2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, VA vs Asheville, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Asheville older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Asheville is 0.5 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Asheville or Salem?
- Asheville housing costs are 64.6% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Asheville or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Asheville is 1.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Virginia is a charming city located in the Roanoke Valley. With its beautiful natural views and its impressive history, Salem has plenty for visitors to explore. From hiking at Burgess Memorial Park to shopping and dining in downtown Salem, the city offers an array of activities for all ages. The History Museum of Western Virginia showcases photos and artifacts of the area’s past while the O. Winston Link Museum highlights stunning photography by local photographer O. Winston Link. With its small-town charm and diverse attractions, Salem is sure to captivate anyone looking for a unique experience in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.

Things to do in Asheville?
Asheville, North Carolina is a vibrant city in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you can explore natural landscapes like the Pisgah National Forest or visit popular attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and the River Arts District. When it comes to nightlife, Asheville has a wide range of bars, breweries and music venues for visitors to enjoy. It's also home to some impressive art galleries and museums – perfect for indulging your creative side! With its many outdoor activities and cultural opportunities, Asheville is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike.

 Salem, VAAsheville, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock93,272329,725,481
 Median Income$66,472  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$260,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.57  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

I am looking for property in  More

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Over 10 years ago

When we moved from Glen Allen VA to Salem I had read on here that cost of living including housing was cheaper. Housing is less unless you want a house bigger than 1300  More

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Over 14 years ago

Salem is a lovely town surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Spring, Summer and Fall is exceptionally beautiful with moderate climate and lots of  More

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Reviews for Asheville    117 Reviews

Lived around this city my entire life, and have spent countless hours in every part of it- at one point, Asheville was the place to be, it had a high standard of living,  More

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Scotty · 

Asheville has changed dramatically over the pass twenty years . At one time downtown and the charming family friendly neighborhoods within, reminded me of The Waltons  More

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This city is very deceiving. Small but if you look close you see big liberal city problems in this town. Mainly because it is overwhelming liberal. Far left liberals.  More

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