Are you considering moving to Salem? Salem, New Hampshire, is best known as a family-friendly up-and-coming town with thriving commercial areas and a growing arts and culture scene right on the Massachusetts border. The town is home to Canobie Lake Park, a historic amusement park that first opened in 1902. Salem hosts a number of cultural festivals, live music, and art events throughout the year.
The Salem Common Historic District features local churches with deep immigrant roots that reflect the town’s blend of early colonial and diverse European cultural influences. Parks in Salen offer hiking trails, fishing, and sports, including skiing, golf, and water activities. The school system in Salem is well-regarded for both its academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. If you want the small town feel with the convenience of suburbia, with its many parks, great schools, and more space, you’ll love living in Salem NH.
Where Is Salem, NH?
Salem is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, and is close to bigger cities. It's considered part of the Boston MA, and Manchester NH metro areas. The town is about 35 miles north of Boston and 20 miles southeast of Manchester. Salem provides easy access to both cities via Route I-93. Thanks to its central location, while living in Salem NH you can easily get to the beach, the mountains, or head south to the lakes region.
Map of Salem, NH
Check out Town Hall, Rockingham Mall, delicious restaurants, and more outdoor activities with this map of Salem.
Salem NH Population and Demographics
The Salem population is 30,089. People living in Salem NH have deep European ancestral lines, particularly Irish, Italian, English, and French. Some of the cultural events celebrating the European heritage in town include the New Hampshire Indoor Scottish Festival, one of the largest Scottish cultural gatherings in the U.S.
Salem also hosts the Concorso Italiano, an annual Italian car show featuring luxury European vehicles like Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis, and Toscana Fest, a lively Italian street celebration, with gelato, panini, bocce, live music, and carnival games. The Ararat Armenian Congregational Church, established in 1913, reflects Armenian immigrant roots in Salem.
Race & Ethnicity
- White alone 82.1%
- Black or African American alone 0.9%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.5%
- Asian alone 4.1%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.1%
- Two or more races 2.8%
- Hispanic 9.2%
An overview of Salem residents:
- Population density: 1,209 per square mile
- Median age: 45.4
- Sex ratio: 50.7% males, 49.3% females
- Median household income: $101,339
- Educational attainment: 96.0% high school degree or higher, 39.1% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 10.6%
- Veteran population: 1,607
Salem is a safe place to live. The crime rate in Salem is 17% lower than the national average. There are about 1,746 crimes per 100,000 per year in Salem. Violent crimes occur about 191 times per 100,000, which is 47% below the national average.
The Salem Police Department, and its 27 sworn officers, has a mission to build trust and foster positive partnerships within the community and provide proficient and professional law enforcement in the community through progressive leadership, transparency, and accountability.
Salem NH Cost of Living
When relocating, costs are always at the top of your mind. If you’re looking at living in Salem NH, you should know just how much you can expect to spend. The cost of living in Salem is 39% higher than the US average, but only 6% higher than the New Hampshire state average. Housing costs are the biggest factor in Salem’s cost of living. High property taxes are also in New Hampshire, adding to the cost of living. Housing costs are 39% above the US average, although 19% higher than the state average.
The median sale price of a home in Salem is $615,000, and the price per square foot of the current homes for sale in Salem is $308. Interested in finding homes for sale Salem NH? The cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Salem is about $2,388 per month for a 738-square-foot apartment, according to Apartments.com. By comparison, residents pay about $1,762 per month for rent in Manchester. You can find apartments and homes for rent in Salem NH on RentCafe. However, with no income taxes in New Hampshire, you may save money!
Typical Salem Living Expenses
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $27.50
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.90
- Dozen eggs: $4.68
- 1 pound of chicken: $4.95
- Average Salem monthly utility bill: $245.25
Source: Numbeo, Manchester, NH
The Best Neighborhoods in Salem
Salem is made up of a variety of quiet neighborhoods, each offering its own unique character and appeal. Salem features quiet, family-friendly streets, well-maintained homes, and several historic districts showcasing older architecture, giving the town a sense of local history. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Salem:
A tranquil, waterfront community that surrounds scenic Arlington Mill Reservoir. Pond-front properties often have private docks, beaches, and spacious patios. The community is close to hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as the Atkinson Resort & Country Club. Shopping and dining at the Tuscan Village is 5 miles away.
Depot Village
An established community featuring townhomes, single-family homes, apartments, and condos. Here you will have a dense suburban feel. Homes were built from the early 1900s through the postwar era. Cape Cods, ramblers, Colonial Revivals, and bi-levels are common. Canobie Lake and Canobie Lake Park are minutes away, as is the Salem Rail Trail. The nearby Mall at Rockingham Park, the largest shopping mall in the state, offers plenty of shopping and dining options.
Salem NH Weather & Climate
When living in Salem NH, you’ll experience all four seasons. The weather salem NH has is a humid continental climate, featuring warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures typically reach about 75°F, while winter temperatures average around 26°F. The town receives about 47 inches of rain annually, compared to the U.S. average of 38 inches. Spring and fall tend to be the wettest seasons.
Winters bring significant snowfall, averaging nearly 50 inches per year, well above the U.S. average of 28 inches. Thunderstorms can be common in spring and summer, sometimes bringing heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Residents in Salem can expect about 200 sunny days annually, slightly below the U.S. average of 205 days. The best time of year to visit Salem is from mid-June to late September, when you can see the beautiful fall colored nature.
