📍 Location & Geography
Salem is a town located in Rockingham County, in the southeastern part of the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts to the south. The town is approximately 35 miles north of Boston. The ZIP code for Salem is 03079.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Salem, New Hampshire are approximately 42.7884° N latitude and 71.2009° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Salem is part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area, which extends into southern New Hampshire. The town covers a total area of 25.9 square miles, of which 24.7 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Salem is approximately 30,000 people. The town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents. The median age of residents is around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Salem was first settled in 1652 as a part of Massachusetts. The town was officially incorporated in 1750 and was named after Salem, Massachusetts. The town’s economy was initially based on farming and lumbering, but it later shifted to manufacturing with the introduction of several mills in the 19th century. In the 20th century, Salem evolved into a residential suburb of Boston with a mix of retail and service businesses.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Salem is home to several parks and recreational areas, including Canobie Lake Park, a popular amusement park that opened in 1902. The town also features several bodies of water, including Arlington Mill Reservoir, Canobie Lake, and World End Pond. The town is also close to the Salem Town Forest, a large wooded area perfect for hiking and nature walks.
🏫 Education
Salem School District serves the town’s students, with four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school – Salem High School. There are also several private schools in the area. Higher education opportunities can be found nearby, with Southern New Hampshire University and University of New Hampshire close by.
🚧 Transportation
Salem is conveniently located near Interstate 93, which provides easy access to Boston and other areas of New England. The town is also served by Boston Express Bus, which provides service to Boston’s South Station and Logan International Airport. The nearest train station is in Lawrence, Massachusetts, which is part of the MBTA Commuter Rail system.
📜 Trivia & Events
Salem is known for its annual Olde Salem Days, a community event that celebrates the town’s history and culture with a craft fair, music, food, and other activities. The town is also home to America’s Stonehenge, a mysterious archaeological site consisting of man-made stone structures that are believed to be thousands of years old.