Salem, Oregon questions. Thank you!?

Question

Is Salem being built up with new retail, malls, restaurants? Is it a growing and thriving community? Portland seems too big and overwhelming for me to move to (from Nebraska) but I know I'd love the green in Oregon. The only other city in Oregon I would consider would be Salem since it is second largest. All others would be too small for me but I'm worried even Salem will be too small so I 'm wondering if it is growing. I love cities that are building new malls, grocery stores, etc. Is Salem one of those? Thanks for your opinions.

Answer 1

Hi there. I grew up in Salem, when it was a lot smaller and not flourishing. It has changed a LOT. There has been and continues to be a lot of new development. However, it almost completely lacks arts and culture. That may be something you care about or it may not. Salem still has a VERY small-town feel to it - just enough to be slightly annoying. For instance, inconvenient bus schedules, things closed on Sunday, only one hospital to choose from, etc. It has "sprawled" and the roadways haven't quite caught up with the growth, so although it has a lot of shopping and restaurants, they are spread out for miles and miles and driving from one end of the town to the other can literally take an hour and a half. Some people love Salem (like most of my family who still live there!) and some people can't stand it (like myself!). Eugene is the same size as Salem but it's a college town (not sure if you'd be into that!). Also, there are thriving western and southern suburbs of Portland that have the feel of smaller towns with all the nice new modern shops (try Sherwood, Tualatin, Tigard, Beaverton, Aloha, Rock Creek, Orenco Station). Hope this answer helps! Good luck with your move!

Answer 2

I lived in Keizer (just north of Salem) for 35 years. Have seen a lot of growth in that time. Keizer Station is a growing mall if you like shopping. Salem tends to be more conservative in the political scene compared to Eugene and Portland. Unfortunately, it is taking on a lot of the crime problems prevalent in larger cities. The best part about Salem is its central location - just an hour from the Pacific Ocean, an hour from the Cascade Mountains, and an hour from Portland for major shopping, arts, etc. Good luck in your move!

Answer 3

Salem is becoming one of those cities that is growing but the crime rate is growing as well. I love Portland. It's so versatile. It's one of the best places to live. I moved here from Vancouver. Washington. I'm only an hour and a half drive from the mountains or the beach. I would not recommend moving to Salem.

Answer 4

Population tallies leap from Salem to Eugene and Eugene to Salem for second place. I lived in Salem for 14 years. You either like it or abhor it. If you are conservative, you will get along fine. It is definately a average-sized town with a "small town" feel. Everyone knows everyone's business and race is a large issue. Salem also (although they are trying) lacks significant cultural events. I would recommend living in Eugene or Medford.

Answer 5

well to me its got everything i think its a good size city and theirs a great littile town called keizer right by it and itsgot some great schools and some great places to live salem is pretty big its got 2 movie theatres a bus depo like 3 music shops 2 malls i think and theirs alot more than that. oh btw salem is a awsome place to live if you love skating

Answer 6

how about getting in touch with the visitors bureau of salem oregon. they probably have some great ideas about the place. also get on arthur frommers budget travel website. its a fantastic one. have a good time.

Answer 7

well I live in Portland and have been to Salem I think Salem is small with allot less opportunity !!! I would move to Portland FOR SURE!!!

Answer 8

Yes, it is. Downtown is expanding, and their financial system is FLOURISHING.