$459,169Average Value$272Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Parks are the center of life in South Central
With over 1,000 acres of green space to explore, life in the Salem neighborhood of South Central revolves around its parks. These public spaces, particularly Bush's Pasture Park and Minto-Brown Island Park, serve as gathering spaces for the community. Whether it's a walk through nature, fishing in the Willamette River or a picnic among the towering trees, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the local parks. Local organizations like the Salem Art Association and the Mission Street Parks Conservancy constantly host events at Bush's Pasture Park. "They have a big art fair and a couple of different community things at Bush's Pasture Park. A lot of it is art-themed. They have a big plant sale in the spring," says Denise Busch, a broker at Paramount Real Estate Services who has sole homes in the neighborhood. "They try to use Bush Park whenever they can." While the parks are one of the main draws of the area, the neighborhood also provides easy access to shopping, dining and schools, making it a well-rounded Salem community.
Visitors take a closer look at the artwork on display at the Salem Art Fair and Festival.
Cyclists enjoy the paved trails at Minto-Brown Island Park in South Central.
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History and nature at South Central parks
Bush's Pasture Park—commonly called Bush Park—has a long history as the ancestral land of the Kalapuya people before coming under the ownership of Asahel Bush. Bush was an early settler in Oregon and founder of the Oregon Statesman newspaper, who left the property to the city to become a park. Today, the 90.5-acre site is home to towering Oregon white oaks and bright purple camas flowers. Several walking trails wind through the park, offering a scenic way to exercise. The Bush House is open as a museum, showcasing the way of life in the late 1800s. The family barn is home to an art gallery that displays works by regional creators. Other features of the park include a playground, tennis court, sports fields and a Soap Box Derby track.
Minto-Brown Island offers a different park experience, with more access to nature. The 1,200-acre area has 29 miles of trails, including 5K and 10K loops. The park is constantly full of people walking, running, biking or playing with their pets in the 30-acre off-leash dog park. There are multiple fishing ponds and docks throughout the park, as well as access to the Willamette River. Approximately 300 acres of the park is a dedicated conservation area, home to waterfowl and wildlife like blue herons, ospreys, rabbits and the occasional cougar. The Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge connects to Riverfront Park and Downtown Salem at the park's northern end.
Bush's Pasture Park has miles of walking paths through trees and fields in South Central.
Minto-Brown Island Park has shaded areas for visitors to enjoy in South Central.
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Unique dining experiences on Commercial Street
Commercial Street is the main avenue in the neighborhood for shopping and dining. Straight From New York Pizza is a casual counter-serve spot offering pizza by the slice, whole pies and calzones. Down the block, Best Little Roadhouse serves several cuts of steak and homemade yeast rolls alongside a full bar with local beer and wine. The restaurant has an 18-hole mini golf course, full of creative and challenging holes incorporating water features and other obstacles. Natural and organic groceries are available at LifeSource Natural Foods, a local grocery store on Commercial Street. There is also a Roth's Fresh Market and Fred Meyer further south of the neighborhood. There is a Walmart on Commercial Street and a Costco on 27th Avenue for more household items.
20th-Century homes add charm to South Central
Housing styles in South Central are divided along Commercial Street, with areas east of the road featuring modest Craftsman homes and cottages. The streets here are mostly laid out in a grid, with sidewalks adding walkability through the community and mature trees scattered throughout. Houses are typically between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet and cost between $300,000 and $500,000. West of Commercial Street, the roads climb steadily up a hill that crests at John Street. This part of the neighborhood has a more natural feel, with towering trees extending branches over the roads and meticulous landscaping on the front lawns. Craftsmans are still common here, but buyers can also find Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival homes. Most are still around 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, but some are up to 3,000 square feet. This part of the neighborhood is also home to Mahonia Hall, a 100-year-old Tudor mansion that is the official residence of the Oregon governor. Houses in this area cost between $500,000 and $800,000. Larger homes with 4,000 square feet can cost between $900,000 and $1.9 million.
Home styles vary from smaller cottage to larger contemporary styles in South Central.
Classic bungalow homes are common in the South Central neighborhood.
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Salem Art Fair and Festival and other South Central events
There is always something happening in South Central, including several events and attractions. Bush Park hosts annual plant sales, during which vendors sell herbs, perennials, and native plants. The Salem Art Fair & Festival has been showcasing photography, jewelry, ceramics and other handcrafts for over 75 years. In addition to the art displays, the festival has food vendors, beer and wine gardens and live performances. The Bush House isn't the only historic building in the neighborhood; Deepwood is a Queen Anne-style home on the community's east side that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is open for tours Wednesday through Saturday, but the gardens are open daily for the community to enjoy. The Salem Public Library just north of the neighborhood has a variety of resources, including cultural passes that offer admission to local museums or state parks. The library also puts on storytimes and offers the Library of Things, a catalog of household items and tools that people can check out.
