Salem, OR

Located in the western region of Oregon, Salem is the state capital and the county seat of Marion County. The city has a population around 154,000 and is the third-largest city in Oregon. Salem is less than an hour's drive from Oregon's largest city, Portland. Interstate 5 runs through the east side of the city, while the Willamette River runs through the west side. The city has a mix of beautiful scenery and bustling business.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Salem has a diverse economy. The largest employment sector in the city is the state government. Other industries that employ Salem residents include trade, transportation, utilities, education and health, manufacturing and leisure and hospitality. The unemployment rate for the city is comparable to that of the state as a whole.

There are several large private employers in the Salem area:

• Salem Hospital
• Spirit Mountain Casino
• T-Mobile
• Norpac Foods
• Roth's Fresh Markets

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Almost half of the buildings in Salem were built before 1970. However, due to the city's population growth, newer houses and apartments are being built. About 60 percent of housing units in Salem are single-family homes. The median home value and average rental rates are low when compared with the rest of the state. The cost of living in Salem is slightly lower than the national average.

Public parks are scattered around the city to enhance visual appeal and provide recreation for residents. Community centers also provide free and low-cost activities, such as sports leagues, swimming, and youth programs.

Salem is a large city; thus, the area has been subdivided into quite a few distinct districts:

• City Center: Salem's downtown area is full of historic high-rise apartments. There are mostly renters here, and rental rates are very low. Many government employees live in this pedestrian-friendly area.
• Eola/Brush College: The majority of the residents in this district are senior citizens. The neighborhood is located on the west side of town; it is a suburban area with farms.
• Hayesville: Located just to the east of Interstate 5, this artsy district is home to middle-class residents.
• High Street/Mission Street: Younger residents live in this urban area located south of City Center. There are small single-family homes here, and home values are average.
• Liberty: This is a sophisticated urban neighborhood on the south side of town. Upper-middle-class executives call this area home. The district is pedestrian-friendly even though single-family homes dominate the area.
• Roberts: This district is an upscale neighborhood where wealthy executives live. It is located on the west side of town. There are quite a few medium-sized (three- or four-bedroom) houses here, as well as some farms. The median home value and rental rates in this area are high.

Many Salem neighborhoods have chosen to form associations to enhance community involvement. This lets residents partake in the decision-making processes that will directly impact them. It also lets residents keep up with what's going on in their immediate area.

EDUCATION

The local school district is comprised of 67 public schools, including charter schools. The city is also home to the Oregon School for the Blind and the Oregon School for the Deaf, which are both public schools.

Salem has a selection of post-secondary schools:

• Chemeketa Community College (public two-year college)
• Willamette University (private four-year college)
• Corban College (private Christian four-year college)

There are also several vocational schools offering programs in cosmetology, real estate, and insurance.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Oregon State Fair: Every year, a variety of festivals are held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, but the biggest one of all is the Oregon State Fair. There are livestock shows, parades, cooking competitions, sports matches, dancing shows, educational exhibits, and performances by major musical artists. This event lasts a week and a half in August and September.

Elsinor Theatre: This theater was built in 1926 and has since been restored. During the restoration process, care was taken to preserve the theater's original architecture and ambiance. The theater now shows films and puts on plays and musical performances; it is also available for event rentals.

FOR VISITORS

Oregon State Capitol: Guests can tour this landmark from Memorial Day through Labor Day. An observation deck high atop the building offers panoramic views of the city.

Redhawk Winery: This vineyard is situated with an overlook of the Willamette Valley and Mount Hood. The winery has a tasting room and a picnic area where tastings are held daily.

Deepwood Estate: This Queen Anne-style home was built in 1894. The estate and its gardens are available for tours year-round.