Nora Torres jobs Apr 9, 2026

Starting a business in Salem?

Hello, I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $71,900 in Salem. With a population of 177K, Salem is a mid-size city. Crime rate is something to consider — Salem sits at 381.0 per 100K. It's a a mid-size city city with about 177K people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.

24 upvotes

1 Replies

Eugene P. Apr 10, 2026

Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Riverside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.

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.

29 upvotes