The historical Deepwood Estate offers tours in the South Central neighborhood.
The Salem Art Fair and Festival showcases a variety of artists including dancers.
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Preparing students for college and careers at Salem schools
McKinley Elementary School and Leslie Middle School each receive C-plus ratings from Niche. South Salem High School is rated a B-plus and serves approximately 2,200 students. The school opened in 1954 and quickly found success in athletics and academics. The Saxons football team were co-state champions in 1954, and the school had its first National Merit Scholar in 1959. Today, South Salem High offers career and technical education courses in broadcast journalism, manufacturing and sports medicine. The school also has dual credit programs through partnerships with Chemeketa Community College, Oregon Tech and Western Oregon University.
McKinley Elementary School serves grades K-5 on McGilchrist St SE in Salem.
Leslie Middle School on Pringle Rd SE brings students from South Salem together.
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Plenty of ways to get around the capital city
Commercial Street and Liberty Street are the main thoroughfares in the neighborhood, leading north to Downtown and south to South Salem. Mission Street is just north of the community and leads 3.5 miles east to Interstate 5. Cherriots bus routes 8, 7 and 21 pass through the neighborhood, providing public transit to Downtown, Salem Hospital and South Salem. The hospital is just across Mission Street from the neighborhood, making it convenient for employees or those seeking medical care. The closest airport is in Portland, about 60 miles away.
GreatSchools:
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South Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Central, Salem sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in South Central, Salem over the last 12 months is $402,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Fairmount home! This renovated home blends modern comfort with the charming character of Fairmount. Upon entering you will notice the abundance of natural light from all the south facing windows. Relax with the cozy gas fireplace in the living room. Take a moment to appreciate the open kitchen and dining, with solid slab counters, custom cabinets, and plenty of space to move around and
This charming 2-bedroom, 1 bath home in highly desired South Salem offers a move in ready layout with an additional room that could be used as a secondary living room or office. Enjoy the following updates just done in July 2026: roof, exterior paint, toilet, water heater, garage door opener, and front deck. This house also offers a double long garage for room to potentially park two cars.
Updated 4BR, 2BA, 1,602 sq ft home with new roof, furnace, paint, carpet, refinished hardwoods, updated bath fixtures, lighting, door hardware, range, and hood vent/microwave. Flexible floor plan with two bedrooms on the main and additional living space upstairs. Move in ready. Sewer line was just replaced out to the main ($10,000 value).
Move in ready!!! Charming home with granite countertops, tiled bathroom, ductless HVAC system, LVP flooring, vinyl windows, cedar deck and new fence! This home is conveniently located in the Fairmount neighborhood. The primary bedroom is on the main floor and the second bedroom is on the second floor.
1930s historic district charmer; SO much space and possibility! Sitting across from Bush Park in one of Salem's most desirable pockets, this 2,697 sq ft home offers 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Original hardwood floors and built-in woodwork fill the main and upper levels, while the basement adds its own kitchen, full bath, and second fireplace for dual living potential. Attached garage (a rare
The proverbial diamond in the rough with South Central Salem location! Convenient Commercial Street connection for easy commuting. Units are 2-bedroom, 1 bath each with off-street parking and an on-site laundry room. Electric heat with separate meters. Two units are vacant and under renovation. New roof and gutters. Showings upon accepted offer, do no contact tenants.
Laura Gillott
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY MID-WILLAMETTE - GILLOTT TEAM
This South Salem home is stylish and versatile - located on Electric Avenue close to Bush Park and South Salem High School in desirable area. Features solar panels, updated main bath, fireplace, vinyl windows, original hardwoods, full basement with half bath, a fenced back yard, and more! Light and bright eat-in kitchen features butcher block island and tile countertops. Basement offers utility
A not-so-big cottage and studio ADU. House has 2 small bedrooms & 1 full bath upstairs. Semi-finished basement with large bathroom & dressing room, laundry, and abundant storage.Large deck off the kitchen leads to gardener’s dream backyard. Small studio ADU is completely self-contained, with kitchenette, full bath, and Murphy bed – perfect for visitors, home office, or short-term rental.
