What Matters in Salem: Race or Content of Character? (Portland: apartment, crimes)

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by rainwalking

Where exactly is West Salem? West of I-5? Or west of the river? And where are the flats vs. the hills?

Thanks.

West Salem is on the west side of the river. The flats are from 1-9th streets and from about Patterson to Rosemont. Everything else in West Salem is pretty much in the hills from there, but it does flatten out towards Brush College.

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by Fiddlehead

My impression is that the KKK types are in southern Oregon. They came with the logging many moons ago, and I don't think many overtly hold those views anymore. Frankly, I don't think overt racism is appreciated anywhere in Oregon. I think some white supremist types tried to move into John Day or Prairie City a while back, and they were told to move along. That is not to say we do not have our share of very conservative rednecks, but true racists are not very common in Oregon, in my observation. I cannot speak for Salem, but I think it is unlikely that it will be a big issue.

So come on up, and best wishes to you and your family!

The KKK came to Oregon with Southern Democrats after the Confederacy lost the war. Most of these people settled in Southern and Eastern Oregon. It's hey days in Oregon were the early 1900s until about 1920. There were still isolated clans and meetings across the state after that, but not much organized before then.

There are a couple of White Supremist groups in Eastern Oregon, but they're small and disorganized, although the Prison System is breeding some.

[1208]

There are more white supremacists in Portland and the Willamette Valley than Southern or Eastern Oregon.

[karlsch]

Originally Posted by hamellr

There are a couple of White Supremist groups in Eastern Oregon,

Good guess, but wrong!!

Typical of people who don't really know about Eastern Oregon.

This is probably the 10th time I have posted this link. All of the 10 SPLC (it doesn't take much to be called a hate group by them) recognized Oregon hate groups are in Western Oregon.

Hate Map | Southern Poverty Law Center

[Fiddlehead]

Originally Posted by 1208

There are more white supremacists in Portland and the Willamette Valley than Southern or Eastern Oregon.

Probably true. Based on pure percentages it must be true. Seems like a few wingnuts always pop up if you have enough people.

[giammetta1]

My family and I will be relocating shortly from East Coast to West Coast. What area has a lower crime rate, Keizer or Salem?

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by giammetta1

My family and I will be relocating shortly from East Coast to West Coast. What area has a lower crime rate, Keizer or Salem?

Strictly statistically speaking Keizer has a lower crime rate, as smaller towns tend to. Both cities have different crime rates within neighborhoods.

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

What Matters in Salem: Race or Content of Character?

One would hope that "content of character" matters a lot and race matters not at all. But in practical effect, the former is impossible to hide and the latter is impossible to discern. There will always be people who judge a book by its cover and make assumptions based on their prior experience...or lack of experience.

[Gpantheon]

Hi. I just want to close the loop on my question regarding race and Salem. It's been about 10 weeks since we moved to West Salem. We couldn't be happier. Our neighbors are awesome. We've already had dinner with some at their homes and have exchanged various baked goods. The children love their schools. I'm happy to report that we haven't had any "racial" incidents or bad vibes. It's a little embarrassing in retrospect to have asked, particularly since our new Salem friends are such good people.

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by Gpantheon

Hi. I just want to close the loop on my question regarding race and Salem. It's been about 10 weeks since we moved to West Salem. We couldn't be happier. Our neighbors are awesome. We've already had dinner with some at their homes and have exchanged various baked goods. The children love their schools. I'm happy to report that we haven't had any "racial" incidents or bad vibes. It's a little embarrassing in retrospect to have asked, particularly since our new Salem friends are such good people.

Thanks for posting this. This question comes up a lot because of our low minority populations so it's nice to get some real feedback for others in a similar situation.

Welcome to Salem!