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Downtown Salem

Downtown Salem

Suburban Neighborhood in Salem, Oregon

Marion County 97301

$457,834 Average Value
$273 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

An energetic neighborhood in the heart of Oregon's capital

Located along the Willamette River in the heart of the capital city, Downtown Salem is a lively, bustling neighborhood with plenty of activities. "We have a lot of new restaurants, some recently opened hotels, a riverfront park and lots of walking near the State Capitol," says Jim Sparkman, a Realtor with HomeSmart Realty Group with nearly 20 years of experience. "Downtown parking is limited. We've got the same challenges that other cities have. But overall, there are a lot of positives." The neighborhood's local restaurants cover various cuisines, from Mexican and Mediterranean to standard American fare. Multiple parks offer a combination of natural scenery and history, like the fountains outside the State Capitol building or the walking trails on the banks of the river.

Single-family cottages and high-rise condos in Downtown Salem

Most of Downtown Salem is commercial space or state government offices, but there are several housing options. Single-family homes are concentrated around the neighborhood's edges on tree-lined gridded streets. Most houses are Cape Cods, cottages or Craftsman homes, typically on small lots. Most single-family houses cost between $300,000 and $560,000. Condos are also available in the neighborhood. These are usually high-rise buildings with private parking and outdoor balconies that offer city views. These units typically cost between $260,000 and $575,000.
A little old world charm went in to keeping this little Cottage-style home looking amazing.
A little old world charm went in to keeping this little Cottage-style home looking amazing.
Most homes in the Downtown Salem area are smaller and older than other parts of the city.
Most homes in the Downtown Salem area are smaller and older than other parts of the city.
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Plenty of green space in the capital city

For a city center, Downtown Salem has plenty of green space. Riverfront Park is one of the city's most popular parks, with an amphitheater, open fields, walking paths and playgrounds. The park is home to Salem's Riverfront Carousel, an indoor carousel with hand-carved horses, dragons, giraffes and elephants. The Gilbert House Children's Museum in the park's northern end has many interactive exhibits where kids can learn and play. The Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge connects the park to Minto-Brown Island Park, a 1,200-acre natural area with over 29 miles of trails. State Capitol State Park is a large grassy lawn in front of the Oregon State Capitol. This green space has three fountains, several benches and historical markers.
Take a seat or take the dogs out when walking around the State Capital Park in Downtown Salem.
Take a seat or take the dogs out when walking around the State Capital Park in Downtown Salem.
Surrounding by lush green grass and tall mature trees, exercising in Downtown Salem is perfect.
Surrounding by lush green grass and tall mature trees, exercising in Downtown Salem is perfect.
Food vendors can be found when you're out and about the city in Downtown Salem.
Food vendors can be found when you're out and about the city in Downtown Salem.
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Local schools from kindergarten through graduate programs

Students in Downtown Salem might attend Bush Elementary School, rated a C by Niche, and Leslie Middle School, rated C-plus. South Salem High School gets a B-plus rating and has approximately 2,200 students. The school opened in 1954 and saw immediate success, winning a football state championship and earning a National Merit Scholar in its first few years. South Salem High offers dual credit courses through Chemeketa Community College, Western Oregon University and Oregon Tech. Students can also take career and technical education classes in broadcast journalism, computer programming and sports medicine. Willamette University, a private school founded in 1842 and the oldest university in the western United States, is also in the neighborhood. The school offers a variety of programs, including law, engineering, forestry and art.
The students at North Salem High School are surrounded by great teachers and staff.
The students at North Salem High School are surrounded by great teachers and staff.
A look at J.L. Parrish Middle School serving Downtown Salem.
A look at J.L. Parrish Middle School serving Downtown Salem.
An elevated look at Englewood Elementary in Salem, Oregon.
An elevated look at Englewood Elementary in Salem, Oregon.
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Concerts and festivals in Riverfront Park

Downtown Salem stays busy throughout the year with many events and festivals. The Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park hosts multiple concerts each year. The park is also the site of ¡Viva Salem!, the city's Hispanic heritage festival featuring food and craft vendors, live music and artists. There is a weekly farmers market on Saturdays at the corner of Summer and Marion Streets. The Willamette Valley Heritage Center is a local history museum with several annual events, including drive-through trick-or-treating and Magic at the Mill, a holiday festival with thousands of lights decorating the historic buildings.
A look at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater located inside Riverfront Park.
A look at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater located inside Riverfront Park.
The lovely indoor carousel, perfect for kids of all ages.
The lovely indoor carousel, perfect for kids of all ages.
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Easy access to all of Salem

Downtown Salem is a well-connected neighborhood. Residents can easily walk throughout the neighborhood to get to local shopping and dining. Nearly every Cherriots bus route passes through the neighborhood as well, with the transfer center located on Court Street. The Marion Street Bridge offers a route across the Willamette River into West Salem and can get backed up at peak traffic times since it is the only way to cross the river. Trade Street turns into Mission Street east of the neighborhood, leading about 4 miles to Interstate 5. Residents have easy access to medical care with Salem Hospital in the neighborhood.

