What is Salem Oregon like?

Answer 1

FACTS: Salem is the capitol of Oregon. It is located in Marion county. In 2008, the population was just over 150,000, making it the 150th largest city in America. The population is 77% white, 14.6% hispanic, and less than 2% black (fairly consistent with the rest of Oregon). It has a fairly moderate temperature. It rarely gets into the 90s in the summer time and only occasionally snows in the winter. The Willamette river flows through Salem, separating Salem and West Salem (more surburban area). Salem hospital is the biggest private employer, followed by Willamette University, which is consistently rated as one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the country. Salem is also home to the all the government headquarters in Oregon. Oregon's maximum security prisons are also in Salem as is a large state mental hospital where One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest was filmed.

MY OPINION: The cost of living in Salem is pretty decent, but the wages in Salem are also below average for Oregon. There are nice areas and bad areas of Salem, just like any other city. The downtown area is very clean and family friendly. Salem doesn't have much of a night life but there are lots of community events, especially in the Summer.

Salem is undergoing a lot of clean up and rebuilding because the city is pretty old. Shopping in Salem is still pretty limited if you're looking for really upscale stores but there are lots of Fred Meyer stores and Targets and Wal Marts and there malls that have larger chain stores as well. There are several movie theaters that are all pretty nice.

Overall, I'd say if you have the money you should live in Portland. But for people who aren't the richest but don't want to live in the middle of nowhere, Salem is a nice city with just about everything you could want or need.