Why Live in New Salem
New Salem, located in central Massachusetts, is a rural community with a population of around 1,000 people, spanning 59 square miles. The town is known for its historic charm, featuring 18th-century meeting houses and antique clapboard homes with views of the Quabbin Reservoir. The New Salem Museum & Academy of Fine Art, opened in 2023, showcases contemporary realist art, while the 1794 Meetinghouse serves as a performing arts venue. The New Salem Public Library offers a mini art gallery and internet access. Outdoor attractions include the 1,100-acre New Salem State Forest, which provides opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing. The Bears Den Waterfall is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Despite its scenic beauty, New Salem lacks restaurants and grocery stores, with the New Salem General Store being the only place for basic provisions and fresh baked goods. For more extensive shopping, residents travel about 10 miles north to Orange. The town's housing includes Colonials, Cape Cods, and one-story homes, with prices ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. Many residents are retirees or professors commuting to nearby colleges in Amherst. Younger students attend the highly rated Swift River School, while older students go to Ralph C. Mahar Regional School. New Salem is accessible via Route 202 and is 40 miles from Worcester and 75 miles from Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Salem a good place to live?
New Salem is a good place to live. New Salem is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. New Salem is a neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. New Salem has 6 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 55. The average household income is $101,652 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 30% of residents. A majority of residents in New Salem are home owners, with 11.7% of residents renting and 88.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving New Salem can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
New Salem neighborhood guide.
Is New Salem, MA a safe neighborhood?
New Salem, MA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in New Salem?
The median home price in New Salem is $299,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $59,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,550 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $66K a year to afford the median home price in New Salem. The average household income in New Salem is $102K.
What are the best public schools in New Salem?
The best public schools that serve New Salem are:
What are the most popular zip codes in New Salem, Phillipston, MA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near New Salem, Phillipston, MA?
Are home prices dropping in New Salem?
Yes, home prices in New Salem are down 49% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in New Salem, MA
On average, homes in New Salem, Phillipston sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in New Salem, Phillipston over the last 12 months is $289,000, down 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$289,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$289,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$375,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$174
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median List Price
$299,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-52%