Local shops and restaurants in Downtown Salem

Proximity to shopping and dining is one of the main draws of Downtown Salem, and there are plenty of options, including fine dining at Rudy's Steakhouse. "They have phenomenal steaks," Sparkman says. "They have great side dishes and some famous Brussels sprouts with bacon that are off the charts. Plus, they have a wide selection of wines and whiskey." Masonry Grill is just down the street from Rudy's and offers a more casual dining experience, serving burgers and craft beer in a brick-walled interior. The Governor's Cup is an eclectic coffee shop with lots of art on the walls and occasional live music. Shopping is close by at Salem Center, a large indoor mall that has decreased in popularity in recent years but still has stores like Macy's, GameStop and Famous Footwear, plus a Regal Cinebarre movie theater. There is a Safeway on Center Street or a Fred Meyer north of the neighborhood on Broadway Street.
The Salem Center, in Downtown Salem, has several retail establishments, like Ross.
The Salem Center, in Downtown Salem, has several retail establishments, like Ross.
Kohl's is another retail store you can find when cruising around Downtown Salem.
Kohl's is another retail store you can find when cruising around Downtown Salem.
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Important things to know in Downtown Salem

Downtown Salem has a high risk of flooding due to its low-lying location along the Willamette River and Pringle Creek. The city website has several resources for homeowners, including floodplain maps, insurance information and safety tips. The neighborhood also has a CAP Index crime score of 6 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4, with higher scores for property crimes.
Matthew Atkins
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Matthew Atkins
Darren Asay
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Darren Asay
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Agents Specializing in this Area

  • Alex McCarthy

    Alex McCarthy

    JOHN L. SCOTT-SALEM

    (458) 221-4176

    79 Total Sales

    3 in Downtown Salem

    $130K - $260K Price Range

    Alex McCarthy
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  • Emily Brock

    Emily Brock

    KELLER WILLIAMS CAPITAL CITY

    (971) 599-2964

    131 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Salem

    $256,000 Price

    Emily Brock
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  • Savannah Waters

    Savannah Waters

    PARAMOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICES

    (971) 272-8386

    76 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Salem

    $590,000 Price

    Savannah Waters
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  • Jennifer Larson

    Jennifer Larson

    HOMESTAR BROKERS

    (888) 901-8287

    100 Total Sales

    2 in Downtown Salem

    $335K - $469K Price Range

    Jennifer Larson
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  • Crystal Qian Hu

    Crystal Qian Hu

    Responds Quickly

    EXP REALTY, LLC

    (971) 273-5624

    121 Total Sales

    2 in Downtown Salem

    $590,000 Price Range

    Crystal Qian Hu
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  • Eric Wellard

    Eric Wellard

    Responds Quickly

    RE/MAX INTEGRITY - SALEM

    (971) 272-8451

    262 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Salem

    $22,247 Price

    Eric Wellard
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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Alex McCarthy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Salem US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 9 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Salem Demographics and Home Trends

On average, homes in Downtown Salem, Salem sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $260,600, down 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$369,900
Median Sale Price
$260,600
Median Single Family Sale Price
$389,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
11
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-41%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$273

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
375
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
2008
Months of Supply
4.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,830
Below the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,326
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
916
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Homes for Rent

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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Alex McCarthy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value

Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,387
Median Age
32
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,185
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$98,937

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
46%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

88 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

92 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

61 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Learn How Walk Score Works

Nearby Neighborhoods

Grant
Grant

Established homes, tree-lined streets and community spirit in the heart of Salem

Highland
Highland

Century-old cottages in a neighborhood teeming with community spirit

Northeast Neighbors
Northeast Neighbors

Century-old houses at the center of town make this neighborhood stand out

South Central
South Central

Expansive parks, local restaurants and charming century-old homes

Lansing
Lansing

Post-war housing built on an old orchard three miles from downtown Salem

Search Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

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Oregon Marion County Salem
Downtown Salem
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Salem
Alex McCarthy
JOHN L. SCOTT-SALEM Section Image
Alex McCarthy
Alex McCarthy
JOHN L. SCOTT-SALEM
Agent experienced in this area
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