A quiet community on the west side of the Oregon state capital
Located on the opposite side of the Willamette River from downtown, West Salem is a sprawling suburban neighborhood that offers a peaceful lifestyle without compromising convenience. "I like that it's quieter and cleaner. It's out of the way as well. It's just a nice spot," says Sean Severson, a West Salem resident and Digital Marketing & IT Manager at Travel Salem. "I also like Orchard Heights Park. I go there to play tennis or walk around. It's close enough to hit my favorite downtown restaurants." The Center Street Bridge crosses the Willamette River, connecting West Salem to the local businesses downtown. However, crossing the river is rarely necessary with highly rated restaurants, grocery stores and parks in the community. Add in easy access to some of the most popular wineries in the Willamette Valley, and West Salem becomes a well-rounded neighborhood that can appeal to homebuyers of all interests.
Wallace Marine Kayak Launch in West Salem is on the Willamette River.
Wallace Marine Park connects West Salem to downtown via the Union Street Bridge.
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Established suburban homes throughout West Salem
West Salem has various housing styles from the mid to late 1900s. The neighborhood's east side is the older section, with Craftsman homes and cottages from the 1940s and 1950s. Everything west of here includes midcentury modern ranch-style houses, contemporary Craftsmans and new traditional homes from the 1990s to the present. Most streets have sidewalks, and the median lot size is under a quarter acre. A mix of leafy trees and towering pines line the streets, offering shade and natural scenery. The neighborhood is hilly, which Severson says makes driving difficult when snow or ice storms hit the city. Three-bedroom homes typically cost between $400,000 and $600,000, while houses with four or more bedrooms cost between $500,000 and $800,000.
Ranch-style homes can be found dotting the landscape in West Salem.
Homes range in size from Ranch-style up to Craftsman and Contemporary.
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Salem city parks offer natural recreation in the neighborhood
Orchard Heights Park is the main green space for the neighborhood. The park has a large walking trail through developed and natural areas, including a creek crossing through the woods. The tennis and pickleball courts are full of local players on any given morning, while the dog park and playground attract dog owners and children. The park also has two baseball fields and a basketball court. Severson says floating the Willamette River is a popular activity in the warmer months, and there is a kayak launch at Wallace Marine Park. Multiple undeveloped parks, such as Straub Nature Park, have trails through wooded areas for a quick escape from the city.
Wallace Marine Park is located in West Salem, Oregon.
Wallace Marine Park is a fun spot for families to hang out in West Salem.
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Highly rated local schools in West Salem
Chapman Elementary School serves the neighborhood and receives a B-plus rating from Niche. Straub Middle School and West Salem High School each receive A-minus ratings. West Salem High has approximately 1,700 students and offers career and technical education courses in emergency services, computer programming, graphic design and finance. The school also has a successful performing arts program, winning several state championships in wind ensemble, orchestra and other band categories.
Straub Middle School provides education in the neighborhood of
West Salem.
West Salem High School provides education in the neighborhood of
West Salem.
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Exploring Oregon wine country in the Willamette Valley
West Salem is in the heart of the Willamette Valley American Viticultural Area, a wine-growing region that is world-famous for its Pinot Noirs. The proximity to the Pacific coast offers a cool climate, with ocean winds blowing through the Oregon Coast Range and into the valley. Several wineries are located around West Salem, including Bryan Mawr. Meaning "large hill" in Welsh, this 26-acre vineyard focuses on Pinot Noir but also produces Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Riesling. Redhawk is another hilltop vineyard, this one offering eastward views across the valley to Mount Hood. Other nearby wineries include Bethel Heights and West Hills.
The Giant Globe is just across the bridge from West Salem.
West Salem has great food, great schools, low crime and may be your next place to live.
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An easy drive across the river
Two one-way bridges connect West Salem to the rest of the city. The Marion Street bridge leads west from downtown into the neighborhood, while the Center Street bridge goes east from the community into downtown. Traffic can be heavy on the bridges, but Severson—who lives in West Salem but works downtown—says it's never been too bad for him. "You're a five-minute drive away. You can easily come across for dinner or to hit a bar," he says. Wallace Road and Glen Creek Road are thoroughfares for getting around the neighborhood. Salem Dallas Highway leads west to the nearby city of Dallas. The area has multiple bus routes, but most people drive to get where they're going. Salem Hospital is about 3 miles away in the South Central neighborhood. Salem has a small municipal airport, but the closest major airport is about 58 miles north in Portland.
