17 Tips for Living in Salem, Oregon: No Worries About Witch Trials in the Cherry City
Salem Oregon
If you’ve always wanted to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest without the high cost of living in cities like Portland and Seattle, then living in Salem, Oregon, could be the right move for you. Oregon’s state capital is located in the idyllic Willamette Valley, about an hour south of Portland. It’s also within driving distance to the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by forests, state parks, and mountains, which make it perfect for exploring. That’s not all you need to know about living in Salem, Oregon, though. We’re here to give you the lowdown.
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Salem at a Glance
- Salem is located in the Willamette Valley, right next to the Willamette River that flows through the city.
- The city’s population is about 178,400.
- Salem’s total area is about 49 square miles.
- Salem is also known as the Cherry City — a shortened version of its moniker “Cherry City of the World,” given by the Pacific Coast Nurserymen's Association in 1907.
- The median age in Salem, OR, is 36.4.
Living in Salem, Oregon — FAQs
Q: Is Salem, Oregon, a good place to live?
A: Is living in Salem, Oregon, nice? Yes! Salem is a good place to live because of all the opportunities to get outdoors, its thriving wine industry, and its central location to both the ocean and a major city.
Q: What are the benefits of living in Salem, Oregon?
A: The biggest benefits of living in Salem are the fact that there’s always something to do. Whether it’s taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you, visiting top-notch restaurants, or exploring the cultural scene, Salem has a lot going for it.
Q: What are winters like in Salem, Oregon?
A: Winters in Salem, Oregon, are mild but damp, with average highs in the upper 40s°F and lows near freezing. Rain is frequent, with occasional frost and fog, and if snow does occur, it’s just a few inches, and it melts quickly.
1. The Cost of Living in Salem, Oregon
Salem is a pretty affordable place to live for a modestly sized city, especially when you think about how expensive other cities on the West Coast can be. The cost of living in Salem, Oregon, is 104, compared to the national average index of 100. It’s lower than the state’s cost of living, which is 114.3. If you want to live in a vibrant, smaller city that doesn’t have the high cost of living attached to it, you can’t go wrong with moving to Salem, Oregon.
How Much Do You Need To Earn When Living in Salem, Oregon?
If you’re considering moving to Salem, it’s important to know what kind of salary you should have to support yourself when you get there. Keep in mind that these salaries cover basic needs only.
- As a family of four: With two adults working and two children, you should aim to make a combined salary of about $119,600.
- As a young professional: As a single professional with no children, your salary should be around $49,600.
- As a retiree: If you and your significant other want to retire in Salem, OR, you’ll need a yearly income of about $68,000.
Love the outdoors? You’ll love living in Salem, Oregon, which has plenty of parks, walkways, and bike paths.
(Source: Travel Salem via Facebook)
2. What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Salem, Oregon?
Pro: There’s Plenty To Do Outdoors
Lots of people come to Salem to be surrounded by natural beauty and to get out and enjoy it. Whether you want to explore the natural beauty of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, take a day trip to explore coastal towns like Lincoln City or Ocean Lake, or stay closer to the city to enjoy the many parks and gardens, like Bush’s Pasture Park, there are lots of ways to walk, bike, or ride around Salem.Con: The Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Because of its location in the Pacific Northwest, you can expect the weather in Salem to be unpredictable. Although it’s located about an hour from the coast, it still experiences a damp climate and a significant amount of rainfall each year. It’s also one of the cloudiest cities in the country during the winter months, but locals think the summers and springs make it worth it!Pro: Salem Has an Amazing Food and Drink Scene
