Hey everyone, We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider — Salem sits at 381.0 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,323 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots? The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
atl_lillian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 40, moved here 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Reagan
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Jace Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 56, moved here 2 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
24 upvotes
Ryan M.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The walkability is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Ariana Reyes
Bought a house here in 2018 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
19 upvotes
Mackenzie
it depends on the neighborhood
5 upvotes
Waylon Walker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
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