Last weekend, more than 2,700 “witches” gathered in Salem, MA in a world file 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 confirmed up for the charity occasion commemorating the space’s four-hundredth anniversary.
But while Salem’s historical past is notoriously a bit macabre, the vibe there at this time is anything but somber. And in spite of an uptick in guests this time of 12 months, full-time residents say it’s the vibrant neighborhood that lured them in and retains them entranced.
Massive crowds in spooky apparel are nothing new for Salem’s residents. In reality, if historical past repeats, this October there will be around a million more Halloween fun-hunters descending upon “Witch City” (Salem’s nicknamed nod to the notorious 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 trip and immediately knew she wished to reside there sometime. “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!”
Members of the “good witches” dance during the twenty ninth annual Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade in Salem, Massachusetts, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. The parade is half of Salem’s 400-year birthday celebration, with this 12 months’s theme being “Old-School Halloween.” AFP via Getty Images
Now she’s not only a been a resident for 12 years, but she’s also the program supervisor 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 fast to level out, however, that Salem is about much more than just witches and haunted happenings.
What it’s actually like to reside in ‘Witch City’
Located about 16 miles (half-hour) north of Boston and set on the Atlantic Ocean, Salem really has a wealthy maritime historical past in addition to its witchy historical past.
In reality, it was a main delivery commerce hub in the nineteenth century, and its 18.5-miles long tidal shoreline consists of seven public seashores.
“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.”
Revelers put on costumes while marching in the twenty ninth annual Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade in Salem, Mass., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. The parade is half of Salem’s 400-year birthday celebration and options the theme “Old-School Halloween.” AFP via Getty Images
Quick access to Boston is positively a draw for people trying at Salem as a potential home. It presents the risk of more space with a affordable commute and costs that are about half of Boston’s average metro listings.
The median itemizing price in Salem was $568,450 in September—about $20,000 less than last 12 months 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 consumers still initially affiliate Salem nearly completely with Halloween and witch tourism, Sanchez says that once they go to, first timers usually shocked by its lovely residential neighborhoods, waterfront, eating places, and total high 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 extraordinarily pet-friendly city, according to resident Julie Gordon, who wrote an whole ebook on the subject called “Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City.”
Visitors await the begin of the program at the Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Mass., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Boston Globe via Getty Images
“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 presents free dog-friendly historical past walks, bringing people collectively to uncover a totally different facet 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 ceaselessly finds himself dressed up to take part in space occasions as nicely.
But the one factor all these residents stored 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 5 years in the past with her husband from close by 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 appear shocking for a metropolis with a population of more than 45,000, the residents actually appear to take satisfaction in where they reside.
“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.
People line up and put on masks as they put together to enter the Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Mass., Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. Salem has mandated that masks be worn indoors all through the metropolis. Boston Globe via Getty Images
Mortgage Research Center, LLC. A mortgage licensee. NMLS ID 1907. Equal Housing Opportunity. Lender advertisers are not beneficial or endorsed by realtor.com® or Mortgage Research Center, LLC, and are not the only suppliers of mortgage loan companies of the sorts they offer.Advertising disclosure
How locals are handling Halloween and the four-hundredth Anniversary
Founded in 1626, Salem is the second oldest settlement in New England and is presently celebrating its quadricentennial.
That means in addition to the standard onslaught of Halloween actions (which embody everything from seances to haunted magic reveals to witch hat-making workshops), there has been an whole 12 months of four-hundredth anniversary occasions on the docket as nicely.
With all of that going on at once, it seems nearly amusing that Salem was initially called “The City of Peace.” But its residents appear to settle for all the present exercise as half of dwelling 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 expertise October otherwise. “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 usually excited about the occasions surrounding Halloween and also the four-hundredth anniversary, but says the October crowds can actually be overwhelming.
“I appreciate the business visitors bring to our shops, restaurants, and other local businesses, while also understanding residents’ frustrations,” says Gordon, who provides that while most guests are respectful, it’s powerful when people overlook that people reside 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.”
The Salem Witch Museum examines the Salem witch trials of 1692 in Salem, Mass. REDA/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Gordon also says it helps that most residents can get anywhere they need on foot, and that she’ll keep away from driving during peak instances.
“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 home 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 city going on this 12 months.
“Salem’s 400th celebration is something we have all been quite excited about and wholeheartedly embraced,” says Cornish who provides that some occasions 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.”
Source hyperlink
