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Salem, NH

Salem is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 30,089 at the 2020 census and an estimated 30,647 in 2022. Salem is a northern suburb of Boston located on Interstate 93. As the first town along I-93 northbound in New Hampshire, which lacks any state sales tax, Salem has grown into a regional commercial hub for many nearby Massachusetts towns, anchored by the Mall at Rockingham Park and Tuscan Village. Other major sites include Canobie Lake Park, a large amusement park; and America's Stonehenge, a stone structure of disputed origins. It is the former home of Rockingham Park, a horse racetrack. The Sununu political family hails from Salem, including former New Hampshire governor and White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu, and his sons John E. Sununu, a former U.S. senator, and Chris Sununu, current New Hampshire governor. Salem was named on Money magazine's "Best Places to Live 2020" list.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.9 square miles (67.1 km²), of which 24.8 square miles (64.3 km²) are land and 1.0 square mile (2.7 km²) are water, comprising 4.07% of the town. Salem is drained by the Spicket River and its tributary Policy Brook, part of the Merrimack River watershed. Canobie Lake is on the western boundary, Arlington Mill Reservoir is in the north, and World End Pond is in the southeast. None of the town's residential water supply incorporates sodium fluoride, a water additive that helps ensure strong teeth enamel. The highest point in Salem is the summit of Gordon's Hill, at 380 feet (120 m) above sea level, along the town's western border.

Salem is the first New Hampshire town encountered when traveling north from Massachusetts on Interstate 93. The interstate's first two New Hampshire exits are within the town. Via I-93, Boston is 35 miles (56 km) to the south and Manchester is 20 miles (32 km) to the northwest.

The area was first settled in 1652. As early as 1736, Salem was the "North Parish" of Methuen, Massachusetts, or "Methuen District". In 1741, when the boundary line between Massachusetts and New Hampshire was fixed, the "North Parish" became part of New Hampshire, and was given the name "Salem", taken from nearby Salem, Massachusetts. The town was incorporated in 1750 by colonial governor Benning Wentworth. The meetinghouse of the old north parish, erected in 1738, still stands, eventually becoming the town hall of Salem before it was turned into the Salem Historical Society museum.

In 1902, Canobie Lake Park was established in Salem by the Massachusetts Northeast Street Railway Company to encourage leisure excursions on its trolleys. The plan was successful, and the enterprise quickly became one of the leading resorts of its type in New England. Crowds arrived from all over, including the nearby mill towns of Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and Methuen in Massachusetts, and Manchester and Nashua in New Hampshire. Factory workers and others found respite strolling along tree-lined promenades, between flower beds or beside the lake. Rides, arcades, and a dance hall provided lively entertainments. The rise of the automobile, however, brought the decline of the trolley. But Canobie Lake Park, one of the few former street railway amusement resorts still in existence, continues to be popular.

Other features of Salem's tourism history include America's Stonehenge, a curiosity (formerly "Mystery Hill"). Other attractions include the Icenter, a skating arena, as well as Field of Dreams and Hedgehog Pond Park.

Starting in the 1950s, Salem developed rapidly as part of Greater Boston, with suburban-style residential neighborhoods and a long strip of commercial development along NH Route 28. Commercial construction has continued to focus on Route 28, as well as on the commercial zone off Exit 2 on Interstate 93. Starting in 2017, the Tuscan Village complex has been under construction, a multi-million dollar mixed-use commercial property that includes retail, medical offices, condos, and apartments. The complex is being built on the site of the former Rockingham Park race track.

Health and wellness are paramount in Salem, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Salem Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Hampstead Health & Fitness, Sheer Dominance and Salem Athletic Club. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Salem, such as the Crystal Shores Conservation Area Trail and Windham Rail Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Salem, NH are Canobie Lake Park, America's Stonehenge, and The Mall at Rockingham Park.

Population: 30,646 (2023). ZIP code: 03079. Area code: 603. Elevation: 131 ft (40 m). Area: 25.90 sq mi (67.07 km²).

FAQs

Is Salem, NH a good place to live?

When it comes to life in New Hampshire, Salem is more than just a pit stop between Boston and Manchester. This peaceful southern New Hampshire town is a great mix of urban and country feel with both quiet neighborhoods and a bustling business section. Salem NH is a great place to live and raise a family, but if you won’t find a big nightlife scene. You’d have to travel to surrounding areas if you’re looking for that. Salem NH is a quiet, peaceful town.

Is Salem, NH a suburb of Boston?

Salem is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It is a northern suburb of Boston located on Interstate 93. As the first town along I-93 northbound in New Hampshire, which lacks any state sales tax, Salem has grown into a regional commercial hub for the northern section of Greater Boston, anchored by the Mall at Rockingham Park and Tuscan Village.

What is a fun fact about Salem, NH?

The highest point in Salem is the summit of Gordon's Hill, at 380 feet (120 m) above sea level, along the town's western border. Salem is the first New Hampshire town encountered when traveling north from Massachusetts on Interstate 93. The interstate's first two New Hampshire exits are within the town. Via I-93, Boston is 35 miles (56 km) to the south and Manchester is 20 miles (32 km) to the northwest.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Salem

Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center 

Salem Parks and Recreation Department 

Hampstead Health & Fitness

Sheer Dominance 

Salem Athletic Club

Crystal Shores Conservation Area Trail 

Windham Rail Trail

Canobie Lake Park

America's Stonehenge

The Mall at Rockingham Park

Wicked North Shore

Kiddle

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