Homes, values and local insight for Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts. Typical home value $609,000.
Reviewed and updated October 3, 2026 by Ryan and Megan Winslow, Winslow Homes
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Salem is known worldwide for the 1692 witch trials and for Haunted Happenings, a month of Halloween events that draws more than a million visitors each October. It was also one of the richest ports in the young United States, and its Federal-era mansions, wharves and museums still show that wealth.
Roger Conant started a settlement here in the autumn of 1626, borrowing the name Naumkeag from the Massachusett village already on the site. The witch trials began in early 1692. Master builder Samuel McIntire shaped the city's Federal architecture after the Revolution, and the Great Salem Fire of 1914 destroyed large parts of The Point and South Salem, which were rebuilt in brick. Salem is a small, walkable, diverse city 16 miles north of Boston, home to Salem State University, commuters who ride the train or ferry to Boston, and residents who love its harbor and old houses. Daily life is quiet most of the year, then very busy in October.
West of downtown, with Federal-period mansions built for merchants during the maritime boom. Chestnut Street is one of the finest Federal streetscapes in the country. Protected as a Local Historic District and a National Register district. ( source )
One of Salem's oldest waterfront neighborhoods, with 17th, 18th and 19th century homes near the historic wharves, Salem Maritime National Historical Park and The House of the Seven Gables. ( source )
Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian homes built for sea captains and merchants around the 8-acre Common. Local Historic District and National Register protection. ( source )
Brick and granite commercial blocks around Essex Street, Washington Street and Derby Square, with condos and apartments above shops and restaurants. Listed as the Downtown Salem National Register Historic District. ( source )
Dense neighborhood between the South River and Palmer Cove, rebuilt in brick after the 1914 fire. Row houses and multi-family buildings, now home to the Punto Urban Art Museum with more than 75 large murals. ( source )
Peninsula neighborhood of Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian homes with a busy Bridge Street business corridor and harbor views from Collins Cove. National Register district since 2002. ( source )
Former North Fields farmland north of downtown. Larger single-family homes in the Northfields area and more modest worker housing near the North River, with North Street as the main corridor. ( source )
Tree-lined streets of Queen Anne, Shingle Style and Colonial Revival homes near Salem State University, with Craftsman bungalows, Capes and Ranches closer to Vinnin Square and the Swampscott line. ( source )
Wood-fire cooking and a local raw bar inside a historic savings bank with its original vault doors. Chef Daniel Gursha is a James Beard nominee. ( source )
Breakfast and diner · 15 Central StreetA Salem breakfast institution for 80 years with home-cooked meals and a daily lunch special. ( source )
Seafood and raw bar · 94 Wharf Street, Pickering WharfFresh seafood and oysters with Salem Harbor views from a seasonal patio. ( source )
New England seafood · 43 Church StreetFish bought off local docks by a four-generation seafood family, served in historic Lyceum Hall. ( source )
Mediterranean · 2 Lynde StreetSmall, cozy spot from Chef Aaron Chambers and Shanna Chambers, tucked away on Lynde Street. ( source )
French · 65 Washington StreetClassic French dishes built around seasonal market ingredients, from the same husband-and-wife team behind Settler. ( source )
Vegan comfort food · 7 Church StreetPlant-based breakfast sandwiches, deli classics, burgers and mac and cheese. ( source )
American tavern · 18 Washington Square WestA local favorite with oak paneling, a wood-burning fireplace and views of Salem Common. ( source )
Brewery, taproom and beer garden on the South River pouring German and Czech-style beers. ( source )
Hard cider house pressing local apples, with a taproom and dog-friendly patio on Jackson Street. ( source )
More than 50 classic arcade and pinball games plus craft beer and cocktails on Derby Street. 21+ after 8 pm. ( source )
Bohemian cafe on Essex Street with craft beer, espresso and regular live music. ( source )
Salem's only open-air rooftop bar and restaurant, with city views above Essex Street. ( source )
Waterfront shops, restaurants and a marina on Salem Harbor, steps from downtown. ( source )
Handmade chocolates on Leavitt Street where you can watch chocolate being made. ( source )
Independent music shop on Washington Street selling new and used vinyl and CDs since 1974. ( source )
Independent book and toy store on Essex Street with a strong local and witch trials history section. ( source )
Salem's oldest witch shop, selling candles, crystals and tarot cards and offering readings. ( source )
More than 60 vintage collectors and artisans across two floors of a historic piano factory. ( source )
Seaside park with a promenade, picnic area, arcade and seasonal amusements. Dead Horse Beach sits at the Willows facing Beverly Harbor. ( source )
in townPublic beach, camping, boat ramp, pier, playground and Winter Island Light. Non-resident parking is charged. ( source )
in townTwo beaches, a pool, playground, ball field and harbor views, plus Pioneer Village, a 1930 recreation of a 17th century fishing village. ( source )
in townColonial-era common land now used for hiking, birding, biking and picnics. ( source )
