Depends on your idea of perfect
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3/16/2023
After reading the reviews here, I had to come write my own. The problem I had with most of the reviews is that most were very opinion-based and seemed to assume everyone is the same as them. So I wanted to try and give an unbiased view (as much as possible) for people looking to move here.
I moved from Arizona to Oregon 33 yrs ago and have lived in Salem for the past 29 yrs. I’m not going to list pros and cons because they change based on a person’s particular views. Whether you’ll like living in Salem depends on what you enjoy and what’s important to you.
Politically, the state as a whole is very liberal and has liberal policies. Salem is in the middle politically but is the state capital. Salem is divided by the Willamette River. A large river that flows from Eugene, through Salem, and ends in Portland. This river provides a lot of recreation, especially in summer. There are many parks in Salem/Keizer that border the river providing access to recreation like fishing, boating, swimming, rafting, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, etc. In addition, the parks themselves have playgrounds, green spaces, bike paths, walking trails, dog parks and Riverfront Park even has a splash pad, carousel, and the Sternwheeler, where you can enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise. Besides along the river, there are many parks throughout the Salem/Keizer area. As with most cities, neighborhoods and areas can be very different from each other. Depending on which area you live in, it may have more or less diversity, older or newer homes, average or superior schools, more or less crime. I think we can all agree most cities are like that. West and South Salem are the nicer but less diverse areas with North and Central Salem having more diversity but also more crime, albeit cheaper homes. Salem is not super exciting if you are into clubbing and nightlife. It’s more a city for families. Although there is a University here. What makes Salem a great place to live is it’s mild weather and it’s location. It’s in what’s called the Willamette Valley. Weather is mild, no big extremes, and we are within an hour or so to Portland, the beach, or the mountains, depending on which direction you travel. Oregon beaches however are not sunny warm places where you sunbathe and swim. They are windy and cold most of the year but are also beautiful and perfect for bonfires.
While you may hear people talk about the crime in Salem, it has certainly increased recently as it has across the US, but it is still relatively low in comparison to other cities of the same size. We also struggle with homelessness here in Salem. Again, another issue popping up across the country. And while we see it as bad, it’s most certainly worse in other cities. Salem has just always been a safe family-friendly place to live and the increase in crime and homelessness have been hard for Salem residents to accept. So if you’re realistic about your expectations and understand that crime and homelessness are an issue everywhere, love mild wet weather, love the outdoors, and love a beautiful green environment with plenty of rivers, lakes, and the beach close by, Salem may just be your city.
Jennifer | Salem, OR