$462,006Average Value$315Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes 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.
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.
Kohl's is another retail store you can find when cruising around Downtown Salem.
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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.
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.
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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.
The lovely indoor carousel, perfect for kids of all ages.
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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.
Most homes in the Downtown Salem area are smaller and older than other parts of the city.
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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 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.
A look at J.L. Parrish Middle School serving Downtown Salem.
An elevated look at Englewood Elementary in Salem, Oregon.
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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.
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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Salem neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Salem
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Salem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Salem, Salem sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $498,712, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built in 2022, Downtown Salem Loft Condominium, listed for the first time. This 2-bedroom, 1 bath (Jack & Jill style), has been a successful fully furnished rental, offering flexibility for owner-occupants or investors. The open-concept layout features modern finishes with direct access to a private deck.Low maintenance living in the heart of downtown Salem. Available fully furnished! HOA
One-of-a-kind luxury 6th-floor condo in Downtown Salem, across from Waterfront Park. This 2bd, 2bth, 1,594 sqft open-concept home features a chef’s kitchen with a large island and a spacious primary suite with WIC and private view deck. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. St. Helens,the Capitol,the river,bridges,the park,and amphitheater. Whole-home smart system. Includes 2
A unique and spectacular Mediterranean style home, bursting with charm and character. An iconic and stately home which is part of the Bush’s Pasture Park Historical District. Front pillared portico, grand foyer, library, nostalgic era light fixtures, door hardware, built-in cabinets and so much more! Refinished hardwood floors throughout main level. Kitchen w/pantry. Updated kitchen, roof,
Prime Bush Park location! This beautifully updated home blends timeless vintage charm with stylish modern finishes throughout. Recycled barnwood floors add warmth and character, while thoughtful updates make it move-in ready. Enjoy the private, fenced backyard, plus a detached oversized single garage and additional parking off of alley behind. An exceptional walkable location just minutes to
Step into the largest of the Downtown Salem LoftCondominiums. This is a rare 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence in the iconic Starkey-McCully building, once a home of a speakeasy. Original old growth fir wood floors from the 1800s anchor this extraordinary space, offering a warmth and authenticity no modern build can match. Soaring ceilings and thoughtful design create an airy, livable layout that
A rare opportunity on the banks of Mill Creek! This charming property features two adorable cottages full of timeless character. Each home offers it's own full basement providing ample storage or flex space. Great for investment or multi-generational living.
Rare, exclusive 8th-floor executive condo in the heart of downtown Salem featuring sweeping westerly views of the Willamette River & Waterfront Park. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space w/natural light & showcase stunning sunsets. Built out as one luxury residence w/high-end finishes throughout, yet comprised of 2 separate tax lots offering flexibility to divide into 2 units. Includes 4
SELLER OFFERING $5k TOWARDS BUYERS CLOSING COSTS/RATE BUY DOWN. Urban living in the heart of downtown Salem. One of a kind condo overlooking Riverfront Park & the Willamette River. Close to Minto Brown park and everything downtown Salem has to offer-shopping, restaurants, hospital, State buildings & more. This condo offers a very open layout to maximize natural light & views out the
Investment Opportunity! 3 bedroom home on Mill Creek with over 2000sf 3br/1.5ba. 2 fireplaces. Walk out basement to a patio with firepit creekside. Live in the home and rent the two twin 528sf cottages or rent all three homes for a great return on investment. The Cottages are identical with each having a 1 bedroom, living, kitchen and bath layout. Roofs were all checked out in 2024 and good to
Amazing find! Quintessential American bungalow w/original molding, built in cabinetry, wood flooring located near downtown. Homey front porch. Delightful built-ins in kitchen, dining & living rooms. Seamless layout w/abundance of natural light. Oodles of space on 3 levels. Detached 1 car garage. Private backyard. Enjoy walkability-grab a cup of coffee & hit Riverfront Park for a morning stroll!
Amy RichardsonBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF
Newly built in 2022, Downtown Salem Loft Condominium, listed for the first time. This 2-bedroom, 1 bath (Jack & Jill style), has been a successful fully furnished rental, offering flexibility for owner-occupants or investors. The open-concept layout features modern finishes, and direct access to two private decks for outdoor enjoyment. Available fully furnished.HOA includes: Water, sewer, garb.
Experience the style and convenience you've been searching for at The Court Yard, located just one block from the scenic Riverfront City Park in NE Salem. With endless activities right at your doorstep, you'll have access to running trails, the Salem Riverfront Carousel, a splash pad, and a play area. Enjoy easy access to Salem's top restaurants, bars, tap rooms, boutiques, and art venues-whether
Welcome to The Meridian, where upscale living meets the vibrant energy of historic downtown Salem. Enjoy captivating views of the Willamette River and city skyline from your new home, designed for both style and comfort. Choose from our spacious pet-friendly one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each featuring elegant finishes and open layouts. Elevate your lifestyle with access to a
Discover Rivenwood-where modern living meets the energy of Downtown Salem. Our pet-friendly studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments feature contemporary finishes and intuitive layouts. On-site coworking and social spaces make it easy to stay connected, while restaurants, shops, and parks are all within walking distance. At Rivenwood, you're not just renting an apartment-you're gaining a home at
Discover comfort and convenience at South Block Apartments in Salem, Oregon. Offering studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, this community blends modern finishes with a prime downtown location. Residents enjoy stylish interiors with quartz countertops, vinyl plank flooring, and spacious walk-in closets. With scenic views and easy access to the city?s best attractions, South Block
* In-Unit Laundry: Forget the laundromat—every home includes its own washer and dryer.* Chef-Ready Kitchen: Full suite of appliances including a fridge, stove, dishwasher, and microwave.* Climate Control: Stay comfortable year-round with built-in Air Conditioning and efficient electric heat.* Smoke-Free: Enjoy the peace of mind of a meticulously maintained, 100%
Welcome to vibrant downtown living at 295 Church St. #403 in Salem! Offering an unbeatable central location and standard-setting convenience, this stylish condo provides the ultimate blend of urban lifestyle, functional features, and elevated living right in the heart of the city.THE SPACEExperience the comfort and high-end convenience of unit #403. Building access is effortless
Introducing our recently renovated studio apartment in the heart of Downtown Salem, Oregon.This charming and cozy space offers a convenient and vibrant living experience. With a prime location, you'll have easy access to all the amenities and attractions that downtown has to offer. The studio features a modern design with an open layout, providing a comfortable and functional
Introducing our recently renovated studio apartment in the heart of Downtown Salem, Oregon.This charming and cozy space offers a convenient and vibrant living experience. With a prime location, you'll have easy access to all the amenities and attractions that downtown has to offer. The studio features a modern design with an open layout, providing a comfortable and functional
Updated 1 bed/1bath unit now available for rent! Unit features updated floors, appliances and much more! Off street parking available in back of building, and shared onsite laundry.Year lease. Water/Sewer/Garbage included! Tenants responsible for electricity.Pets are ok with additional rent and deposits listed below.Pet Rent: $25 a month per petPet Deposit: $500 for first pet.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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