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What's It Like Living in Salem, NH? - A Local Guide
- Hunter Letendre
- Oct 2
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Salem, New Hampshire is a growing suburban town in Rockingham County, lying along Interstate 93 just north of the Massachusetts border. As of 2020, its population was 30,089, and more recent estimates place it around 30,600+ residents.
Salem has evolved into a regional commercial hub in southern New Hampshire, anchored by major retail centers (like the Mall at Rockingham Park) and mixed-use developments. The “downtown” or “center” is modest, with municipal buildings, local shops, older neighborhoods, and community spaces, while much of the town’s commercial and retail activity lies along major corridors (Route 28, Route 38) and interchanges.
As you head farther from main roads and highways, neighborhoods become more residential, with tree-lined streets, mid-century and newer subdivisions, and quieter zones away from heavy traffic.
What Are the Demographics & Income Profile?
Salem covers approximately 24.8 square miles, with a population density around 1,233 people per square mile.
Median age in Salem is 44 years.
Median household income is about $101,339.
Per capita income is $55,019.
Racial/ethnic composition: about 86.5% White, 4.2% Asian, smaller shares of Black, multiracial, and Hispanic/Latino populations.
Salem has 13,511 housing units.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $438,500.
In recent years, Salem has grown modestly: the town’s population increased 5% from 2010 to 2020.
Commute patterns: average travel time to work is 28 minutes.
How Are the Schools in Salem?
The Salem School District (NH) holds a Niche rating of 4.15 out of 5. It is ranked #17 of 76 among New Hampshire school districts. The district also ranks well in athletic programs (#10 of 70) and for “places to teach” (#15 of 83) in the state.
In reviews from students and parents, many highlight strong academics, a wide curriculum, opportunities for extracurriculars, and dedicated staff. Some critiques in reviews mention resource allocation or class sizes.
How are the individual schools?
Salem High School (Grades 9–12)
Niche ranks it #23 among public high schools in New Hampshire.
The school has a 5-star rating in some user reviews.
It offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs.
Elementary & Middle Schools
Salem’s elementary schools: North Salem Elementary is among the district’s public elementary schools.
Detailed stats per elementary and middle schools are less accessible via Niche, but the district’s overall academic rating suggests moderate to strong performance.
Given district averages, you can reasonably expect student-teacher ratios in the mid-to-high teens, and proficiency levels in reading and math in line with state norms.
Overall, the school system is considered a factor many families weigh favorably when considering Salem.
What Is the Housing Market & Cost of Living?
Salem’s housing market has a mix of housing types, with a strong share of detached single-family homes (66.2%). The median construction year in Salem is 1977. Some homes date back earlier, but a large proportion are from the latter half of the 20th century.
Because of its location and commercial presence, Salem’s housing values are higher than many more rural or interior NH towns. But compared to some commuter suburbs closer to Boston, Salem may offer more value due to larger lot sizes, older housing, and a broader mix of options.
Cost & comparative cost of living
Home values, taxes, and utility costs trend above state averages, reflecting the demand and proximity to Massachusetts.
Many residents benefit from no sales tax in New Hampshire, making retail and discretionary spending attractive to shoppers (including those from neighboring states).
Compared to rural NH towns, Salem’s cost of living is significantly higher; compared to MA suburbs closer to Boston, Salem may present more attractive housing costs (depending on specific location and commute).
What Are the Neighborhoods & Residential Zones Like?
Salem offers a diverse mix of zones:
Central / Town Core: houses closer to municipal services, older homes, smaller lots, walkable to local shops, municipal facilities, and schools.
Corridor / Commercial Edges (especially along Route 28, Route 38, near interchanges): these zones are busier, more traffic, mixed uses, shopping, restaurants, and easier access to highways.
Suburban Residential: established subdivisions, moderate lot sizes, mature trees, comfortable commutes to major roads.
Rural Fringe Areas: more land, wooded lots, fewer immediate amenities, quieter, but longer drive times to shopping or highways.
Mixed Retail-Residential Edges: certain neighborhoods border commercial zones, giving residents convenient access to services but also more traffic.
Because Salem has been a commercial hub historically, many neighborhoods balance residential convenience with proximity to shopping and services.
