Though Salem is generally not a place with very inexpensive housing, those looking for less costly places of residence go towards West Salem. There are several apartment buildings with availabilities from studios up to two or three bedroom apartments of varying levels of quality. Many apartment buildings have red brick exteriors and while some are traditional apartment buildings, some are bungalow style and even some are apartments above small businesses.

Salem’s nicer suburban housing is closer to the waterfront. The tree-lined streets reveal varied homes with architecture harkening to different eras of building in the city. However, many homes favor a Victorian look and the incorporation of columns at the entrance. The closer to the water, the more expensive the house. There has also been a recent spate of building expensive condos in this area.