Moving from Naples to a small town like....Salem? (Boston: rent, homes)

[FLBookGirl]

Help! Thinking about a mid life move. New England is calling to me and I'm looking for a walking type of town (maybe ditch the car) one that is near the water, quaint downtown, good library. I am single, female and looking to probably rent first. Any good walking-type towns ?

[scarletfire]

Manchester by the Sea and Marblehead are my two faves on the north shore with fairly reasonable priced homes walking distance to town.

[burnw005]

Salem and Marblehead are both beautiful towns where you can walk just about anywhere to get things you need. Salem is on the commuter rail line if you choose to work in Boston, I know because I did it for 20 years. Also other great public transportation with bus service throughout the North Shore area. I lived in Marblead for the time I was up there and loved it. Either town would be ideal, and I say go for it!! I really miss that area, especially this time of year. Don't worry about the winters, it goes by quickly and there is also plenty of winter stuff to do. Wish I could go back. Good Luck, and if you have any questions, post or direct message.

[FLBookGirl]

Thanks! I will check out those two towns as well. I am planning on visiting maybe June.......when it starts getting unbearable here!

[1979]

I don't get it? Why are so many people looking to relocate so often mention "Salem"? Are there that many Wiccans that want to relocate there??

[in_newengland]

fairly reasonable priced homes

If you're wealthy, but for most people these are NOT reasonably priced.

Why are so many people looking to relocate so often mention "Salem"? Are there that many Wiccans that want to relocate there??

I've been thinking the same thing. Why Salem, of all places? Have they been reading The Crucible or is it about Halloween? Wiccans? Somebody please explain.

[VlyRoadKid]

RE: the Salem issue, I think people mention it because it's famous. I leaved near there (Newburyport) for a year and it wasn't that great, IMO. I was young and wanted some nightlife, as well as culture.

Now, being middle-aged, I'd STILL recommend, without exception, The Pioneer Valley (near Connecticut River) and UMass, Amherst & Smith Colleges to name a few. Both Amherst and Northampton are excellent "walking towns", with shops open late, movies, concerts and it's pretty safe. There are great parks (one with a bike path), gyms, gardens and museums. Also, the hiking is great.

The area is EXTREMELY diverse, in terms of race, ethnicity and nationality, with a large international community, mostly due to the college. It is very open-minded and there are activities and organizations for all ages. There are many clubs and organizations for "older" people (lots of aging hippies!), and a thriving artist community.

Another thing about this area that, since it's a "destination community", housing prices have not taken the hit that other areas have. Conversely, that means you'll pay more. You can still enjoy Northampton or Amherst by moving to a nearby town and driving or cycling into town for a film, or to walk.

You're also about 20 minutes from The Berkshires, 1/2 hour from the VT border and skiing and camping. Both towns are unique in that, as much as they are bustling you can be in the countryside or hills in under 10 minutes, say, on a bike! For a sense of what it looks like here, check out some photos on my profile.

I've been here since 1970 (went to UMass) and only left four 4 years for a job. I & my husband are SO happy to be back and intend to stay for good. Though my son wants to travel for awhile, he told me "I'll be back--I belong here"!

[Snallygaster]

Originally Posted by FLBookGirl

Help! Thinking about a mid life move. New England is calling to me and I'm looking for a walking type of town (maybe ditch the car) one that is near the water, quaint downtown, good library. I am single, female and looking to probably rent first. Any good walking-type towns ?

I was born in Salem MA, and lived there for most of my late 20s- It's a gorgous town, the Commons is surrounded by exquisite Federalist style mansions, and the Peabody Essex museum is one of the finest museums in the country.

Just be wary of October- I love Halloween, but Salam becomes Halloween central, and it can be overwelming- as tens of thousands of tourists flood into the city. Of course by Nov 2, it's a quiet town again...

[Snallygaster]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

fairly reasonable priced homes

If you're wealthy, but for most people these are NOT reasonably priced.

Why are so many people looking to relocate so often mention "Salem"? Are there that many Wiccans that want to relocate there??

I've been thinking the same thing. Why Salem, of all places? Have they been reading The Crucible or is it about Halloween? Wiccans? Somebody please explain.

The irony is the Salem Witch trials of 1692 actually happened in Danvers (which used to be part of Salem). Hysteria swept the town, some feel due to the psychtropic effects of the mold ergot, that infected the grain.....

The large witch population of recent years has more to do with the tv show 'Bewitched' and Salem witch Laurie cabot. For one reason or another, Salem became a haven for people who identify themselves as witches-Wiccans, pagans, druid, etc. It's a nice thing in that people can follow their religions there and not be bothered, and have a sense of community- But it's odd those accused of witchcraft in 1692 were not wiches- and the kind of witch they were accused of being was fiction anyway...
The Wiccan moving to Salem is akin to the hippy moving to Haight Ashbury in San Franciso- they think they'll find a community there-But often they will- and will usually be shocked to find out the cost of living!



On the flipside, I have observed many wiccans in Salem willing to exploit themselves to the tourists in the name of the almighty $$. An odd thing to do when thy are trying to fight sterotypes and discrimination.

Salem is pretty pricey- i lived in a tiny studio on Derby street in 1998, and payed $750 a month- and moved, as the landlord was raising the rent to $850.

[Cinaed]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

fairly reasonable priced homes

If you're wealthy, but for most people these are NOT reasonably priced.

Why are so many people looking to relocate so often mention "Salem"? Are there that many Wiccans that want to relocate there??

I've been thinking the same thing. Why Salem, of all places? Have they been reading The Crucible or is it about Halloween? Wiccans? Somebody please explain.

I can give my reasons but of course only speaking for myself. I currently live in Alaska and I suppose I'm doing that *mid-life move* I see mentioned here. I am interested in Salem NOT because I am Wiccan, for I am not. However that being said I am not your mainstream Christian minded person either. I don't identify with being *Pagan* but where I live if you own a business that IS considered Pagan you are shunned as evil, so when I go to the store I like to buy candles and incense I go to a local *gift store* where all the metaphysical items are under store shelving and you don't even see it if you aren't seeking such items. The business is very much a metaphysical store in hiding. I would prefer to live someplace I don't feel like a criminal or I'm shopping the black market, just because I practice my spirituality with incense and candles. Salem of course probably comes to mind for many people like myself that feel New England calling their name. I suppose at this point in my life I would rather live in a Pagan community than the closed minded fundamental Christian one I have been for many years. I dont' think I should have to hide or be ashamed of my beliefs to keep a good public standing.