Last weekend, more than 2,700 “witches” gathered in Salem, MA in a world record attempt for the most witch hats worn at once.
While the official jury is still out from the Guinness Book of World Records, there was no doubt that throngs of witches showed up for the charity event commemorating the area’s 400th anniversary.
But while Salem’s history is notoriously a bit macabre, the vibe there today is anything but somber. And in spite of an uptick in visitors this time of year, full-time residents say it’s the vibrant community that lured them in and keeps them entranced.
Massive crowds in spooky attire are nothing new for Salem’s residents. In fact, if history repeats, this October there will be around a million more Halloween fun-hunters descending upon “Witch City” (Salem’s nicknamed nod to the infamous witch trials of 1692).
“Life in Salem is magical and I personally enjoy the influx of crowds during Halloween because I was among them 25 years ago,” says Luisa Cornish, who first visited Salem on vacation and immediately knew she wanted to live there someday. “We dropped by Salem because I was a huge ‘Bewitched’ fan, but the town was so warm and welcoming I didn’t want to leave!”
Now she’s not only a been a resident for 12 years, but she’s also the program manager for the annual Salem Horror Festival.
“The Horrorfest draws in such a large crowd to Salem and they end up falling in love with the town just like I did,” says Cornish. “I was born and raised in Texas, but I knew I belonged in Salem.”
Transplants like Cornish are quick to point out, however, that Salem is about much more than just witches and haunted happenings.
What it’s really like to live in ‘Witch City’
Located about 16 miles (30 minutes) north of Boston and set on the Atlantic Ocean, Salem actually has a rich maritime history in addition to its witchy history.
In fact, it was a major shipping trade hub in the 19th century, and its 18.5-miles long tidal shoreline includes seven public beaches.
“Salem is so much more than its witch history—it’s a vibrant coastal city with incredible restaurants, historic architecture, a thriving downtown, and a strong sense of community,” says Alex Sanchez, a lifelong resident and real estate agent for The Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman. “One of the things I love most is that Salem offers the charm of a small New England city while still providing convenient access to Boston through the commuter rail and seasonal ferry.”
Quick access to Boston is definitely a draw for people looking at Salem as a potential home. It offers the possibility of more space with a reasonable commute and prices that are about half of Boston’s average metro listings.
The median listing price in Salem was $568,450 in September—about $20,000 less than last year but $135,000 more than in September 2019—says Hannah Jones, a senior economist at Realtor.com®.
“The housing market moves scary-fast in Salem,” says Jones. “In September, the median time on market was 33 days, about a month less than the national norm. “
While many buyers still initially associate Salem almost exclusively with Halloween and witch tourism, Sanchez says that once they visit, first timers often surprised by its beautiful residential neighborhoods, waterfront, restaurants, and overall quality of life.
“We’re seeing buyers who previously focused exclusively on Boston explore Salem because they recognize the lifestyle opportunities here,” says Sanchez.
Beyond the close proximity to Boston, residents also laud the walkability of Salem itself.
“Everything is within walking distance—the shops downtown, grocery store, library, movie theater, museums, commuter rail and so much more,” says Cornish.
Salem is also an extremely pet-friendly town, according to resident Julie Gordon, who wrote an entire book on the subject called “Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City.”
“Exploring the city through its dogs has given me another way to connect with neighbors, local businesses, and visitors—and share some lesser-known local history,” says Gordon, who also offers free dog-friendly history walks, bringing people together to discover a different side of Salem.
“We also have our Salem Pup squad to welcome visitors and our yearly Howloween parade draws an incredible crowd,” says Cornish, whose Bassett Hound Rufus frequently finds himself dressed up to participate in area events as well.
But the one thing all these residents kept referring back to was how they love the feeling of belonging in Salem.
“What surprised me most after moving here was the sense of community,” says Gordon, who relocated to Salem five years ago with her husband from nearby Swampscott, MA. “Coming from a small town to a city, I didn’t necessarily expect to feel more connected, but I do. I love the mix of people from different backgrounds and lifestyles, and the acceptance and kindness people show one another. There’s room to be yourself here.”
Cornish agrees saying, “I have never had such great relationships with neighbors as I have here—we all look out for each other and take care of one another.”
While that might seem surprising for a city with a population of more than 45,000, the residents really seem to take pride in where they live.
“Having grown up here and now serving on local boards and organizations, I’ve seen firsthand how invested residents are in the city’s future,” says Sanchez.
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How locals are handling Halloween and the 400th Anniversary
Founded in 1626, Salem is the second oldest settlement in New England and is currently celebrating its quadricentennial.
That means in addition to the usual onslaught of Halloween activities (which include everything from seances to haunted magic shows to witch hat-making workshops), there has been an entire year of 400th anniversary events on the docket as well.
With all of that going on at once, it seems almost amusing that Salem was originally called “The City of Peace.” But its residents seem to accept all the current activity as part of living in the Witch City.
“October brings an energy to Salem that’s difficult to describe,” says Sanchez. “Visitors come from around the world, businesses are bustling, and the entire city comes alive.”
That being said, Sanchez also admits that residents experience October differently. “Some embrace the festivities, while others prefer to avoid the crowds,” says Sanchez. “Having grown up here, I’ve learned to appreciate both perspectives.”
Gordon is generally excited about the events surrounding Halloween and also the 400th anniversary, but says the October crowds can certainly be overwhelming.
“I appreciate the business visitors bring to our shops, restaurants, and other local businesses, while also understanding residents’ frustrations,” says Gordon, who adds that while most visitors are respectful, it’s tough when people forget that people live and work there too. “A little consideration—keeping roads clear, being patient, and tipping the servers working through such a busy season—makes a difference.”
Gordon also says it helps that most residents can get anywhere they need on foot, and that she’ll avoid driving during peak times.
“We also spend more time outside Salem during October—it’s a great excuse to take a vacation or visit friends and family,” says Gordon who sometimes rents out their 1701 historic house through Airbnb. “I actually love helping guests discover the city beyond its best-known attractions. Seeing Salem through their eyes reminds me how special it is to call this place home.”
Nonetheless, the residents are also excited about all the celebrations of their town going on this year.
“Salem’s 400th celebration is something we have all been quite excited about and wholeheartedly embraced,” says Cornish who adds that some events so far have included parades, Salem Heritage Days, and the Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta.
“What excites me most about the anniversary is the opportunity to celebrate not just Salem’s history, but the community and people who continue to shape its future,” says Sanchez. “Salem’s history may be 400 years old, but I believe some of its best chapters are still ahead.”