Celci

My company is planning on opening a new office in Salem, Oregon and wants to relocate me up there. I often visit friends in Portland and Seattle and enjoy these larger cities. But as a single woman who enjoys culture, movies, yoga and dating, I'm not sure how well I'd adjust to Salem. I currently live in a beach community in Southern California. The weather issue doesn't bother me, but I'm not sure what Salem has to offer me. How's the housing? What are the typical rents for luxury 2-bedroom apartments? How much do houses sell for? I know a lot of people will tell me that my company should provide this data for me, but I don't trust a company to not sugar coat the info since they don't want to lose me and keep assuring me that I'd love the move. (Not that any of them have ever lived there either). Thanks for your time and advice.

John

Celci, a visit to Salem is probably the best way for you to assess how you'd like it. As the state capital, there's usually a fair amount of life, and a good population of well-educated folks around; however Salem is certainly in the shadow of Portland and Eugene in terms of hip factor and cosmopolitan offerings. There are, in fact, a large number of people who live in Portland and commute to Salem; around 45 min. to an hour center-to-center, less from the southern suburbs. Long commute by Oregon standards, not unheard of in SoCal.

Housing will seem a bargain by comparison; sale housing will seem very affordable, rental housing probably the same, but less variety at the high end. Remember there's no sales tax in Oregon, so cost of living will automatically be a few percent cheaper.

But it's still a smallish town, surrounded by farm country. It will be an enormous change from Southern California, so you absolutely should look before you leap.

Tin

There is a nice outlet center in Woodburne that is a popular destination for shopping. Probably midway between Salem and Portland.

I'm not sure if I'd suggest making the commute from Portland to Salem. Why not save the drive for the weekends rather than dealing with it every night just to get home and sleep.

I hope someone from Salem can give you some advice.

allen

John has given you some good insight into Salem. It is a pleasant community with strong family values and very affordable housing in contrast to Southern California real estate prices. It may be lacking in the cultural activities and ethnic diversity you are currently used to, and will be a drastic change from places such as Santa Monica or Laguna Beach. I would also suggest a site visit to determine if this is for you. Good luck.

Celci

Unfortunately I have plans to be out of the country on vacation through early January. And I need to make some commitment to my company before I can find time to get up there. This was all thrown at me last week. And don't suggest that I look elsewhere or tell them that they'll have to be sympathic. With so many friends out of work, I feel fortunate to have a job.

When you mention family values, does that mean that single people are a big rarity? What is a typical house price for a 3 bedroom condo in a nice new development? What's the population?

Honestly I wouldn't mind a little less diversity. But I don't want to be the single outcast who is going to be sitting at home alone every night.

nonono

Living in Portland is boring enough...Salem offers hicks, hicks, and more hicks... no culture, no clubs, no brains.. run while you can! plus the gray weather! Spouse is Southern CA and he can't wait to get out of Portland.

xxx

One of the advantages of moving out of Southern California is to get away from the traffic. WHy move to Oregon and take on an hour commute to Portland?

Steve

Excitement isn't always that great. Alot of people would love to live in a place that is small, no traffic and no race related gang fights. Salem might be paradise to many people.

Shelley

I really enjoy visiting Oregon. But I spend most of my time in Portland or along the coast, so I don't know much about Salem. But as the state capitol I would assume that they have some culture and community activities. Maybe you could get information from the Chamber of Commerce.

Jill

Celci

Do a web search for Salem's Chamber of Commerce website. Salem itself may or may not be cool, but Oregon is beautiful - the coast, the mountains - and easy to travel around to from Salem. I just visited Oregon in Oct and loved it.