Moving to Salem, New Hampshire

by btobers · Published June 30, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Salem, New Hampshire is a small town located in Rockingham County in the southern part of the state. It is located on the Massachusetts border, and just a short drive from Boston. The population of Salem is approximately 30,000 people, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy a small-town feel but still want to be close to the hustle and bustle of a larger city.

The town was first settled in 1652 by people from nearby Haverhill, Massachusetts. It was officially incorporated as Salem Village in 1750 and was later renamed Salem in 1768. It has been an important part of New Hampshire’s history ever since.

One of the most popular attractions for both visitors and locals alike is Canobie Lake Park. This amusement park has been open since 1902 and features over 85 rides and attractions including roller coasters, water slides, arcades, games, shows and more! In addition to being an excellent place to spend an afternoon or day with family or friends, Canobie Lake Park also serves as a great venue for events such as weddings or corporate outings.

Another popular attraction is Pickering House Museum & Gardens. This historic home was built in 1760 by John Pickering and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its period furniture pieces and learn more about Salem’s history through guided tours or special events such as their annual Colonial Christmas celebration.

Salem also boasts many outdoor activities for nature lovers including hiking trails at nearby Francis William Bird Sanctuary or canoeing on Beaver Pond which is located just outside of town. There are also several golf courses within the area including Apple Hill Golf Course which offers 18 holes of championship golfing with spectacular views of Mount Washington Valley and beyond!

When it comes to shopping options you’ll find that Salem has plenty to choose from with its many stores such as Macy’s Department Store at The Mall at Rockingham Park as well as local boutiques like Saffron & Sage which offers unique handmade items from local artisans. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants ranging from casual eateries like Friendly’s Ice Cream Shoppe to upscale dining options like The Copper Door Restaurant & Bar which serves up classic American cuisine with a twist!

Whether you’re looking for some fun family activities or a peaceful getaway from the city life; there are plenty of things to do in Salem New Hampshire! From its rich history and culture to its great outdoor recreation opportunities; this small town has something for everyone.

Population: 28,112. Estimated population in July 2024: 29,558 (+5.1% change)
Males: 13,994 (49.8%), Females: 14,118 (50.2%)

Rockingham County

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.1 years
Median household income: $58,090
Median house value: $168,900

Population by Race

Races in Salem:

White Non-Hispanic (94.1%)
Hispanic (2.0%)
Two or more races (1.1%)
Other race (0.8%)
Black (0.6%)
Chinese (0.5%)
Asian Indian (0.5%)

Ancestries: Irish (24.0%), Italian (20.1%), English (16.1%), French (15.0%), French Canadian (8.3%), German (7.4%).

Elevation: 131 feet

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Salem

High school or higher: 87.7%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 7.8%
Unemployed: 3.0%
Mean travel time to work: 26.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Salem town

Never married: 23.3%
Now married: 61.0%
Separated: 1.6%
Widowed: 5.6%
Divorced: 8.5%

6.4% Foreign born (2.4% Asia, 2.1% Europe, 1.1% North America, 0.9% Latin America).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Salem:

NORTHEAST REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (70 BUTLER STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Salem:

HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER (about 5 miles; METHUEN, MA)
HAMPSTEAD HOSP (about 7 miles; HAMPSTEAD, NH)
MERRIMACK VALLEY HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; HAVERHILL, MA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Salem:

MANCHESTER (about 19 miles; MANCHESTER, NH; Abbreviation: MHT)
LAURENCE G HANSCOM FLD (about 23 miles; BEDFORD, MA; Abbreviation: BED)
PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT (about 33 miles; PORTSMOUTH, NH; Abbreviation: PSM)

Other public-use airports nearest to Salem:

MERRIMACK VALLEY (about 7 miles; METHUEN, MA; Abbreviation: MA2)
LAWRENCE MUNI (about 8 miles; LAWRENCE, MA; Abbreviation: LWM)
BOIRE FIELD (about 21 miles; NASHUA, NH; Abbreviation: ASH)

Amtrak stations near Salem:

9 miles: HAVERHILL (WASHINGTON ST. @ RAILROAD SQUARE). Services: ticket office.
20 miles: WOBURN (100 ATLANTIC AVE.). Services: ticket office.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Salem:

NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 10 miles; HAVERHILL, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,388)
MERRIMACK COLLEGE (about 10 miles; NORTH ANDOVER, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,384)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL (about 14 miles; LOWELL, MA; Full-time enrollment: 8,373)
MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 21 miles; BEDFORD, MA; Full-time enrollment: 4,501)
NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 24 miles; DANVERS, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,663)
NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE (about 26 miles; MANCHESTER, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,251)
TUFTS UNIVERSITY (about 27 miles; MEDFORD, MA; Full-time enrollment: 8,627)

Schools

Public high school in Salem:

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 2,181; Location: 44 GEREMONTY DR; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Salem:

WOODBURY SCHOOL (Students: 1,233; Location: 206 MAIN ST; Grades: 06 – 08)
NORTH SALEM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 411; Location: 140 ZION HILL RD; Grades: 01 – 05)
WILLIAM T BARRON ELEMENTARY (Students: 394; Location: 55 BUTLER ST; Grades: 01 – 05)
WILLIAM E LANCASTER SCHOOL (Students: 300; Location: 54 MILLVILLE ST; Grades: 01 – 05)
MARY A FISK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 294; Location: 14 MAIN ST; Grades: 01 – 05)
DR L F SOULE SCHOOL (Students: 273; Location: 173 SOUTH POLICY ST; Grades: 01 – 05)
WALTER F HAIGH SCHOOL (Students: 239; Location: 24 SCHOOL ST; Grades: 01 – 05)

Biggest private primary/middle schools in Salem:

ST. JOSEPH REGIONAL SCHOOL (Students: 482; Location: 40 MAIN ST.; Grades: KG – 8)
LITTLE SCHOLARS LEARNING VILLA (Students: 392; Location: 1 SAND HILL RD; Grades: PK – 8)
SALEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 208; Location: 101 SCHOOL STREET; Grades: PK – 8)
SALEM BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB (Students: 104; Location: 3 GEREMONTY DR; Grades: PK – KG)
CREATE – DISCOVER LEARNING CTN (Students: 99; Location: 176 MAIN STREET; Grades: PK – KG)
GRANITE STATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 83; Location: 1 SANDHILL RD; Grades: KG – 8)
MERRIMACK VLY MONTESSORI SCHL (Students: 74; Location: 111 LOWELL ROAD; Grades: PK – KG)
WONDER YEAR LEARNING CENTER (Students: 56; Location: 401 MAIN STREET UNIT 106; Grades: PK – 1)
KIDS WORLD CHILD CARE LRN CNT (Students: 43; Location: 76 LAWERENCE ROAD; Grades: PK – KG)
ENDLESS OPP. FOR CHILDREN (Students: 37; Location: 47 PELHAM ROAD; Grades: PK – KG)

Libraries

Library in Salem:

KELLEY LIBRARY (Operating income: $1,114,429; Location: 234 MAIN STREET; 108,161 books; 5,223 audio materials; 5,275 video materials; 328 serial subscriptions)