Is Salem, Oregon, a good place to live if you’re a foodie? The answer is a resounding, delectable yes! If you love trying new restaurants, visiting breweries, or checking out first-class vineyards, then you’re going to love living in Salem, Oregon. This area of the country is very focused on farm-to-table dining, so if you like fresh, local, and delicious food, you’ll have lots of options. Not to mention, Salem is in the heart of one of the best wine regions in the U.S., the Willamette Valley! Did you know there are more than 700 wineries across the valley?Con: The Cost of Living Is Lower Than Portland’s, But Higher Than the National Average
Although it’s more affordable than Portland, the cost of living in Salem is still higher than the national average. Affordable housing may be difficult to find, no matter if you’re searching for a house or an apartment, as the average home price here sits at $443,700 and the average rent sits at $1,470 (the national averages are $369,100 and $1,750, respectively). However, you might find that things start to balance when you look at other expenses. The cost of essentials — like utilities and healthcare — is below the national average.Pro: There Are Lots of Job Opportunities in Salem
If you’re looking for a new job or are hoping to bring your skillset to a new area, Salem has plenty of opportunities. The biggest sectors are education and health services, but there are also government opportunities since it’s the state capital. Salem Health, Chemeketa Community College, and Willamette University are some of the area’s largest employers and offer a wide range of opportunities.Con: Traffic Can Be Annoying
Even though it’s a modestly sized city, the traffic in Salem is something that can get annoying. The I-5 — a major north-to-south interstate — goes right through this area, making it hard to get places, especially during rush hour. If you don’t want to drive, you can take advantage of biking or using public transportation, depending on where you live in the city. Routes can be spotty, though, so driving is definitely recommended.Pro: Arts and Culture in Salem Are Aplenty
Whether you’re into theater, exploring museums, learning about history, or discovering new music, there’s always something cultural to do in Salem. You can stop at the Deepwood Museum and Gardens, enjoy artsy and foreign films at the Salem Cinema, or take a tour of the Oregon State Capitol building. In the summer, there are a variety of events to attend, like the Salem Art Fair and Festival, the Oregon Quilt Festival, or the Salem Holiday Market.Con: Public Transportation Is So-So in Salem
Salem isn’t exactly known for its extensive transportation system, especially if you live or work outside the major business district. There is a bus system known as Cherriots, but there are no light rail or commuter trains. Most residents drive, which is why the traffic is such a problem in this smaller-sized city.
The average home prices in Salem, Oregon, are lower than both the state average and the average in nearby Portland.
(Source: Blum Real Estate via Facebook)
3. Salem Housing Prices Are Lower Than the State Average
As we mentioned, the Salem housing market can be a little pricey, depending on where you’re moving from. Costs will be lower than in Portland, but you can still expect a good amount of searching before you find the perfect home in your price range. The average home value in Salem is $443,700, higher when compared to the national average of $369,100, but lower when compared to the Oregon state average of $543,800.
4. Renting in Salem Isn’t Cheap, but It’s Affordable
If you’re interested in renting in Salem, you’re not alone. A lot of young professionals and families who are just starting out choose to rent before buying a home. The average rent in Salem is $1,475 a month for an 886-square-foot apartment. While it isn’t the cheapest rent, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck than you would in a larger city like Portland or Seattle.
5. Living in Salem, Oregon: Which Neighborhood is Right for You?
Want to know where to live in Salem? Check out some of our top picks for the best neighborhoods in Salem.
