Curious what people think. I'm originally from Austin and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. With a population of 177K, Salem is a mid-size city. Homes are going for about $382,400 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Does this match your experience? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
9 Replies
Elena Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Barbara T.
Moved here from Denver about 15 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
noah_native
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Eleanor Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
31 upvotes
Arianna Jackson
not my experience at all
26 upvotes
Madeline Kim
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
10 upvotes
Valentina Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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