Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Salem sits at 89.9 per 100K. The median home value here is around $244,800, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $66,716, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,477 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
21 upvotes
12 Replies
Abigail P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Katherine
I'm a lawyer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Landon M.
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
Jordan
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Abigail Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
22 upvotes
Julia Nelson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Savannah Cooper
Moved here from San Francisco about 5 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to weather but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Grayson Thompson
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 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Westside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
8 upvotes
Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Claire Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Dominic Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
All Countries
