Salem City

One of New Jersey's most historic small cities, centered on Broadway and Market Street where colonial-era civic history, local businesses, the Salem River and modern redevelopment meet.

Photo by Tim Kiser

Welcome to Salem City

Salem was founded in 1675 by Quaker John Fenwick and became Salem City in 1858. Today it remains the county seat and a compact regional center with historic architecture, county government, schools, shops, restaurants, neighborhood services and a working waterfront.

Municipal boundary matters: the Salem 08079 mailing area extends well beyond Salem City. Businesses on outer Salem-Quinton Road, Route 45 and Salem-Fort Elfsborg Road can actually be in Quinton, Mannington, Elsinboro or other municipalities. NJTGO checks municipal location rather than using “Salem, NJ 08079” by itself.

Municipal neighbors: Elsinboro Township, Lower Alloways Creek Township, Quinton Township, Mannington Township and Pennsville Township.

City Government

Salem City Hall
125 West Broadway
Salem, NJ 08079
856-935-0372
Public parking is available in the rear.

Police — Non-Emergency
856-935-0057
Call 911 for emergencies.

Fire — Non-Emergency
856-935-0353
Call 911 for emergencies.

Street Department
856-935-1265

Building Inspector
856-935-5510

Tax / Housing / Zoning
Tax Collector: 856-935-0372 x200
Tax Assessor: x217
Housing/Zoning: x204

Official City Website Public Documents Zoning Office Employment / Bids

Education

Salem City School District
205 Walnut Street
Salem, NJ 08079
856-935-3800

John Fenwick Academy
183 Smith Street
Salem, NJ 08079
856-935-4100
Early-childhood and elementary grades.

Salem Middle School
51 New Market Street
Salem, NJ 08079
856-935-2700

Salem High School
219 Walnut Street
Salem, NJ 08079
856-935-3900

Historic Salem

Old Salem County Courthouse
104 Market Street
Built in 1735 and still used for public meetings. It is one of the city's signature historic landmarks.

Salem County Historical Society
83 Market Street
856-935-5004
Museum, research library and collections covering Salem County history and genealogy.

Salem Friends Meeting
200 E Broadway
856-935-3381
Active Quaker meeting and historic religious site associated with Salem's early settlement.

Salem Oak Site
West Broadway / Friends burial ground area
The famous Salem Oak fell on June 6, 2019, but the site and its story remain part of Salem's identity.

Historic Salem County Courthouse on Market Street.

Community, Library & Recreation

Salem Free Public Library
112 W Broadway
856-935-0526
Municipal library with public programs, research resources and regional library-network access.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Bandshell
Market Street area
Downtown public gathering space used for community events and outdoor programs.

Salem City Pool
The city has active 2026 planning and renovation work for its municipal pool. Check the city site for current operating status and recreation announcements.

Salem River / Waterfront
The Salem River and Port of Salem shape the city's western and northern edge, with riverfront redevelopment and maritime activity continuing to matter to the local economy.

Community Institutions

Salem's churches and community organizations are deeply woven into neighborhood life. Current food-access and community-service programs operate through organizations including St. John's Episcopal Church, Spirit Life Fellowship, First Baptist Church, The Salvation Army and other local congregations and nonprofits.

St. John's Episcopal Church
Market / Grant Street area

First Baptist Church
130 W Broadway

Spirit Life Fellowship
424 E Broadway

The Salvation Army
115 W Broadway
856-935-0305

Explore Salem

Business & ShoppingDeep in-city directory covering retail, antiques, finance, legal, automotive, healthcare, personal care, services and local industry. Food & DrinkRestaurants, pizza, soul food, diner fare, bakery, markets, beverage retail and verified GF options. Real EstateZoning, historic-district review, flood considerations, city-owned property and housing resources. Visiting & LodgingHistoric sites, downtown stops, waterfront context, lodging and clearly labeled nearby attractions. ClassifiedsLocal sale categories, notices, community posts and safer-transaction guidance. JobsCity, school, county, healthcare, downtown and waterfront employment resources.

Salem Businesses & Organizations

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