in town8-acre historic park downtown with walking paths and the Salem Common Bandstand. ( source )
about 12 miles, in TopsfieldFormer estate with 721 acres of pine paths and rolling meadows for hiking, biking and horseback riding. ( source )
about 25 miles, in NewburyCoastal refuge on Plum Island for walking, biking, birding, paddling, fishing and beach use. It can close when it reaches capacity. ( source )
Founded in 1799 by Salem sea captains. Global art and culture, a 200-year-old Chinese house, and the only Salem museum with authentic witch trials objects. ( source )
National landmark tied to Nathaniel Hawthorne with house tours and seaside gardens on Derby Street. ( source )
National Park Service site with historic wharves, the 1762 Derby House and the tall ship replica Friendship of Salem. ( source )
Granite memorial where the victims' protests of innocence are cut off mid-sentence by the wall. ( source )
Georgian Colonial house filled with the Ropes family's original furnishings, with a public garden on Essex Street. ( source )
A month of Halloween events, costume balls, vendor fairs and tours, opening with the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. ( source )
MarchDocumentary screenings with filmmakers from around the world at local venues. ( source )
Early JuneExhibitions, live performances and a vendor fair celebrating local artists. ( source )
SummerConcerts, cultural programs, walking tours and family events around the city. ( source )
Early DecemberHistoric Salem, Inc.'s holiday house tour of private historic homes, held since 1979. ( source )
Bates Elementary School, Bentley Academy Innovation School, Horace Mann Laboratory School, Sarah Parker Remond School, Witchcraft Heights Elementary School
MiddleCollins Middle School
HighSalem High School, New Liberty Innovation School, Salem Prep High School
Listed for reference, not ranked. Confirm school zoning for any address with the district. ( source )
Route 114 connects to Route 128 and I-95. Route 1A runs to Boston and to Beverly over the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Salem has an MBTA commuter rail station and a seasonal ferry to Boston.
AirportsBoston Logan International Airport is the closest airport, roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire is about one hour northwest.
Boston: about 16 miles, roughly 35 to 45 min Manchester, NH airport: about 1 hourRyan and Megan Winslow, broker owners of Winslow Homes. REALTOR® since 2009, 3,000+ homes sold, broker in FL, MA, CT and RI, U.S. Army Retired.
Call 386-690-5858 Email Ryan and Megan Get pre-approvedResearched and verified 2026-09-28. Businesses change; call ahead.
The typical home in Salem is worth $609,000, 16% below the Essex County typical value of $723,000 and 8% below the Massachusetts typical value of $662,000.
Zillow Home Value Index for Salem, August 2026. The middle of the market for single family homes and condos.
Home values in Salem moved +21.2% over five years and +80.9% over ten.
Median gross rent in Salem. Useful for investors running rental numbers.
Share of occupied homes in Salem lived in by the owner.
Older homes often need inspection focus on roof, systems and windows.
Median household income in Salem.
Ryan and Megan are mortgage bankers with The Federal Savings Bank, lending in all 50 states. You get the home and the loan from one team. On a typical Salem home of $609,000:
Ryan and Megan price Salem homes from recent sales, not guesses. Send your address and you get a free market analysis, with no obligation.
Typical value $828,000 · 15,658 residents
Area guide →Typical value $1,054,000 · 20,576 residents
Area guide →Typical value $580,000 · 103,489 residents
Area guide →Typical value $697,000 · 55,418 residents
Area guide →Typical value $763,000 · 43,223 residents
Area guide →Typical value $734,000 · 28,590 residents
Area guide →See the full Essex County real estate guide or the Massachusetts real estate guide.
The Zillow Home Value Index for Salem was $609,000 in August 2026, +0.6% over the past year.
Salem is in Essex County, Massachusetts.
About 45,677 people as of the 2024 Census Bureau estimate, up from 44,474 in 2020.
Ryan and Megan Winslow of Winslow Homes have sold over 3,000 homes since 2009 and are licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Call or text 386-690-5858.
Apply at www.winslowloan.com. Ryan and Megan are mortgage bankers with The Federal Savings Bank and lend in all 50 states, including FHA, VA and conventional loans.
51% of occupied homes in Salem are owner occupied, based on the 2019 to 2023 American Community Survey.
17 years, over 3,000 homes sold, and one team for the home and the loan. Call or text 386-690-5858.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2024 population estimates and 2019 to 2023 American Community Survey; Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026. Numbers update as new data is released. Talk to Ryan and Megan for current sold prices on your street.
No in-person meeting or phone call needed for most addresses. See your estimated value, price range and value trend in seconds.
Get coming-soon homes, pocket listings and price drops in Salem, MA before they hit the big home search sites.
The typical home in Salem is worth $606,749 as of August 2026 in ZIP code 01970. Values moved +0.6% over the last 12 months at the middle ZIP code.
| ZIP | Typical value | 12 months | 5 years | Median sale, Mar to May 2026 | Days on market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01970 | $606,749 | +0.6% | +21.2% | $595,000 | 22 |
Sources: Zillow Home Value Index through August 2026 and the Redfin Data Center ZIP code tracker, March to May 2026. Ask Ryan and Megan for a value for your own home.
