Hi..anyone here from Salem?

[joeybee12]

I am considering moving back to the Pacific Northwest , recently took a trip to Seattle and Vancouver, and stopped in Salem twice. Wondering what kind of town it is, seems less expensive and fairly close to Portland. But it does seem rural and wonder if that might be a drawback, kind of republican if you know what I mean. I've been looking at houses online and they are affordable. Saw one I really liked, but don't know enough about the area to tell if it's a good neighborhood...1605 18th Street NW. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[classof56]

1. I lived in Salem for 15 years, raised my family there.

My husband spent much of his childhood in the area. We now live in Central Oregon, but our daughters and grandchildren live in Salem, so I visit there often. It's a wonderful city, in my opinion. Oregon's capital, with lots of recreational, cultural and educational activities available. Politically, Oregon is a very progressive state. Those of us Dems work hard to keep it that way. The house you mention appears to be (by its address) located on the west side of town (the Willamette River is the dividing line), in Polk County, where I used to reside, one of Oregon's most rural counties. Lots of newer homes in mostly upscale neighborhoods. Two bridges cross the river into Salem proper, which make for easy commutes. Couldn't ask for a much more beautiful part of the state than the Willamette Valley in springtime, though I love each and every inch of my home state, so may be a bit prejudiced in my assessment. Glad you found Salem and are exploring the possibility of locating there. I'm guessing you'll like it a lot.

Our state motto is: She Flies with Her Own Wings. Indeed she does!

[joeybee12]

2. Thanks for the detailed response

Of course the home I mentioned was off the market. Figures. But your information gives me a good idea as to the areas to look at. Is Salem foggy like Portland? I'm assuming it is not because it's more inland. It was very nice and sunny both times I traveled through

Thanks again.

[Tom Kitten]

3. You can get the tule fogs sometimes north and south of Salem

the valley is wide and there are flat lands north to Portland, most notably French Prairie (named for French mountain men who settled there) and it's all agriculture now...Woodburn is the main town in that area.

South are the Salem Hills, they provide a break so parts of Salem might get less fog, but south of the hills the valley gets flat again and narrows to Eugene, and there can be lots of fog there! (I live in Portland now, but lived in Eugene & Corvallis several years and have driven up and down the valley I can't remember how many times!)

[joeybee12]

4. Thanks

How is Portland? I have been watching PortlandIa and the city looks like the way Seattle used to.