$182,932Average Value$136Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes For Sale
Northeast Ohio’s ‘Little Big City’
Founded by Quakers in the early 1800s, Salem is a small city of about 12,000 people in northeast Ohio. Its claims to fame include the renowned American painter Charles Burchfield and Alan Freed, the DJ who coined the term ‘rock and roll.’ Locally, it’s known as Ohio’s ‘Little Big City,’ a tagline adopted by the city’s tourism board. “I love that because it has everything there that you need, but it doesn’t feel like you’re in a big city,” says lifelong resident and Realtor Kate Oesch. “It’s such a freestanding community. There’s no passing through – you know when you’re in Salem. There are areas of town that still look like a Norman Rockwell painting.”
Salem's city slogan is "Little Big City", as this city has everything residents need with a small town feel.
Salem residents can find local shopping, dining and entertainment options in the walkable downtown district.
1/2
Historic architecture and Salem’s Community Reinvestment Act
“Most of our housing inventory is over 30 years old,” Oesch says. “We have a lot of homes that are turn-of-the-century from the early 1900s, which lends itself to some wonderful architecture and beautiful details but also leads to a lack of energy efficiency, old windows, updates that need to be made. We’d love to have some more new construction.” Salem’s architecture ranges from historic American Foursquare, Tudor and Colonial Revival homes to midcentury ranch-style and split-level homes. According to Oesch, the city’s average sales price is $175,000, and homes priced over $400,000 will take longer to sell as there is less demand for homes at that price point. There are vacant lots for sale in Salem, and the city aims to incentivize new construction. “Within the last two years, the city pushed through with the state a Community Reinvestment Act,” Oesch says. “If you build a home in the city of Salem, there’s a 15-year tax abatement, so the incentive to build in our area is wonderful. For 15 years, the owner only pays real estate taxes on the land.”
Salem has houses that date back as far as the 1830's that give the city a historic touch.
The Salem State Theatre was built in 1922, opening its doors on Thanksgiving day as a movie house.
1/2
Centennial Park, Salem Community Center and the Burchfield Homestead
Salem has over 375 acres of park land and water. The 26-acre Centennial Park is the city’s oldest park, with tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, disc golf and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The Salem Community Center (SCC) is a nonprofit rec center with basketball courts, indoor soccer and an indoor pool. “They host a lot of sports tournaments, and they have a Designer Handbag Bingo they do every year that brings in hundreds of attendees,” Oesch says. The event features handbags from designers like Michael Kors, Coach and Kate Spade and raises funds for the SCC Children’s Fitness Center. The famous painter Charles Burchfield grew up in Salem, and those interested in learning about his life can visit the Burchfield Homestead, his childhood home that now operates as a museum.
The Salem Community Center offers a variety of programs and community events for all ages.
Centennial Park, in Salem, encompasses 26 acres of land and includes multiple sport courts, a disc golf course and a playground.
1/2
Salem City School District, Allegheny Wesleyan College and Kent State University at Salem
Salem City School District gets a B-minus rating from Niche, and Salem High School gets a B. “Friday night football games draw in a bunch of people,” Oesch says. “Our football stadium is very nice. That’s a big community event. My boys played football, and I’ll go to games and see people whose kids are all grown up, but they keep going back to the games just to be involved in the community.” The city’s only private school is St. Paul School, a Catholic school for preschool through eighth-grade students. Allegheny Wesleyan College, a private Methodist liberal arts university, is located in Salem. Kent State University has a campus in Salem, which, combined with its East Liverpool campus, offers more than 20 degrees and enrolls over 3,500 students each year.
Kent State University, Salem Campus, brings nationally recognized higher education to Salem.
Salem High School, boasts a score of B on Niche and is ranked as the number 23 best school in the Youngstown area.
1/2
Downtown Salem Partnership and the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area
“Downtown Salem Partnership does a wonderful job of bringing business to the community,” Oesch says. “They have a farmers market on Broadway from the spring through fall. Vendors come in and sell flowers, produce and honey. You can walk downtown, get a cup of coffee at LiB’s, check out the farmers market, walk around a little bit and get lunch at Heggy’s.” LiB’s is a local coffee shop that also sells breakfast, and Heggy’s is a diner known for its homemade chocolates. She notes that Mike’s Penn Grille is also a community staple, serving seafood and steak in a casual dining room. On Thursdays through Saturdays, downtown Salem is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, meaning patrons can walk around with open alcohol containers during downtown events or on regular weekends.
Downtown Salem is a hotbed of activity, thanks to small businesses and the Downtown Salem Partnership.
Downtown Salem is a "Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area", also known as DORA.
1/2
National Weather Service and the Salem Police Department
The Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service records weather events for Salem and the surrounding region. Since 2020, it has reported tornadoes, wind, hail, heavy snow, flooding, cold fronts and freezing rain. FBI data shows that the Salem Police Department has seen a steady decrease in property crime since 2018, while its violent crime rate has remained about the same. “People love the low crime rates,” Oesch says. “I personally feel safe walking anywhere in Salem at any hour.”
U.S. Route 62, Community Action Rural Transit System and Akron-Canton Airport
Salem is 44 miles southeast of Akron, 67 miles northwest of Pittsburgh and 68 miles southeast of Cleveland. U.S. Route 62 runs through Salem, connecting it to other major thoroughfares. “Salem, compared to some neighboring communities, is one of those where you still can walk to school or the grocery store,” Oesch says. “Compared to Canfield or Poland, where you can’t get across Route 224 without risking your life.” Columbiana County’s Community Action Rural Transit System provides door-to-door transit services that must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Salem’s closest airport is Akron-Canton Airport, which is 32 miles west in Akron and provides nonstop passenger services to 20 destinations.
