Salem is a forested rural township in Luzerne County bordered by the Susquehanna River to the east and full of protected parklands. Residents live nearly an hour away from Scranton or Wilkes-Barre. However, though Salem has a backcountry vibe, the area is growing as a hub for energy and tech jobs. “It is a buyer's market, and there are going to be lots of jobs coming soon,” says Brenda Post, a Berwick local and broker with Realty World Masich & Dell. “Amazon is moving in here, and it’s going to continue to be a buyer’s market for the influx of workers.”
Salem has many different types of homes like cape cods, colonials and more.
The Susquehanna River runs the entire length of the Salem neighborhood.
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Secluded single-family homes and spacious land market
Numerous ramblers and Colonial Revivals sit on secluded country lots along the town’s winding, tree-lined roads. Single-family homes are priced from $160,000 to $300,000, varying by square footage, remodel status and lot size. Multi-acre parcels of land are also on the market, and there are several mobile home communities.
Salem residents can find a large sized Victorian inspired home with a view of the Susquehanna River.
Salem residents take good care of their home and lawns all summer long.
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Upcoming Amazon data center and Pennsylvania's largest nuclear plant
Salem is home to the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Pennsylvania’s largest nuclear power plant by capacity, operated by roughly 900 employees. The plant will power the town’s upcoming Amazon data center, which is currently under construction. According to a 2023 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission report, the Susquehanna plant’s day-to-day operations did not have a significant impact on the environment or on the nearby public.
Salem has the areas largest power plant in the state.
The local power plant in Salem will power the upcoming Amazon Data Center.
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State game lands for hiking and hunting
The Park at Salem Township has a playground, baseball field and picnic pavilions, and it regularly hosts community events. State Game Lands Number 260 is a wildlife area stretching over 3,000 acres. Hiking and cross-country skiing are popular, and locals can hunt white-tailed deer, black bears and wild turkeys in appropriate seasons. East of town is the Susquehanna Riverlands, a protected green space with several trails popular for cycling, birdwatching or a nature walk.
Hikers in Salem love going for a long stroll along the Susquehanna River.
Hunters in Salem have close access to State Game Lands 260 with over 3000 acres of open land.
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Local events around Salem
The town organizes events including the Community Yard Sale and Movies in the Park, so locals can enjoy family-friendly movies on balmy summer nights. “There are several local farmers who grow nearby, and we do have a farmers’ market by the bank that is popular in the summer,” says Post. Berwick Farmers Market runs from May through October, hosting vendors who sell farm-fresh produce, butcher meats and homemade baked goods.
Folks go to Berwick for groceries and dining
Several miles west in Berwick, there’s an Aldi, a Giant and Weis Markets. For dining options in that area, locals can head to neighborhood hangouts like The Forge Pub & Eatery, which offers draft beers, sandwiches and burgers with a breezy outdoor patio. Dalo’s Bakery, just a few blocks further west, serves pizza, pastries and fresh pies.
JC Restaurant has been serving up Salem locals in downtown for decades.
Weis markets is located right in downtown Salem and can be walked to from most of downtown.
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Berwick Area School District serves the community
The Berwick Area School District serves Salem. Students can attend Salem Elementary School, also called East Berwick Elementary, which gets a B-rating from Niche. Berwick Area Middle and Berwick Area High both get a B-minus rating. East Berwick Elementary hosts a virtual arts show every school year so students can have their creative work on display.
Students in Salem can continue their education at Berwick Area Middle School.
Kids from Salem will start their education at East Berwick Elementary School.
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Scranton and Wilkes-Barre are an hour from home
Due to Salem's secluded nature, residents are car-dependent. Commuters can take U.S. Route 11 about 25 miles east to Wilkes-Barre in 40 minutes or 40 miles to Scranton in about an hour. The Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is roughly 37 miles away and offers domestic flights.
Residents of Salem can be at The Wilkes International Airport in about forty five minutes.
Downtown Wilkes Barre is the closest city center to Salem.
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Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Vincent Mauriello
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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