$273,314Average Value$155Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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
Julie Snyder,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Salem, NY sell after 47 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 $232,200, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Dreaming of a homestead, hobby farm, hunting property, or peaceful country retreat? Look no further! Set on 18.46 picturesque acres featuring a pond, stream, wooded trails, open pastures, abundant wildlife, apple orchard, grape trellises, and two barns, this beautifully updated farmhouse offers the perfect blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The property is well-suited for horses or
Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, and the quiet rustle of the countryside, right from the comfort of your own charming farmhouse. Nestled on a peaceful country road, this adorable 1302 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage farmhouse is just waiting for someone to come along and make it their own. All of the classic and overused adjectives apply here, with exposed wood beams, a claw
Welcome to 47 Mountain View Way, where timeless Colonial farmhouse charm meets refined contemporary style on 19.39 extraordinary acres in scenic Washington County. Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking mountain views, this exceptional property offers the perfect balance of privacy, beauty, and tranquility in an idyllic country setting. The thoughtfully designed interior begins with a
*Motivated Sellers - Offers encouraged!* Warm and inviting lakefront retreat on tranquil Scott Lake! Nestled along the shores of a pristine 30-acre spring-fed lake in scenic Washington County, this charming cottage offers the perfect escape for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful days on the water from your own private lake frontage with dock and lakeside
Proudly presenting the Kent Family Farm--offered for the first time outside the family since 1943. This remarkable 162-acre estate is nestled in the bucolic hills of Shushan, boasting nearly a mile of frontage along the renowned Battenkill. The stately 5-bedroom, 2 full bath brick Colonial features a picture-perfect wraparound porch and has been thoughtfully updated to blend timeless character
Tucked away on a privately maintained lane, this secluded off-grid cabin offers the perfect setting for self-reliant living on 5.39 wooded acres. Pride of ownership shines throughout this well-constructed and meticulously maintained 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath retreat. The first floor features gleaming wood floors, a cozy open floor plan, well-appointed kitchen, woodstove, shiplap paneled walls, laundry
Welcome to Featherstone Farm! Enveloped in over two centuries of history, this extraordinary 1767 home was built by a revolutionary soldier Moses Martin. Meticulously preserved and offered in pristine condition, the property delivers an elusive blend of historic character, modern comfort, and boundless natural beauty. The Residence - Offering over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully maintained
R Michael Keefrider Jr.Coldwell Banker Prime Prop.
The views alone are worth the drive -- everything else is a bonus.Architect-designed and conceived from the ground up to frame the surrounding mountain landscape, this contemporary Washington County retreat sits well back from the road on 5.87 private acres -- sited and oriented with intention so that nearly every room captures the sweeping views that define this property. Floor-to-ceiling
Welcome to your New Home! Fall in love with the warmth and charm of this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring timeless farmhouse appeal and abundant natural light throughout. Nestled on a quiet street, this move-in-ready gem offers an inviting eat-in country kitchen, first-floor laundry, spacious living and dining rooms, and two generously sized bedrooms. Start your mornings on
Seller financing available! New price and motivated sellers! 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.
Dreaming of a homestead, hobby farm, hunting property, or peaceful country retreat? Look no further! Set on 18.46 picturesque acres featuring a pond, stream, wooded trails, open pastures, abundant wildlife, apple orchard, grape trellises, and two barns, this beautifully updated farmhouse offers the perfect blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The property is well-suited for horses or
Pride of ownership shines through on this lovely home which is sited on a gorgeous serene lot. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, including an en suite for the primary bedroom. The home lives much larger than one would think. The layout lends itself to creative use of all available space. There are 2 detached garages offering 4 parking spaces. On a knoll just above the house sits a fire
Restoration enthusiasts take note! This former 3200+ sq ft home was signifcantly damaged by fire. It was not deemed to be a tear down by the insurance company. Restore this to its 5- 6 bdrm 2.5 bath beauty which sits on 3.92 acres. Lovely screened in back porch. The Carriage barn is stunning and has much potential. Hold harmless required before viewing the property and cash only transaction
Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, and the quiet rustle of the countryside, right from the comfort of your own charming farmhouse. Nestled on a peaceful country road, this adorable 1302 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage farmhouse is just waiting for someone to come along and make it their own. All of the classic and overused adjectives apply here, with exposed wood beams, a claw
Step back in time with this beautifully preserved 1840s farmhouse, thoughtfully renovated in 1994 and set in a quiet country setting with sweeping views. Overlooking a lovely swimming pond and trout stream, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home blends historic charm with modern comfort. Ideal for entertaining, it offers a spacious 24'x24' deck, a family room with wet bar, and a cozy den with a fieldstone
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