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.
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.
Located in the state of Massachusetts, Salem is a medium-sized city with a population of 44,881 people. Salem has a population density of 5,412 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Salem residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Salem is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 44% married, this city falls well below the national average. 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 positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Salem, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, education, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Salem has received a livability score of 82 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Salem ranks well in multiple categories! Salem also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Salem has received high marks for amenities (A), crime (A-), employment (A) and housing (B). There are some categories that Salem ranks poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Salem has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Salem has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: The House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, and Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Salem has a violent crime rate of 152 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Salem excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Salem is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $676,535, which is 8.4% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salem, the home price to income ratio is 6.9, which is 16.9% higher than the Massachusetts average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Salem | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 63.7% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.4% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.3% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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