Charming 1920s Tudor in desirable Southeast Salem! Nestled in one of Salem's sought-after historic neighborhoods, this character-filled home is just minutes from Bush Park and down the street from South Salem High School. Situated on a spacious corner lot, the property offers a newly fenced yard, detached single-car garage, and RV parking.Inside, timeless charm meets modern comfort with a cozy
Build your vision in a prime part of Salem. This is a rare and desirable level, vacant residential lot zoning allows for a Single Family Stick Built, Manufactured home or Multi-family. Located in an established Southeast Salem neighborhood. Buyer to verify permitted uses, utilities, setbacks, and development requirements with the City of Salem.
Architectural custom home in highly desirable Fairmount Hill with NW views and a quiet cul-de-sac setting. Extensively remodeled with a gourmet kitchen, updated baths, and main floor guest suite with en suite bath. Formal and informal living spaces on the main floor, plus a separate bonus/rec room downstairs. Adjacent to open green space for added privacy. Brand new roof and gutters. A perfect
Charming 1962 ranch in SE Salem's Nob Hill Annex! 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,137 SF. Freshly painted interiors, hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, and French doors to a private deck. Updated kitchen with quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, and stainless appliances. Attached 2-car garage plus large 0.15-acre fenced backyard. McKinley Elementary, Leslie Middle, and South Salem High. Move-in ready
(Summer Special $250 Amazon Gift Card ask for details)Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s capital, three blocks from the Governor’s House, Willamette Terrace Apartments offers a perfect blend of vintage charm and urban energy. This community captures the essence of Salem living, providing a peaceful retreat just steps away from the city's most iconic landmarks. The Willamette River borders
Welcome to Summit View Apartments, a charming hillside community in the heart of Salem, Oregon. Perfectly situated in the desirable Morningside neighborhood, Summit View offers a peaceful residential setting with convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, and major commuter routes.Choose from thoughtfully designed studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes, many featuring open
Discover the perfect blend of character, convenience, and community at Liberty Street Apartments, a cozy apartment community located right near the center of our small-town downtown. Just steps away from great local dining, unique shops, the hospital, and public transit, everything you need is right outside your front door.Each apartment is full of charm and character, thanks to the
Available Now! This charming, beautifully remodeled home is light and bright and ready for you to move right in! Enjoy the privacy of a fully detached unit with your own private, fully fenced backyard. Additional features include one off-street parking space, in-unit laundry, and air conditioning. Rent includes water/sewer and monthly yard maintenance. Tenant pays for garbage and electricity. One
Available Now! This charming, beautifully remodeled home is light and bright and ready for you to move right in! Enjoy the privacy of a fully detached unit with your own private, fully fenced backyard. Additional features include one off-street parking space, in-unit laundry, and air conditioning. Rent includes water/sewer and monthly yard maintenance. Tenant pays for garbage and electricity. One
Charming, Dutch Colonial style 1938 home with 3 BR and 2 bath just south of Bush's Pasture Park. Two story, one bedroom on main floor. Close to downtown Salem, walking distance to Salem Hospital, Willamette University, and South Salem High School.1438 sq. feet. Living room and separate dining room. Laundry area with washer/dryer hookup. Large, fenced back yard.Storage shed.
This four bedroom, two bathroom home is located in South Salem, near Gilmore Field City Park. It features hardwood floors upstairs, a fireplace in the living room, new fridge and range in the kitchen, with a utility room and a carpeted primary bedroom downstairs. The large fenced backyard has a newly stained deck and a brand new paver patio with built in firepit. There is also a shed for extra
Professionally Managed by:Valley First Property Management LLCContact our office to view the property . Request an online application by clicking on Apply!• 2 Bed 1 Bath• 850 sqft approx.• Single level unit• Kitchen appliances include Stove/Refrigerator• LVP flooring• Off street/alley parking• Washer/dryer hook ups• Professional yard maintenance
This cared-for two bedroom, one bathroom home is located in South Salem and features faux wood flooring throughout and a large fenced backyard! New paint and a new roof were completed this summer. Contact our office and schedule a showing today! Please note, the washer and dryer are available for use but will not be repaired or replaced. Tenant pays all utilitiesMinimum one year
Welcome to this cozy and charming single-family home in South Salem! Offering a delightful blend of classic character and modern comfort, this residence provides a wonderful space in a desirable neighborhood setting.THE SPACEExperience the comfortable and functional layout of this 2-bedroom plus office, 1-bathroom home. Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors throughout the main
Welcome to your new home. This is a charming cottage, insulated for quiet and comfort. Located in an established, quiet, safe area located within walking distance to Bush pasture park, Salem Hospital, shops, restaurants, bus line, and other locates. With 675 sq feet of space , this is not something to miss. Its Light Bright with lots of closet and cabinet space. It has oversized family and
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