Salem 82 Exceptional
Salem Livability #28 ranked city in Massachusetts#1,027 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Salem

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Salem?

Salem is a mid-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 43,350 inhabitants. With a population density of 5,227 people per square mile, Salem is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Salem could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Salem, only 44% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Something to be aware of when living in Salem are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Salem, Massachusetts. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Salem and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 80 out of 100, Salem is ranked #1,211 in the United States and #34 in Massachusetts. Compared to the US average, Salem ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Salem also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Salem has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (A), crime (B+) and employment (B+). On a less positive note, Salem does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Salem, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Salem provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: The House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, and Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 187 crimes per 100,000 residents, Salem has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Salem is real estate affordability. The median home price for Salem homes is $379,400, which is 11.3% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Salem, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.7, which is 18.8% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Salem

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Salem?

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Compare Salem, MA Livability

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      Salem transportation information

      Statistic Salem Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute31min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work63.7%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.4%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.4%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.3%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home9.3%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Salem, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).