Salem State University

Salem, MA

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Salem State University - Salem, MA

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A thriving institution in one of New England’s most legendary communities

Public Suburban Historic Walkable Coastal Public Transportation MBTA Tourism

Salem State University has been a fixture of the Boston-area academic community since first opening its doors as a teachers’ college in 1854. Spread across five campuses around Salem, the university serves around 10,000 students and is one of the largest colleges in Massachusetts. The main campus sits about a mile south of Downtown Salem, surrounded by residential neighborhoods and just a few blocks inland from Salem Harbor.

The city itself is deeply embedded in American history and pop culture, largely in relation to the infamous witch trials of the 17th century. Tourism is big, and many local restaurants, bars, and other attractions play on the community’s popular image. However, the city is also a shining example of New England charm, and the abundance of quirky local hangouts like Ugly Mug Diner and Gulu-Gulu Café make it far more than just a theme park.

When you want a change of scenery, Boston is only 45 minutes away by car, and MBTA rail service makes it easy to get around the area without a personal vehicle.

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Salem, MA is $1,081 for a studio, $2,069 for one bedroom, $2,543 for two bedrooms, and $3,192 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Salem has increased by 0.8% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 248 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,081/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 705 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,069/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 1,019 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,543/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,208 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $3,192/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

84

Very Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.

34

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

62

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Bates Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

374 Students

5
out of 10

Witchcraft Heights Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

455 Students

4
out of 10

Carlton Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

246 Students

4
out of 10

Saltonstall School

Public

Grades K-8

397 Students

3
out of 10

Horace Mann Laboratory

Public

Grades PK-5

297 Students

1
out of 10

Collins Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

612 Students

3
out of 10

Saltonstall School

Public

Grades K-8

397 Students

3
out of 10

Nathaniel Bowditch

Public

Grades K-8

378 Students

Rating Unavailable

Salem High

Public

Grades 9-12

888 Students

3
out of 10

Salem - New Liberty Innovation School

Public

Grades 9-12

56 Students

1
out of 10

Salem Prep High School

Public

Grades 9-12

14 Students

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site
  • Mass Audubon's Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Lynn Heritage State Park
  • Lynn Woods
  • Mass Audubon's Nahant Thicket Wildlife Sanctuary

Military Bases

Airports

  • General Edward Lawrence Logan International

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