South Salem
Suburban Neighborhood in Salem, Oregon
Marion County 97302
Midcentury homes on tree-covered South Salem lots
South Salem is an established neighborhood with many homes from the 1950s to 1970s. These are typically ranch-style houses set on hilly tree-lined streets. There are also split-level and contemporary 1970s homes available. The median lot size in the neighborhood is just under a quarter acre, and most homes have spacious front and back yards that can accommodate landscaping or a game of backyard football. Established homes in the neighborhood usually cost between $310,000 and $770,000. Salem has grown rapidly in the past decade — overtaking Eugene as the second largest city in Oregon — and according to Hagag, most of the growth has come in the city's southern half. South Salem has some new contemporary Craftsman houses from the 2010s and 2020s, typically costing between $650,000 and $800,000.Natural beauty around South Salem
Hagag says that the Croisan Creek Trail is popular with residents, an approximately 1-mile trail in the neighborhood that leads through wooded areas and is used by hikers and bikers. The northern trailhead is in the neighborhood on Spring Street and connects to Croisan Scenic Way on its south end. From here, residents can walk a few blocks west and hop on the Skyline Trail for more forest adventures. Fircrest Park is a community park with a tennis and basketball court, a playground and a walking path that meanders through towering evergreens. South Salem is also conveniently located near Minto-Brown Island Park, a 1,200-acre natural area along the Willamette River. This expansive park has over 29 miles of hiking, running and biking trails. There is a 30-acre off-leash dog park and several spots for fishing in the river or nearby ponds. Approximately 300 acres of the park are designated conservation land and are home to blue herons, rabbits and occasionally cougars. The neighborhood is also home to Madrona Swim Club, a private pool that offers a place to cool off in the summer, plus swim lessons and a swim team. Golf lovers can tee off at the public Salem Golf Club, an 18-hole, par-72 course.Preparing South Salem students for life after high school
Candalaria Elementary School is in the heart of the neighborhood and receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Leslie Middle School gets a C-plus, while South Salem High School gets a B-plus. The high school serves approximately 2,200 students and offers dual credit courses through local colleges like Chemeketa Community College, Western Oregon University and Oregon Tech. Students can also take career and technical education courses in broadcast journalism, computer programming and sports medicine.Plenty of ways to get around the city
The convenient location of South Salem makes it easy to get around the city. "I can't imagine myself anywhere else just because of the access. Sometimes I have to go south, sometimes I have to go north," says Hagag. "It's phenomenal to have a beautiful view and all of the trees for privacy, then come down the hill and it's like, boom!, where do we want to go?'" Commercial Street and Liberty Road are major north-south thoroughfares in the area; Commercial merges with Liberty Street on the neighborhood's western border and leads 3.5 miles north to Downtown. Cherriots bus routes 8 and 21 are also nearby, offering public transportation access to downtown. Salem Hospital is about 3.5 miles north of the neighborhood as well. Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is about 3 miles away and has limited commercial flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The closest major airport is about 62 miles north in Portland.Convenient access to shopping and dining in the capital city
South Salem's location near Liberty Road and Commercial Street makes getting to local shops and restaurants easy. McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House is part of a regional chain of bars and grills. Known for its house-brewed beer and bar food, this location is in a historic building once owned by a Civil War veteran. Farther north, Downtown Salem is home to many local restaurants, including Taproot Lounge & Café. This casual spot serves coffee and breakfast in the morning before transitioning to burgers, tacos and beer for the evening. Groceries are nearby at stores like Roth's Fresh Markets and Fred Meyer. LifeSource Natural Foods is a locally owned store offering organic and natural groceries. Residents can make the 6-mile drive to Willamette Town Center for stores like Burlington, Barnes & Noble and Hobby Lobby. Stores like Walmart and Costco are closer, located on Commercial Street and Kuebler Boulevard.


Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Shareef Hagag
HOMESMART REALTY GROUP
(503) 487-8795
64 Total Sales
3 in South Salem
$679K - $800K Price Range
-
ERIN GARIBAY
HOMESMART REALTY GROUP
(877) 764-5023
72 Total Sales
2 in South Salem
$339K - $535K Price Range
-
Emily Brock
KELLER WILLIAMS CAPITAL CITY
(971) 599-2964
131 Total Sales
8 in South Salem
$350K - $835K Price Range
-
Trevor Scharer
TRADITION REAL ESTATE PARTNERS
(888) 621-4369
147 Total Sales
5 in South Salem
$87K - $515K Price Range
-
Savannah Waters
PARAMOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICES
(971) 272-8386
75 Total Sales
1 in South Salem
$470,000 Price
-
Jennifer Larson
HOMESTAR BROKERS
(888) 901-8287
101 Total Sales
11 in South Salem
$165K - $759K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | South Salem | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 2 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
Robbery | 3 | 4 |
Burglary | 4 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
Larceny | 4 | 4 |
Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Salem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Salem, Salem sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $483,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
-
Saturday, Jun 141 - 3pm
$350,000
- 2 Beds
- 1.5 Baths
- 1,632 Sq Ft
- 598 Salem Heights Ave S
- New 2 days ago
Stylish and move-in ready! This beautifully updated 2-bed, 1.5-bath condo in south Salem offers a 2-car garage, cozy gas fireplace, gas range, built-in water filter, cork flooring, quartz countertops embedded with recycled glass, wood blinds, new Bosch furnace and a covered back patio with gas hookup—perfect for entertaining. Enjoy resort-style living with pool, clubhouse, tennis/pickleball
ERIN GARIBAYHOMESMART REALTY GROUP(503) 479-4882 -
Saturday, Jun 1410am - 1pm
$645,000
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,978 Sq Ft
- 3631 Elderberry Dr S
- New 2 days ago
Looking for a home in a desirable neighborhood?This 5 bed 3 bath home is 2978sf with an enclosed porch for year round use.The primary suite is on the main floor with also features a cozy living room area with a woodburning fireplace.The finished basement includes 2 beds and 1 bath and also features a woodburning fireplace.The basement is set up for family use or dual living if you are looking for
Katherine Peterson WORKS REAL ESTATE
-
Saturday, Jun 141 - 3pm
$439,900
- 3 Beds
- 1.5 Baths
- 1,437 Sq Ft
- 3870 Saxon Dr S
- New 2 days ago
Charming 1-level ranch blending modern updates with mid-century character. Original hardwood floors through most of the home, and durable LVT in kitchen, dining and bathroom areas. NEW ROOF (2022) offers peace of mind. A dedicated laundry room includes a handy sink. The aid gardener-owner has created 12 raised beds for bountiful fruit and vegetable harvests. The lawn-free front yard features
Susan Roesler PREMIERE PROPERTY GROUP, LLC
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Minimal Transit
Transit 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

A triangle-shaped neighborhood with access to highways and plenty of green space

Expansive parks, local restaurants and charming century-old homes

Oregon's capital city with local shops, restaurants and scenic parks

A south Salem community with natural beauty and easy access to recreation

A blend of past and present that's just outside downtown

Quiet suburban neighborhood on the edge of Salem