Best Salem Neighborhood for Families — Creekside Estates
If you’re moving to Salem, Oregon, with your family, consider relocating to Creekside Estates, a picturesque community with spacious homes and modern amenities. On top of its beautiful scenery, Creekside Estates is close to top-rated schools like Sumpter Elementary, Judson Middle School, and South Salem High School. The neighborhood’s peaceful, tree-lined streets and proximity to Bryan Johnston Park provide plenty of outdoor space for kids to play, while the active HOA ensures a clean, safe environment. Families also enjoy access to the Creekside Golf Club’s pool and fitness facilities, along with community events like the annual block party. And while this neighborhood might be a little quiet, if you’re looking for a night out, you’re only minutes away from Downtown Salem.Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals — Highland
Is Salem, Oregon, a good place to live for singles and young professionals? Sure! There are plenty of neighborhoods in Salem, too, that are great for those starting professional life or becoming a first-time homeowner. If you’re looking for a place to live that’s affordable and minutes from Downtown, then you should look in the Highland neighborhood. It’s considered one of the best places to live for young professionals in Salem because of its historic charm, urban convenience, and real estate investment potential. Adjacent to the Broadway District, this Heritage Neighborhood features beautifully restored Craftsman bungalows alongside fixer-uppers ripe for renovation. The area’s bike-friendly streets make commuting to downtown offices, cafes, and breweries a breeze, while Highland City Park offers a nearby escape for weekend relaxation or a pick-up pickleball game.!Best Neighborhood for Retirees — McNary Estates
McNary Estates is one of the best private communities for Salem retirees who want to spend their free time hitting the links. This golf community has plenty of housing options, from single-family homes to condos and townhomes, and, because so many seniors live in the area, many houses are single-level. The houses aren’t the only thing built for senior living, though. The entire area is fairly flat, so whether you’re walking the course or taking an evening stroll, you won’t have to deal with high hikes and hills.6. You’ll Need a Car While Living in Salem, Oregon
In short, you’ll need a car to get around. Because it is a smaller city, the public transportation is focused mainly on the city’s central downtown areas. They have a public bus system known as Cherriots, but there is no light rail system. This contributes to the heavy traffic experienced by residents, especially during morning and evening commutes. Salem prides itself on being a green city, and lots of residents choose to just bike instead (with a Bike Score of 76, Salem is definitely considered bike-friendly).
Living in Salem, Oregon, means getting the “college town” experience, as the city is home to Willamette University (pictured) and other higher learning institutions.
(Source: Willamette University via Facebook)
7. There Are Great Public and Private School Options in Salem
Need to find what schools to send your kids to? You will be happy to know that Salem is home to some great K-12 schools, as well as some higher education institutions.
According to Niche, these are the best schools in Salem, all with A grades:
- Blanchet Catholic School
- Early College High School
- Bethany Charter School
Additionally, you’ll find higher education institutions in Salem like:
8. Salem Sees a Lot of Rainy Days — Like the Rest of the PNW
Salem is no exception to the Pacific Northwest’s famously wet climate, with plenty of rainy and cloudy days. The summers tend to be short, warm, and mostly dry, while the winters are cold, wet, and cloudy. The temperature ranges from 36 to 85 degrees throughout the year. Although there is a lot of rainfall, you don’t have to worry about many blizzards, as the rain only turns to snow a few days per year.
9. Salem’s Crime Rate Is Slightly Higher Than the State Average
Salem has a crime index of six according to NeighborhoodScout, which means it’s safer than 6 percent of U.S. neighborhoods. Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Salem is 1 in 216, which is a little higher than the state average. As far as property crime goes, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a victim, which is also higher than the average for the state of Oregon.10. Salem Has a Competitive Job Market
The job market is competitive in Salem, as the unemployment rate is at 4.5 percent, not even a half-percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate, which is 4.1 percent. There are lots of places to find good-paying jobs, especially if you have skills in healthcare, government, administration, or the service/retail industries.
11. You Won’t Go Hungry Living in Salem, Oregon
Cafes and Diners
Locals love the variety that’s available when it comes to grabbing a cup of joe or a nice, easy breakfast. These are some of the hotspots in Salem for breakfast:
Lunch Locales
When it comes to lunch, you can’t go wrong with:
Dinner Spots
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a fun time with friends, family, or your significant other, Salem has some amazing dining options as well!
Santiam Brewing Co. is just one of the many Salem hot spots where you can grab a pint with friends.
(Source: Santiam Brewing Co. via Facebook)
12. The Salem Beverage Scene Is Top Notch, Too
When you’re in Oregon, you know you’re going to get an amazing assortment of craft breweries. And Salem does not disappoint! If you love trying new beers, you should definitely stop by:
In addition to beer, did you know that Salem is also home to some world-class vineyards that create award-winning wine? That’s right, the Willamette Valley consistently produces some of the best wines, especially pinot noirs. Wineries to check out include:
13. Salem’s Local Culture Is Thriving
While you may think Salem is limited to the outdoor enthusiast, you’d certainly be wrong! There is a vibrant cultural scene in the city that includes lots of art, music, and theater. While there are a variety of wine and beer festivals that you can expect in this epicenter of beverages, there are lots of ways to engage with the artsy side of Salem.- Check out The Reed Opera House for both performances and shopping.
