Salem, OR Area Guide

What do the locals think about Salem?

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Salem, OR

In many ways, Salem, Oregon is like a younger sibling of nearby urban hub Portland: Although the two cities are only an hour's drive from one another, in fact, each locale has its own distinct feel and culture.

In contrast to the sheen of Portland's glassy skyscrapers and new apartment buildings, for example, a stroll through Salem's downtown can often feel decidedly more like a step back in time. A handful of cozy cafes, theaters, bookstores, and museums has made this area a favorite with locals, and as the capitol city of Oregon, Salem is home to a beautiful district of administrative centers and stunning state buildings. Early founders of Salem had strong ties to the Methodist church, and the area around the capitol building still features block after block of historic church-houses.

Compared with other hot spots on the West Coast such as San Francisco and Seattle, Salem is also reasonably affordable. However, Salem's proximity to Portland's booming housing market does make it slightly more expensive than other regions of the country. (Although its economy is smaller, Salem's housing market seems to always keep pace with its larger neighbor city.)

Public transportation here is also fast and affordable. The city's "Cherriots" bus line provides residents with regular service throughout most of the city, and monthly passes guaranteeing unlimited bus service cost around $45. Cherriots also provides a low-cost "pick up" service for ill and infirm customers; this service allows local residents to make runs to grocery stores and doctor appointments. Amtrak also provides locals and visitors with regular service from a historic train station here.

As you might expect from a state capitol, one of the biggest employers in the city is the local government. Oregon's Department of Revenue and Department of Justice are located just a few blocks from the city's downtown, and other big employers in the area include Willamette University and Salem Hospital. These institutions lie only a few blocks from one another near the Capitol Building and downtown.

Also nearby is Salem's historic Mission Street neighborhood. Here Victorian mansions such as the Deepwood Estate and Bush House sit cozily alongside charming cottages and classic family homes. The sprawling Bush's Pasture Park lies at the center of this neighborhood; it remains a favorite gathering place for city residents and visitors on sunny days.

Nearby to the Mission Street district are the leafy neighborhoods of South Salem and West Salem. These areas are home to some of the most beautiful houses in the city; in contrast to Portland's skyrocketing housing market, however, gorgeous homes in these neighborhoods can still be found at a fraction of the cost of similar homes in Portland.

For people considering a move to this charming city, the best way to get to know Salem is to simply walk around its central area for a few hours at a time: The city is small enough that a vigorous stroll around Salem's center will give visitors a good feel for what this place is all about. Indeed, grabbing a coffee and exploring Salem’s charming neighborhoods can be a learning experience in and of itself.