Crane sightings, new streets, and steady buzz around Route 28 all point to one thing: Tuscan Village is changing how people live and shop in Salem. If you are buying or selling here, you are likely asking what this means for prices, inventory, and daily life. In this guide, you will see how the project affects housing demand today and what to watch next. Let’s dive in.
Tuscan Village at a glance
Tuscan Village is a 170-acre, multi-phase mixed-use redevelopment of the former Rockingham Park site. It blends retail, dining, medical, hotel, office, and a large residential component. The Town’s project page outlines the scale and phased buildout, including hundreds of apartments and townhomes that are built or under construction. You can review the official overview on the Town’s Tuscan Village page for scope and approvals on the Town of Salem site.
Plans have evolved as market needs shift. Over the years, proposals have ranged from several hundred to nearly 1,800 total homes, with adjustments based on community feedback and demand. For example, one proposal to add 600 more homes was later reduced by about half after public input, showing how the plan continues to respond to conditions per NH Business Review reporting.
Environmental upgrades are part of the story too. Stream daylighting, stormwater work, and creating Tuscan Lake and park earned regional recognition for resilience and placemaking as noted by NEREJ.
How demand is shifting
More homes, more choice
Hundreds of new apartments and townhomes have already increased Salem’s housing options. Early phases delivered a 256-unit building, about 96 townhomes, and additional multifamily projects. New rental inventory can ease pressure on rents in the near term, and future phases could add for-sale condos that widen choices for buyers per Town project materials.
Recent multifamily projects, like the Caro at Tuscan Village, highlight how new rental supply is coming online and attracting residents who value nearby services and shorter drives according to the developer’s announcement.
Lifestyle pull and who is moving
The Village markets a walkable, mixed-use lifestyle with shopping, dining, parks, and medical services. That can appeal to young professionals, downsizers seeking low-maintenance living, and employees who work nearby. Townhouse designs have even shifted to meet demand for features like first-floor bedroom suites, reflecting interest from local empty-nesters as covered by Patch.
Tenure mix matters
Much of the early housing is rental, so the renter share of Salem’s housing mix is likely to grow faster at first. Even so, recent master plan revisions include condos and workforce housing, which could introduce more for-sale options over time per NHBR updates.
What to expect next
Near term: 0 to 24 months
- More rental options can moderate local rent growth and draw new residents who might have looked in neighboring towns.
- As residents settle, neighborhood retail and services can see a lift. That added activity can support nearby single-family values.
- Construction activity will continue in phases, so expect periodic noise and traffic changes around the site see WMUR’s project overview and traffic focus.
Medium term: 2 to 5 years
- If more condos and townhomes are delivered, buyers will have more for-sale options. That can create new competition for similar resale homes.
- The Village’s amenities and jobs can raise the area’s long-term appeal, which may support values in nearby neighborhoods. The Town’s fiscal estimates anticipate meaningful tax revenue and job impacts that can shape services and investment per the Town’s project page.
What this means if you are buying
- Weigh proximity benefits. Living near retail, medical, and parks adds convenience and can support long-term demand.
- Compare new vs resale. Look closely at HOA fees, parking plans, and rules if you consider condos or townhomes in later phases.
- Plan for traffic. Road work and traffic mitigation are part of approvals, but your daily route may change during buildout according to WMUR.
- Keep options flexible. If timing is tight, renting in the Village or nearby first can buy you time to find the right home.
What this means if you are selling
- Lead with lifestyle. Highlight quick access to shopping, dining, medical, and recreation. Many buyers value a short drive to daily needs.
- Prep for competition. If new for-sale units arrive in your price band, presentation and pricing discipline matter. Professional staging, video, and wide exposure help your home stand out.
- Market to a wider pool. The Village can attract interest from Greater Boston commuters. Strong cross-border marketing can increase your buyer reach.
- Watch timing. Listing around major project milestones can capture extra attention from out-of-town visitors.
Town factors to watch
- Planning updates. Unit counts, tenure mix, and amenity placements evolve with Planning Board actions. Track the Town’s Tuscan Village page for official updates on the Town site.
- Traffic and mitigation. The Town negotiated multi-million dollar mitigation commitments including roadway work and funds to manage impacts as reported by Patch.
- Environmental and open space. Ongoing stormwater and park improvements shape the Village’s appeal and resilience see NEREJ coverage.
How to plan your next move
- Clarify goals. Decide if you value walkable amenities, new construction, or a larger lot away from the core.
- Get current pricing. Salem’s numbers move with season and supply. Use hyper-local comps and active competition to guide offers or list strategy.
- Consider timing. Phased openings can influence buyer traffic. A pre-list plan can help you capture peak interest.
- Ask for a tailored plan. A local advisor can customize pricing, marketing, and timing to your goals in this changing landscape.
Ready to map your strategy around Tuscan Village? Connect with Shannon Dipietro for a local plan that fits your timeline and goals.
FAQs
How many homes will Tuscan Village add in Salem?
- Plans have ranged from several hundred to nearly 1,800 homes, with recent revisions reducing a proposed 600-unit addition to about 300 and ongoing adjustments based on approvals and market demand Town overview and NHBR.
Is new rental housing already open at Tuscan Village?
- Yes, early phases delivered large apartment buildings and townhomes, including projects like the Caro at Tuscan Village that added hundreds of rental units Dolben and Town site.
Will Tuscan Village raise or lower home prices nearby?
- New supply can moderate price growth, while added amenities and jobs can boost neighborhood appeal, so the net effect depends on the pace of buildout and the mix of rental versus for-sale homes Town overview.
How will traffic change around Route 28 and I-93?
- The Town and developer planned roadway work, intersection improvements, and mitigation funding, though drivers should expect ongoing construction and evolving patterns during buildout WMUR and Patch.
What about schools and town services as the Village grows?
- Town materials cite significant projected tax revenue and note that school impacts depend on the eventual mix of households, with many early residents reported as empty-nesters and later phases including workforce units Town site.