Things to Do in Salem NH
The town offers a variety of entertainment and activities while living in Salem NH, from amusement rides to monuments spread around town that harken back to colonial days. Additionally, enjoy convenient shopping at The Mall at Rockingham Park, Tuscan Village, and Rockingham Plaza. You can also get everything you need from the Target Salem NH location and the Walmart Salem NH location. Here are some of the best things to do in Salem:
Canobie Lake Park is a historic amusement destination offering fun-filled experiences since 1902. It features more than 85 rides, games, and attractions, including three roller coasters, a towering sky wheel, a hand-carved 1890s carousel, a scenic lake cruise, a log flume, a water coaster, and an interactive water-play area. This is sure to become your favorite place when living in Salem NH.
85 N Policy St, Salem, NH 03079, (603) 893-3506
America’s Stonehenge is a fascinating maze of man-made chambers, walls, and ceremonial meeting places that dates back over 4,000 years, making America's Stonehenge arguably the oldest man-made construction in the United States. The site is considered an accurate astronomical calendar, most likely used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year.
105 Haverhill Rd, Salem, NH 03079, (603) 893-8300
Field of Dreams is a popular park featuring playground areas with climbing structures, slides, and tunnels, as well as an outdoor fitness trail and scenic hiking paths. The park has a stage used for community events and performances such as summer concerts, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations for those living in Salem NH.
48 Geremonty Dr, Salem, NH 03079, (603) 606-9996
Additional Attractions near Salem, NH
If you’re looking for more activities, Salem offers a variety of parks for recreation, outdoor enthusiasts, and community events. Auburn Road Park offers walking paths, open fields for sports, and picnic areas. Michele Memorial Park has a soccer field, tennis courts, and 3 baseball fields. Hedgehog Park is another park. Salem’s parks provide a mix of thrilling amusement, family recreation, fitness opportunities, and community gathering spaces for visitors of all ages.
Salem NH Restaurants
No matter your lifestyle, Salem boasts a variety of local restaurants that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. If you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, Seafood, or other styles, you can probably find it in Salem. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Salem:
Copper Door Restaurant serves upscale comfort food in an inviting atmosphere. The menu is a blend of classic American dishes with contemporary twists, including popular dishes like bacon-wrapped meatloaf, sirloin shepherd’s pie, and crispy calamari. It’s a must-try while living in Salem NH!
41 S Broadway, Salem, NH 03079, (603) 458-2033
Black Water Grill is a casual, scratch kitchen where they buy 99% of their products in their rawest form, ensuring they use only the freshest ingredients. The diverse menu features favorites such as the Captain Crunch Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Wontons, and Seared Scallops.
6301 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL 34498, (352) 441-5002
Ralphie’s is a small, family-owned Italian restaurant with recipes that have been passed down for generations. All their meals are cooked the old-fashioned way using only the freshest and finest ingredients. Their red sauce is a local favorite, as are the hand-breaded cutlets and extra-large hand-rolled meatballs. Complete your meal with a fine Italian wine, local beer, or craft cocktails. This is the local hangout place for those living in Salem NH!
91 S Broadway, Salem, NH 03079, (603) 893-3777
Jobs in Salem NH
Salem provides job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, retail, and tourism. Salem’s proximity to Manchester and Boston offers additional job opportunities. One of the major employers in Salem is Standex International. Standex is a global industrial company delivering innovations across essential sectors, including electric vehicles, healthcare products, refrigeration, space technology, and solar energy.
Standex International is headquartered in Salem and has a workforce of 5,400 employees. Other major employers near Salem include Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center, SIG Sauer, Service Credit Union, and Gates Corporation. If you’re looking for a job while living in Salem NH, check out Indeed, or other job board sites.
Schools in Salem NH
The Salem School District has good schools and a high, 95%, graduation rate, well above the state average. The eight schools in the district include Barron Elementary, North Salem Elementary, Soule Elementary, Woodbury School, and Salem High.
The Salem School District has a mission to foster learning, creativity, critical thinking, personal integrity, and responsible citizenship. It strives to support each student’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth by offering a safe environment and a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes higher-order thinking, integrates technology, encourages problem-solving, and prepares students for success in both college and future careers while living in Salem NH.
If you’re looking for private and charter schools, Salem also provides very good private school options. Some popular private schools include Phillips Exeter Academy, St. Joseph Regional Catholic School, and Arts Academy of New Hampshire.
You can continue your education while living in Salem NH! There are several great colleges and universities near Salem. Some popular choices include Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire at Durham, Saint Anselm College, and Manchester Community College.
The Kelley Library is a perfect place to spend a day. They have books, CDs, music, movies, and more. They also have Kelly Library youth programs for children from 3 months old through high school.
Salem NH Statistics & Information
- Salem county: Rockingham County
- Salem area: 25.90 square miles
- Salem NH zip code: 03079
- Salem area code: 603
- Salem elevation: 131 feet
- Salem time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4 and -5)
- Salem closest airport: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), 22.5 miles
Moving to Salem? Preferred Movers Can Help
If you're ready for life in this great place, Preferred Movers is who you can trust. Our Salem NH movers will help you start your life living in Salem NH! Whether you're moving to New Hampshire from Massachusetts or are coming from a neighboring town, we'll help with local moving, packing, and storage. Give us a call at 603-379-2272 for a free quote.
