The month of October is one of the busiest months of the year for the city of Salem, Massachusetts, as tourists flock to the area to celebrate Halloween in “The Witch City” made famous as the location of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
Salem is a beautiful city with lots of interesting history, a vibrant downtown filled with locally-owned restaurants and bars, a scenic waterfront, and an active creative community. Salem is also home to Salem State University and provides residents an easy commuting option to Boston with the MBTA Commuter Rail.
Whether you’re a resident, just visiting, or planning to relocate to the Greater Boston area, Salem offers a variety of attractions to discover: historical places, fun ‘tourist’ and seasonal events and activities, a beautiful seaport, and serene parks. Our newest Jack Conway & Co. office located in Swampscott, Massachusetts can handle all your real estate needs in the Salem area.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 Things To Do while in Salem.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SALEM:
1. Salem Willows. Salem Willows is a beautiful seaside park you could easily spend a whole day at; lounging under shade trees, fishing off of a pier, and walking along the rolling paths. There are two indoor arcades and places to buy flavored popcorn, salt water taffy, burgers and fries, and more! There’s also ample free parking.
2. Peabody Essex Museum. The museum features more than 840,000 works of art from New England and around the world. PEM hosts two large libraries with over 400,000 books, manuscripts, and documents, and also owns 22 historic buildings in the area. Yin Yu Tang, a Chinese house from the Qing Dynasty that was moved to the museum, is one of the most popular attractions.
3. Old Burying Point Cemetery. Located on Charter Street, this is the second-oldest official cemetery in the country. A plaque at the entrance provides you with information and a map to locate some of the more prominent citizens, such as judges from the Witch Trials, a Mayflower passenger, and architect Samuel McIntire.
4. Witch Trial Memorial. Most of the citizens accused of witchcraft were given proper burials, so you won’t find their graves in the Old Burying Point Cemetery. If you want to learn more about the victims, visit the award-winning Witch Trial Memorial located behind the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
5. Salem Historical Tours. There are several different companies providing walking and trolley tours of Salem. Tour guides often dress in period clothing and can provide you with entertainment as well as historical information. If you want even more Halloween fun, try a ‘Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour’.
6. Pioneer Village. See what a Puritan village in Salem was like in 1630 at this living history museum. Pioneer Village was originally created in 1930 as the setting for a play held in Forest River Park, and the 3-acre area was quickly preserved as the first living history museum of the country later that year. Take a tour and watch a performance by History Alive!
7. House of Seven Gables. Tour the the oldest surviving mansion house in continental North America, with 17 rooms measuring over 8,000 square feet including its large cellars. Originally built in 1668, and restored in 1908, some historical authenticity was sacrificed in the interest of appealing to visitors, who expect the house to match the one Nathaniel Hawthorne described in his novel of the same name.
8. Salem Witch Museum. The Salem Witch Museum is the most visited museum in Salem, bringing visitors back to Salem in 1692 during the Witch Trials. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stages set with life-size figures, and lighting, and a narration.
9. Pickering Wharf. Take a scenic seaport stroll through Salem’s Pickering Wharf. Browse boutique shops, including the shop owned by Laurie Calbot, the ‘Official Witch of Salem.’ There are also a variety of restaurants along the wharf to visit while you shop.
10. Salem Regional Visitor Center. If you’re new to the area, stop by the Center at 2 New Liberty Street to chat with National Park Service Rangers and volunteers that can help you with maps, brochures, and directions. You can also watch great free 27-minute film called “Where Past is Present” to gain a deeper appreciation for Salem.
To learn more about Salem attractions and event visit www.Salem.org.
MARKET TRENDS IN SALEM:
As of the third quarter of 2010, the average single family home sales price in Salem Massachusetts increased 5% over same time last year with the average sales price of $313,691, compared to $296,595 in 2009. The condo market also continues to hold its value with the sales price remaining relatively unchanged with the average sales price of $229,492, compared to $227,935 last year. This is a great sign that Salem has a strong and vibrant real estate market.
With prices starting to increase in Salem, now would be the time to purchase. Mortgage rates continue to be at an all time low. There are currently 100 single family homes on the market which equates to a 9 month supply of homes, showing that it is still a buyer’s market.
Increased Prices + Great Inventory + Fabulous Rates = Now is the Time to Buy!
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Contact Dawn Stevens by calling 800-283-1030 ext. 318 or visit the Relocation Services page of our website to learn more.
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