The Public Transportation in Salem is reliable and cost effective.
An elevated look at the local freeway next to the Willamette River.
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A blend of cuisines in West Salem
Several local restaurants offer a vibrant selection of food. Xicha Brewing (pronounced CHEE-cha) is one of the only Latine breweries in the Pacific Northwest and incorporates that heritage into its products. The brewery is known for the Chela Mexican lager but offers other beers like dark lagers, IPAs and wheat beers. The food menu consists of dishes like barbacoa tacos, Cuban sandwiches and empanadas. Checkpoint 221 is a food truck court that is a favorite of Severson's, serving Thai, Greek, Indian and Mexican food, among others. There are several more local options across the river in Downtown Salem, and Wallace Road is lined with fast-food chains. Roth's offers a full supermarket selection, including fresh and locally grown items. More groceries are available at the Safeway on Edgewater Street. Other shopping in the neighborhood includes hardware stores, pet supply shops and Reader's Guide, a used bookstore.
Stop by Xicha Brewing for amazing food choices including this tacos.
McMenamin's Thompson Brewery & Public House has delicious food minutes from West Salem.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Savannah Waters,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
West Salem Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Brush College Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Eola Heights County Park
Picnic Area
Trails
River
Straub Nature Park
Trails
Orchard Heights City Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
College Heights Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Wallace Marine Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Salem
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West Salem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Salem, Salem sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West Salem, Salem over the last 12 months is $490,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful original-owner 3 bed/2.5 bath on a very quiet, very safe cul-de-sac one block from Myers Elementary. Enjoy engineered hardwood floors and recent plantation shutters. The kitchen opens nicely to the great room and has counter seating, granite countertops and modern GE stainless-steel appliances. The primary suite bathroom features a relaxing jet tub and a tiled, oversized shower, perfect
Tucked away on a private, quiet cul-de-sac, this clean & well-kept West Salem home offers comfort & easy living with just the right amount of space to stretch out without getting lost. The kitchen is very practical with a great layout & storage options. A cozy gas fireplace, spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms & extra room for tinkering in the garage. Outside, a low-maintenance yard means more time
Stunning 4 BR + bonus room home w/ soaring ceilings, open floor plan, 3-car garage & lots of light. Spacious kitchen w/ island, ample cabinets & newer dishwasher. Double-sided gas fireplace, upstairs balcony to great room, jack-and-jill BA for BR 2&3, deck off primary BR & covered deck off BR 4/office. Fully fenced yard, sport court, irrigation, fruit trees & newer roof. Come see this beautiful
3-bed, 2.5-bath home in West Salem. Sits up and off the street for added privacy. Two living spaces - one with vaulted ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. Primary suite includes full bathroom. Large backyard with covered deck. RV parking.
Last lot available at Westview Meadows! Private gated community of luxury custom homes built by Perch Homes on gently sloping nearly one acre homesite with underground power, gas, cable and Orchard Heights water, standard septic approval. Best of all worlds with low county taxes and only minutes to West Salem and downtown.
Designer quality home in Chandler Estates! Greeted with a soaring entry and grand staircase that leads into a spacious and great flow plan. luxury vinyl plank throughout. upgraded fixtures, stainless appliances, pantry, double sinks, and tech nook. Enjoy the park like yard and mature landscaping offering a private retreat! Coveted neighborhood with amazing pool, clubhouse, and gym included in HOA
Welcome to your brand-new upscale home, Acero West Salem. With unbeatable amenities and sleek, spacious floor plans, our gated community is raising the bar for you. At Acero West Salem, we give you the modern amenities and the service you deserve.Kick up your feet because our full-time on-site management staff and our 24-hour emergency maintenance staff are here to assist in making
Discover where superior quality and outstanding service meet at Willamette Park. As a resident of this upscale community you will experience condominium style finishes in every apartment home. Willamette Park features stunning forest views, modern appliances, custom color walls, luxurious carpet, and private decks or balconies. Each beautiful apartment home boasts a full-size washer and dryer as
Aspen Grove is a truly stunning living sanctuary in the heart of West Salem,This modern complex offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes and is sure to please with the surroundings that fit every need. Units include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, fireplaces, balconies and more!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Savannah Waters,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
33,435
Median Age
39
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$89,936
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$113,675
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.7%
% Population in Labor Force
63.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 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.
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.