Second Saturdays and the Salem Super Cruise
Every month, downtown Salem hosts Second Saturdays, a day to shop from local businesses and explore pop-up events. “Each month has a theme,” Oesch says. “They have a superhero-themed Second Saturday and an art-themed Second Saturday. Alan Freed is from Salem, Ohio, and he was given credit for coining the term ‘rock and roll.’ Freed Fest is held on one of their Second Saturdays.” Freed Fest includes live music throughout downtown, a Rock ‘n’ Stroll bar crawl and falls on the weekend of Salem High School’s all-class reunion. Salem’s signature event is the Salem Super Cruise, a four-day car show at the beginning of June. “That brings in at least $1 million in revenue just for that weekend with all the consumers coming in,” Oesch says.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Tiffany Karla
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joyce Kissinger,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Salem, OH sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Salem, OH over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning one-owner European-style home, built by John Brothers and Robert Yuhanick, is located in a highly desirable area and offers exceptional space, craftsmanship, and comfort. A dramatic two-story foyer with a graceful curved staircase welcomes you inside, where cathedral ceilings, pristine hard wood flooring and an open floor plan create a bright and impressive living space. The
Remarks: Great Opportunity. Great location. High traffic area with Walmart and Home Depot across the road from the lot. 2 parcels are available. MLS numbers 5016451 and 5015664 can be sold together, adjacent parcels. Total of 2.5 acres. Level/flat land.
Remarks: Great Opportunity. Great location. High traffic area with Walmart and Home Depot across the road from the lot. 2 parcels are available. MLS numbers 5016451 and 5015664 can be sold together, adjacent parcels. Total of 2.5 acres. Level/flat land.
Tucked away on a quiet dead-end street, this delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home offers comfort, convenience, and plenty of charm. With cute curb appeal and a wooded backdrop, it’s the perfect blend of cozy living and peaceful surroundings. Inside, you’ll find a nice-sized living room and a welcoming eat-in kitchen — great for everyday meals and gatherings. Step out back to enjoy the scenery
Come check out this over 2.5 acre parcel! Could this be the future location of your dream home? From the air, this lot shape is giving you a "thumbs up" to go ahead and call! Located in Salem Township and Leetonia School District. The property is located where Lisbon Canfield Road and Butcher Road meet. No utilities currently, but there is city water available to hook into. You will need to make
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot in Salem, Ohio! Offering plenty of room both inside and out, this property is perfect for those looking for comfort, functionality, and space to grow. Step inside to find a well-designed layout featuring a generous living area filled with natural light, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen
New listing! Experience the perfect blend of privacy, space, and natural beauty on this stunning 5-acre property in the United Local School District. Offering over 1,900 square feet of living space, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is set in a picturesque setting, complete with a charming creek winding through the property, creating a peaceful, park-like atmosphere. Step onto the inviting
Completely reimagined and move-in ready, this stunning ranch delivers the feel of brand-new construction with the benefit of a beautifully established setting. Designed for effortless one-floor living, the open-concept layout showcases a gorgeous new kitchen featuring granite countertops, a center island, and brand-new appliances, all flowing seamlessly into a spacious living area filled with
Welcome to 13050 Diagonal Rd, a charming and fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in the peaceful countryside of Salem. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated to combine modern comfort with classic charm. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the fresh, clean finishes—new flooring, stylish fixtures, and a bright, open layout that feels both cozy and contemporary. The
Enjoy easy living in this affordable first-floor Salem condo. No steps. this unit has three bedrooms plus one full bath and a half bath. Kitchen includes all appliances. Living room is open into dining area. Convenient laundry closet. An attached private one-car garage adds to the effortless lifestyle this condo provides. Take advantage of the Pembrooke Community which features an in-ground pool,
Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath manufactured home located in the highly sought-after West BranchSchool District. This property offers an easy accessible ramp entrance, along with comfortable living with two generously sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with its own half bathroom for added convenience. Enjoy the fresh interior paint throughout and new carpet in the living room,
Danielle IngramKeller Williams Legacy Group Realty
Opportunity awaits with this affordable ranch in the South Range School District! Situated on a .29-acre lot, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 960 sq ft —providing plenty of potential for renovation or investment. The property has a fairly new WELL and SEPTIC system installed. This home could optionally be torn down and a new home or garage could be built with well and septic in place. Ideal
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial situated on 0.86 acres in Salem Township—offering the feel of country living with the convenience of being just minutes from town. Located near the east end of Salem, this property provides easy access to everyday essentials while still delivering the space and privacy many buyers are looking for. Enjoy the balance of a quieter setting
Villas at Franklin in Salem, Ohio feature single story living at its finest. Each unit features a private attached garage, open floor plans, washer/dryer hook-ups, fully equipped kitchens, wood laminate flooring and more. Located in the heart of Salem near the Salem Community Center and close to major interstates.
Located in Salem with the address of 330 Vine Street Unit #4 is this 1 bedroom/1 bath Apartment. Kitchen is provided with stove and refrigerator which the tenant is to maintain. Monthly rent is $700.00 and tenant pays electric, water, sewer, gas. Trash is included with the monthly rent. Full security deposit of $700.00 and first month rent is due before an approved tenant can move in. No smoking,
Located in downtown Salem is this 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Apartment that is 2 floors. This apartment has a formal living room with 12 ft. ceilings, a dining room and a kitchen. The kitchen has a stove and refrigerator which the tenant is to maintain. This tenant has access to laundry room, tenant does provide their own washer and dryer. This is a great location with enclosed parking. Monthly rent is
493 B Washington:2 bedroom 1 bath. Stove and refrigerator included. Laundry hookups. Rear deck. Tenant pays electric, gas, water, and trash. Tenant completes normal upkeep, mowing lawn, and snow removal. No smoking. No pets.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.