Why Live in South Central
South Central in Salem offers a diverse range of housing styles, divided by Commercial Street. East of Commercial Street, you'll find modest Craftsman homes and cottages with a grid layout and mature trees, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet. West of Commercial Street, the neighborhood features a more natural landscape with larger Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Colonial Revival homes, some up to 3,000 square feet. This area includes Mahonia Hall, the Oregon governor's residence. Bush's Pasture Park, a 90.5-acre site, offers walking trails, a playground, sports fields, and the Bush House museum. Minto-Brown Island Park provides 1,200 acres of nature trails, fishing ponds, and a 30-acre off-leash dog park. Commercial Street is the main hub for shopping and dining, with options like Straight From New York Pizza and Best Little Roadhouse, which also features an 18-hole mini golf course. The neighborhood hosts events such as the Salem Art Fair & Festival and plant sales at Bush Park. Public transit is accessible via Cherriots bus routes 8, 7, and 21, and the area is convenient to Salem Hospital. South Salem High School, highly rated, offers career and technical education courses and dual credit programs. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, adding to its appeal for potential home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Central a good place to live?
South Central is a good place to live. South Central is considered car-dependent and bikeable with some transit options. South Central is a suburban neighborhood. South Central has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.5 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $87,220 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 36.7% of residents. A majority of residents in South Central are renters, with 55.9% of residents renting and 44.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South Central can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South Central neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South Central?
The median home price in South Central is $484,445. If you put a 20% down payment of $96,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.35%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,410 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $103K a year to afford the median home price in South Central. The average household income in South Central is $87K.
What are the best public schools in South Central?
The best public schools that serve South Central are:
What are the best private schools in South Central?
The best private schools that serve South Central are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South Central, Salem, OR?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South Central, Salem, OR?
Home Trends in South Central, OR
On average, homes in South Central, Salem sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Central, Salem over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$440,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$441,454
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$275
Number of Homes for Sale
19
Last 12 months Home Sales
92
Median List Price
$484,445
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%
