6 Reasons to Move to Salem, OR
If you had written Salem, OR, off as a sleepy state capital, take it from us: this vibrant, evolving community deserves another look. And you are going to love what you see.
Salem still feels like a well-kept secret in many ways, but residents know the past decade has brought a fresh wave of growth, culture and things to do. If you’re looking for a mid-size city with a welcoming small-town feel, here are six reasons to consider moving to Salem:
In This Article
1. Salem is the MOST Oregon part of Oregon.
Travel Salem’s tagline is “The Most Oregon Part of Oregon,” and a visit to Salem enthusiastically proves this delightful claim. Here, you’ll find all the ingredients of Oregon’s magic in one place: beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreation, an arts scene and event calendar that embraces diversity, farm-to-table dining, politically engaged residents and a proudly offbeat creative culture. Yep, sounds very Oregon-y to us!
2. Perfectly Positioned: Salem residents appreciate convenience and accessibility.
Salem is Oregon’s second biggest city, which means you don’t have to deal with the crowded metro headaches you’d find in Portland, or sacrifice any of the convenience and amenities you’d have to do without in a small town. In addition, Salem’s central location — about an hour’s drive from Portland, two hours from the coast and just over two hours from the mountain — is just right, too.
3. There are outdoor opportunities galore.
Salem residents are spoiled when it comes to opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In addition to the city’s park system, which includes 1,200-acre Minto-Brown Island Park (larger than Central Park in New York City!), check out hidden gems and unique outdoor experiences like Breitenbush Hot Springs and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. Nearby hikes reward trailblazers with stunning waterfalls and scenic views, and easily accessible waterways provide the perfect spot for kayakers to paddle.
4. Set your sights on Salem’s spectacular arts scene.
Think you need to be in Portland to enjoy a dynamic and energizing arts scene? Think again. Salem residents have a bounty of artistic expression at their fingertips, from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art to the historic Elsinore Theater to multiple galleries and artist collectives dotting the downtown area.
Salem’s creative culture also nurtures countless talented makers selling their wares locally at boutiques and craft fairs, including Market For The Strange, an event series specifically created to “make space for the growing alternative art scene around Salem.”
5. Getting involved and active activism are a way of life.
If you crave a politically engaged life, there are definitely perks to living in a state capital. Salem residents can easily participate in all kinds of political actions to make their voices heard, from protests to grassroots lobbying days. Oregon is a state that prides itself on activism and strong civic engagement, and close proximity to lawmakers makes Salem a perfect home base to get involved.
6. It’s always Wine O’Clock somewhere!
Vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms abound in Salem and the surrounding region, serving up Oregon’s world-famous vino. Picture this: you finish work on Friday, meet up with friends at a vineyard just outside of town, and toast to the weekend overlooking the rolling hills of Pinot Noir grapes while the sun sets. Do you really need any more reasons than that to consider calling Salem home?