- The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is located at Willamette University
- The Oregon Garden is an 80-acre botanical garden
14. Nights and Weekends Are More Fun in Salem
Who says Portland has all the fun? Salem has a great nightlife scene. Most folks love going out for a brew, a glass of wine, and some bites, but there are plenty of ways for adults to enjoy the nightlife on the weekend. In addition to catching a play, concert, or the Oregon Symphony, you’ll find these venues have plenty of fun and live music after dark.
Take in the natural beauty of Salem, Oregon, at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, which has been growing thousands of irises every year since 1925.
(Source: Schreiner’s Gardens via Facebook)
15. There Are Plenty of Things To Do in Salem, Oregon
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a way to explore the outdoors or ways to have a good time without making a big monetary investment, living in Salem, Oregon, has plenty of options to suit a variety of needs and preferences.
Fun Things To Do in Salem, Oregon
What folks love about living in Salem is that you can have the best of both worlds—amazing access to the great outdoors as well as a thriving cultural scene! No one will make you choose when it comes to fun things to do in Salem, so no matter what you’re up for, there’s somewhere in or around Salem that you can find it.
- Walk or bike around Minto-Brown Island Park.
- Get out on the river at Willamette Mission State Park.
- View the flowers at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
- Go on a vineyard or brewery tour.
- Visit the many museums.
Free Things To Do in Salem
Looking for free things to do in the Salem area? There’s no shortage of those! One of the top options is to go out and explore the various parks that are right within the city, like the Riverside Park. You can always take a walk or a ride along on your bike by the Willamette River as well. But for additional options, we recommend:
- Tour the Oregon State Capitol
- Wander around the beautiful downtown Salem
- Check out Willamette University
- View the Adelman Peony Gardens
- Visit the Salem Saturday Market
Things To Do with Kids in Salem
If you have kiddos in tow, chances are you’re always looking for something fun to do with kids in Salem. One of the top choices is to ride the carousel at Riverfront Park and take a walk along the river. Because there are so many options to play, picnic, or bike in the areas around Salem, we always suggest that, but in case it’s a rainy day, here are some other options that are fun for kids:
Moving to Salem, Oregon, but want to be close to a larger city, too? You’re in luck – Portland, Oregon, is about an hour’s drive away!
16. Portland Is Closer Than You Think
If you want to really get out of town and explore a big city (Over 615,000 people!), Portland is only about an hour away. This city is known for its quirky appeal, but it also has access to all kinds of fun amenities that come with a larger population. Portland is very easy to go to if you want to expand your shopping, try a new brewery, or even indulge in a different cuisine. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, you can always drive in to see a Trail Blazers game, and then head home to Salem in the same day!
17. There Are Other Day Trips From Salem, Too
Although there’s lots to do and enjoy in Salem, sometimes you just want to see something else. Because of where it’s located, Salem is a prime spot for day trips, but there are also plenty of spots you can visit where you can spend the night, either camping, or in a hotel. There’s lots to see in the Pacific Northwest, so if you don’t want to travel too far, we recommend checking out:
- Mt. Hood National Forest
- One of the many coastal towns right on the beach
- Silver Falls State Park
Have a PODS portable storage container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load it on your own schedule.
Moving to Salem, Oregon, With PODS
There are plenty of reasons why people love living in Salem, Oregon. If you’ve decided that this quirky, charming town is the perfect place to call home, call PODS first and let them help with your moving and storage needs.
Have a PODS portable storage container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load it on your own schedule. Once you’re ready to go, your container will be picked up and transported to your new Salem home. Need help with the packing or lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading assistance. And one month of storage is built into the cost of every PODS move, so there’s no need to feel rushed!
It’s time to stop fantasizing about living in Salem, Oregon, and make it your new reality. Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
(Source for image featured at top: Dan Meyers via Unsplash)
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