Moving to or from Salem?
New Hampshire's Massachusetts-border suburb and major retail corridor — home to the Rockingham Park historic horse-racing track (now closed but redeveloped), Canobie Lake Park amusement park, and direct access to Boston via I-93 for a 45-minute commute.
- 28,000 City population
- 4,900,000 Metro area
- 1750 Founded
- Southern New Hampshire / Rockingham County Region
Why people move to Salem.
- Being a major no-sales-tax retail destination for Massachusetts shoppers
- Canobie Lake Park — a historic amusement park (1902)
- Rockingham Park site redevelopment (former horse track)
- Being 45 minutes from Boston via I-93
- Tuscan Village — a major mixed-use development
- New Hampshire's no state income tax or sales tax
Salem, New Hampshire has become one of Massachusetts shoppers' favorite destinations because of New Hampshire's no sales tax — many Massachusetts residents drive to Salem specifically to buy electronics, appliances, and other large-ticket items. The result is a disproportionately large retail district for a town of 28K, including Tuscan Kitchen, Mall at Rockingham Park, and numerous big-box retailers. The tax-border effect drives much of Salem's commercial economy.
Where people live in Salem.
A quick guide to Salem's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Central Salem
Established residential
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North Salem
Newer subdivisions
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Salem Depot area
Historic area with mix of housing
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Pelham (adjacent)
Smaller NH neighbor
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Methuen MA (adjacent)
Massachusetts neighbor across the border
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Windham (adjacent)
More affluent NH neighbor
Where people spend their time in Salem.
- Canobie Lake Park Central Salem
- Tuscan Village Central Salem
- Mall at Rockingham Park (historic) Central Salem
- America's Stonehenge North Salem
- Salem Historical Society Central Salem
- Canobie Lake Central Salem
Planning a Salem move.
- NH has no state income tax or sales tax — significant financial advantage
- Boston commute via I-93 is 45-60 minutes (rush hour can extend)
- Massachusetts commuters pay MA income tax on wages earned in MA
- Retail-heavy area creates traffic; plan moving-truck timing
Moving in Salem: FAQ.
Is Salem NH the Salem witch-trials Salem?
No — different state. Salem, Massachusetts (the famous witch-trials site) is 40 miles southeast on the coast. Salem, New Hampshire is an inland Boston-metro suburb with no connection to the 1692 witch trials. When hiring movers, confirm state clearly. Salem NH is named after Salem MA, but is otherwise unrelated.
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