing artists from Salem Art Works, and the Fort Salem Theater, a community theater company producing critically acclaimed musicals and dramas. “This is an artist-oriented community,” Preble says. “Salem Art Works is an artists’ collective in town with a residency program, workshops, youth programs and a sculpture park that spans over 100 acres of a former dairy farm.” In the Cary Hill Sculpture Park on the property, abstract figures made of steel, concrete and iron pepper the landscape, and hiking trails lead to areas with panoramic views of the village and the Green Mountains.
Braydon’s Garden is a family-owned farm stand that sells plants, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and a selection of mums and pumpkins. Gardenworks Farm occupies 300 acres outside Salem in the fertile Black Creek Valley. It sells local meat, cheeses, organic vegetables and baked goods. The closest chain grocery store is Hannaford in Greenwich, 15 miles away.
On a Limb Catering & Bakery is a lovely place to get quality goods in Salem.
Salem residents like to go blueberry picking at Gardenworks Farm during the season.
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Fiber tours, family-friendly parades and festivals
Local farms and mills in Salem showcase their alpacas, sheep, llamas and more during Fiber Tour in April. Visitors can learn about sheering, spinning and weaving wool to make high-quality heirloom goods. Salem’s traditional 4th of July Parade features bands, classic cars, fire trucks and farm equipment. It starts on Main Street and ends at the Historic Salem Courthouse, where the community can enjoy a summer carnival. In September, the Salem Art Works Festival of Fire explores the process and production of making art with fire. The family-friendly weekend features hands-on workshops, artist talks and demonstrations centered around art and fire.
One academy serves the Salem Central School District
Salem Washington Academy, which receives a C-plus from Nice, is a combined PK-6 elementary and a 7-12 junior/senior high that serves students in the Salem Central School District. Pre-K through sixth graders can participate in extracurricular activities like the student council and drama club, which puts on plays and musicals. Seventh through 12th-grade students can choose from several activities, including jazz band, mock trial, ski club and weightlifting. Salem Washington Academy was also allocated over $600,000 through the Smart Schools Bond Act, an initiative partly to improve classroom technology. It plans to purchase new Chromebooks with charging stations, instructional classroom displays and one server.
Salem Elementary School is located at 41 E Broadway, Salem, NY.
The Salem Elementary School is a public school located in Salem, NY.
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Walking downtown or driving to nearby communities
The intersection of Main Street and Broadway forms Salem's downtown, which is within walking distance to restaurants, art galleries, businesses and the public library. Main Street is also Route 22, which runs north-south through the town center, connecting Salem to surrounding townships. Saratoga Springs is 30 miles west and Albany is 50 miles south.
Main Street connects to Route 22 and takes residents across Salem and beyond.
Jacko's Corner Restaurant is a friendly neighborhood kitchen and bar in Salem, NY.
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Other important information for living in Salem
Flooding can occur around Blind Buck Stream, White Creek and Beaver Brook, which run through town. More moderate flood plains north of Broadway and west of Main Street can affect homes, too. Glens Falls Hospital is the closest community hospital in the region, 25 miles west. Salem Medical Center on Main Street provides local primary care, virtual behavioral health services and access to comprehensive care through its affiliation with Glens Falls Hospital and the Albany Med Health System. Salem also has several houses of worship, including Holy Cross Catholic Church, Salem Community Fellowship Baptist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Holy Cross Catholic
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a small diverse and inclusive parish located in Salem, NY.
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Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Perez Folds
Video By
Nina Violi
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristen Preble,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Salem, NY sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Salem, NY over the last 12 months is $209,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched high above the valley in Hebron, this custom-built Cape Cod home offers 29 acres of privacy, natural beauty, and remarkable panoramic views. The elevated setting captures sweeping vistas of rolling farmland, distant hills, and expansive skies that transform with every season where the views take center stage! A wrap-around deck and covered porch invite you to relax and take in the scenery
A rare opportunity to own 42 acres of open and wooded land offering beautiful views, privacy, and exceptional versatility. This easily accessible parcel features extensive road frontage with multiple access points and a well-established network of trails throughout. Thoughtfully positioned raised hunting blinds make it ideal for sportsmen, while a stocked pond with bass adds to the property's
Tucked away in the rolling countryside of southern Washington County, this distinctive home, creatively adapted from an 1800s post-and-beam barn, offers a warm and inviting retreat rich in rustic charm and character. Soaring cathedral ceilings highlight the dramatic central great room, where abundant natural light and a cozy woodstove create the perfect place to gather and unwind. A charming
1860 Farmhouse on 12.6 wooded acres and meadow overlooking the Battenkill river. 4 bedrooms 1 1/2 bath, formal dining room, 3 fireplaces (wood burning inserts provide supplemental heat), 3 season porch entry to large country kitchen, solid post and beam barn with parking on ground level. If you are looking for a country house grounded in history and nature, come and feel the serenity and solace
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Located in the Town of Salem Historic District, you can experience the best of both worlds in this meticulously renovated colonial, perfectly situated on the town's charming main street. This home preserves its original character through elegant symmetry with beautiful new exterior siding and doors, while offering all the modern comforts you desire. The home's traditional colonial facade and
Perched high above the valley in Hebron, this custom-built Cape Cod home offers 29 acres of privacy, natural beauty, and remarkable panoramic views. The elevated setting captures sweeping vistas of rolling farmland, distant hills, and expansive skies that transform with every season where the views take center stage! A wrap-around deck and covered porch invite you to relax and take in the scenery
Where the road curves and the mountains rise, you'll find Bluebird Ridge, a peaceful country haven nestled on 2.12 acres with sweeping views and timeless charm.This 5 bed 3.5 bath Colonial with soaring ceilings, beautiful light features a main floor bedroom with private en suite, a welcoming foyer, formal dining room, family room with fireplace, and a classic country kitchen with brick fireplace
Heather EtzelFour Seasons Sotheby's International Realty
Come check out this home in the heart of Salem. Home is located in walking distance to shops. Home is in need of a complete renovation but has plenty of space inside to grow in to. Cash or rehab loan only.
Tucked away behind a gated 700-foot driveway, this private 10-acre retreat offers an incredible opportunity to own a truly unique piece of land; with motivated sellers and flexible pricing inviting all offers. Surrounded by scenic mountain views and neighboring horse farms, the setting is peaceful, secluded, and full of potential. Wander along natural walking trails, take in the beauty of two
Step into a rare opportunity to own a Circa 1880's homestead farm that perfectly blends historical charm with modern agriculture enterprise! Nestled on 121 picturesque acres in beautiful Washington County, this exceptional property offers a turnkey hydroponic produce production business alongside a serene country lifestyle. The land is a stunning mix of pastures, mature timberlands, and four
The Ultimate Getaway. The perfect country retreat! Long drive to total privacy. A historical home from the 1700’s, once originally part of a hay farm. Over 50 glorious acres with beautiful open meadows, spring-fed pond, fruit trees and flowering gardens. Unique Post “& Beam Converted Barn, dating to 1763. Remarkable interior spaces with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, exposed beams and open
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