Salem, OR, known as "The Cherry City," is the capital of Oregon and offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem is approximately 45 miles south of Portland and 65 miles north of Eugene. This medium-sized city is known for its scenic parks, vibrant arts scene, and rich agricultural heritage.
Salem's climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Bush's Pasture Park and the expansive Minto-Brown Island Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics. The nearby Willamette River provides additional outdoor adventures, including boating and fishing.
The cultural scene in Salem is dynamic, with attractions like the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the historic Elsinore Theatre, and the Oregon State Capitol. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Salem Art Fair & Festival and the Oregon State Fair, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements. Living in Salem means being part of a community that values its cultural heritage and enjoys a vibrant arts scene.
Education is a cornerstone of the Salem community, with institutions like Willamette University and Chemeketa Community College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Salem an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as Salem Health, ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care and supports a strong job market.
Living in Salem combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a community-oriented city. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Amtrak station, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Salem offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Salem, Oregon is a moderately-sized city with a population of 171,806 people. With a population density of 3,519 people per square mile, Salem is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 79% of Salem residents are White, 3% Asian and 1% Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Salem, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Salem is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Oregon, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Salem and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Salem to Oregon and the national average.
Salem has a livability score of 79 out of 100 and is ranked #55 in Oregon and #1,575 in the USA. Based on this score, Salem would be considered a very livable city! Salem also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Salem has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Salem, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).
Salem has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Salem has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, Oregon State Capitol, and Riverfront Carousel.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Salem market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Salem real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Salem. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $266,200, which is 7.7% higher than the Oregon average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salem, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 2.2% lower than the Oregon average.
| Statistic | Salem | Oregon | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.4% | 71.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 10.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.4% | 4.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.5% | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.1% | 3.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.9% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
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