
In October, Salem, Massachusetts hosts over 1.2 million visitors in its compact downtown area the covers less than 2 square miles, a figure comparable to the monthly visitor count at Disney's Magic Kingdom. Both destinations feature strong walkability, access to public transportation, a variety of shops, attractions such as museums and rides, street performers in costume, and more. The key distinction (which may not be immediately apparent to some visitors, much to the frustration of locals) is that Salem is a living, working city with 45,000 residents, a significant university, hospital, public schools, and thousands of businesses small and large. While this leads to some obvious tensions during the bustling Halloween season due to the surge in pedestrian and vehicular traffic, it presents a unique opportunity for visitors not found at Disney – the chance to spend their day exploring a real-life, pedestrian-friendly, small American city.
Downtown Salem A "Walkers Paradise"

There's a reason we tell everyone to ditch the car and arrive by train or ferry. This historic downtown welcomes over 100,000 visitors on some of the busiest October weekend days. With less than 4,000 parking spaces and narrow streets, driving here in October is a fool's errand. Thankfully, the MBTA and Keolis, operate extra trains on October weekends to shuttle visitors into town from Boston and points North, setting records for ridership on the Newburyport / Rockport line each year.
According to Walk Score's rankings, Downtown Salem receives a 99, a 'Walkers Paradise." Nearly everything from bakeries, cafes, restaurants, bars, breweries, parks, an active waterfront, museums, library, schools, grocery stores, attractions, world renowned street art, historic architecture from multiple periods and so much more are all located within a short walk of the Downtown core.
Come For The Witch History, Stay To Experience Life In A Real Walkable Small City
Having volunteered at the Salem Main Streets Visitor Information Booth for the past two Halloweens, I have had a wonderful opportunity to engage not only with a community of locals who share a passion for Salem and enjoy welcoming visitors to our city, but also with travelers from various parts of the United States and the world. It often surprises many when I mention that nearly everything they wish to experience, explore, taste, or enjoy is just a 10-15-minute stroll away. Several volunteers, and Salem residents, first visited Salem as tourists and were captivated by the city's walkable lifestyle and the warm, inviting community it offers.

The Downtown and it's surrounding neighborhoods provide the opportunity for a wide array of living options. From single family homes with backyards to townhomes, small triple-deckers and moderately sized multi-family buildings, all existing in near harmony with one another. Unlike many modern American suburbs, this diversity of housing options provides more of a 'right-sized' supply of housing that can meet changing needs of a population. Of course, like most places we need much more and there is ample opportunity to add more infill housing throughout the Downtown and surrounding areas.

The Demand For More Walkability Across America
A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 78% of respondents placed a premium on finding a home within walking distance to things like parks, shops, cafes, restaurants and transit. However walkable urban areas comprise just 1.2% of the land area in the top 35 US Metropolitan areas. These areas are home to 7% of the US Population and 19% of the entire US GDP.
While you're here, enjoy the historical charm, the autumn atmosphere of New England, and the various witch and Halloween-themed attractions. However, keep in mind that this is not a theme park but a real city where 45,000 people live, work, and play. I hope every visitor not only has a great time here but also leaves with the realization that supporting walkable downtowns can improve the quality of life in all communities, regardless of their size. Let's embrace the future of our neighborhoods with open minds and welcome opportunities to enhance walkability and offer housing options in more communities across America to meet the increasing demand for vibrant, pedestrian-friendly places.
Happy Halloween!

Jonathan Berk is an urbanist and advocate who’s focused his career on building and advocating for walkable communities with vibrant public spaces, abundant housing choices and robust local small business communities. As the Founder of re:MAIN, he's working to accelerate the growth and expansion of walkable neighborhoods, with abundant housing options, through innovative, action-oriented programs. Jonathan@remainplaces.com
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