What Is Commute & Access to Key Destinations?
Here are typical drive times from Salem (depending on traffic and starting neighborhood):
Boston (Downtown): 45 to 60 minutes
Manchester, NH: 40 to 50 minutes
Nashua, NH: 25 to 35 minutes
Salem's own nodes & shopping corridors: often 5–15 minute drives to major malls, grocery, restaurants, or big-box centers
Interstate access (I-93): relatively quick from many parts of town, facilitating north-south travel
Because many Salem residents commute into Massachusetts or to regional job centers, highway access is a real advantage.
What Is the Employment & Economic Landscape?
Salem is not purely residential: it hosts substantial retail, service, and commercial operations. The town’s growth as a regional retail and service hub means local jobs in retail, hospitality, professional services, health care, and administrative sectors.
Still, many residents are professionals, managers, or technical workers who commute outward to larger employment centers. The town’s connectivity and commercial tax base help support local employment diversity.
What Does Everyday Life Feel Like in Salem?
Living in Salem often feels like a mix of convenience and activity, with trade-offs:
Accessible amenities: Many services, shopping, dining, entertainment are within a short drive.
Commercial traffic: The main corridors see heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
Active commercial nodes: Retail, restaurants, grocery, and big-box stores are close by in many neighborhoods.
Evenings and quieter zones: Away from main roads, residential streets tend to calm down after dark.
Community & events: Town events, local sports, cultural fairs, and school activities help anchor a sense of local engagement.
Balancing distance & convenience: Some neighborhoods will feel more remote; others are tightly connected to the town’s commercial heart.
Pros & Cons of Living in Salem
Pros / Strengths
Strong access to highways, making commuting feasible
Broad commercial and retail infrastructure — many amenities nearby
Diverse housing options (older homes, subdivisions, newer builds)
No sales tax in NH attracts shoppers and supports local retail
Growing population with economic momentum
Schools that many families view positively
Cons / Trade-offs
Traffic congestion, especially along major corridors
Some neighborhoods closer to commercial zones may experience noise or busy streets
Housing costs and taxes are higher than in many rural NH towns
Density and commercial activity may not suit someone looking for extreme quiet or seclusion
How Salem Compares with Nearby & Regional Towns
Compared to more interior or rural NH towns, Salem is more expensive and more active — but offers far greater access to amenities, shopping, services, and interstate access. Compared to suburbs just across the border in Massachusetts, Salem offers tax advantages (no sales tax) and generally more space for housing. Among southern NH towns, Salem ranks high in terms of retail presence, connectivity, and population scale. Niche ranks Salem among the top suburbs in NH: #15 for “Best Suburbs to Live” in the state.
Here are local highlights, attractions, and events in Salem:
Canobie Lake Park — iconic amusement park in Salem, with rides, attractions, seasonal events.
Mall at Rockingham Park — major shopping center with stores, dining, entertainment.
Tuscan Village — mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, living spaces.
Salem Common Historic District — strollable green space and historic architecture.
Salem Farmers’ Market / seasonal markets — local produce, crafts, community gatherings.
Town events & festivals — seasonal fairs, holiday parades, community celebrations.
Local parks, trails & open space — walking paths, neighborhood parks, nature spots in and around the town.
These offer residents and visitors a mix of recreational, retail, and community opportunities.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering living in Salem, NH, you'll find a town that balances commercial vibrancy with residential opportunity. It offers access, amenities, and variety, but also the challenges of traffic and higher costs. For many, the convenience and growth make this tradeoff worthwhile.
If you'd like help exploring specific neighborhoods, assessing property listings, or comparing Salem to surrounding towns, reach out to me today. I’d be happy to guide you through the local real estate landscape and help you find a home that fits your goals.
I'm an area expert. Whether you're interested in Salem or a nearby town, I would love to help you across NH, ME and MA.
Hunter Letendre, REALTOR®
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty
Other helpful articles:
Sources: U.S. Census / Census Reporter, Wikipedia , Niche, Point2Homes, WorldPopulationReview, Town of Salem official & regional planning pages, Local real estate and community sites (Best-NH-Homes, etc.)