Job Offer in Salem (Portland, Dallas: crime rates, homes, established neighborhood)

[SierraGirl]

I have been presented with a job offer in Salem, Oregon with my current employer. A couple of years ago I was happy to move from Sacramento to Tallahassee, FL. Now, have decided the south is not the place for me and am looking forward to moving back west. Some of the things I liked about Sacramento was the proximity to the ocean and the mountains. Salem seems to have a similar geographic situation. I have read a lot of great things about Salem, but was wondering about the different areas of the city. I am almost 50 - yikes!, single with a dog and have a decent salary. I prefer older homes in established neighborhoods that are safe and have parks to walk the pooch. If there are farmers markets and family owned businesses in the area - all the better. Can anyone provide me with information on West Salem, vs the SE or NE areas of the city? Also, what is the traffic like during the commute hours? If I take this job the office would be on the west side of the river. Is crossing the river a problem?

[Silverfall]

Right now there is only one bridge to cross the river and it can get backed up in the mornings and evenings. If you don't live on the West side you would have the opposite flow of traffic, so I don't think that would be a big problem.

If you like older neighborhoods, then you would want Englewood, Court-Chemeketa historic area, Capital Park/Willamette neighborhood, Bush Park, or Fairmount Hills. Bush Park and Fairmount are the most expensive. These neighborhoods are all centrally located within the city with easy access to parks.

On the West side, you would want the Eola Hills area to get those older homes. The west side needs some more park development. Depending on what you mean by older homes, this may or may not be what you are looking for.

NE Salem is generally considered to be east of I-5 and north of State street. There are some nice pockets in there, but most of the older homes are not in areas that I think you would want.

SE Salem is generally considered to be east of I-5 and south of State street. This area has a lot of affordable housing, and there are also some really nice pockets in there. Mostly 1950's-1970's homes. I would encourage you to look at crime rates out there since I think there has been an increase as of late.

South Salem is west of I-5 and south of Mission street. Bush Park, Fairmount, and Candalaria neighborhoods are in there which would all work for you. Prices are more expensive down south since it is generally considered one of the more desirable places in Salem.

Just based on your minimal information I would look at some of the central neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area, which I listed above, South Salem and maybe Eola Hills/Chatnika Heights areas out in West Salem.

What you can afford will eliminate some of these neighborhoods.

[Smiled]

It's rainier than Sacramento but cooler, and far less fog in the winter (rain takes its place
If you can handle the gray skies, you'll find it a beautiful place. The coast range mountains are a nice place to hike, fish, take dogs etc. No ticks or poisonous snakes. And Portland is 45 min. up the road.

[Atillion]

I moved here from North Carolina. The biggest difference between here and the south to me is the humidy (or lack of it!) I haven't had one bugbite since I moved here, and walking outside--even on the hottest days--feels NOTHING like those hot, muggy days in NC.

I now live in Dallas and commute to Salem (25 min) for work... The bridge isn't really so bad... Not as bad as the sun sitting on the horizon as you drive straight into it.

This place is my Heaven on earth.

[Silverfall]

Atillion I forgot to say welcome to Oregon.

I saw on your other thread that you are totally happy in Dallas. Next year they will have the bridge path done through Wallace Marine Park, so you won't have to do the Marion St bridge if you don't want to.

[SierraGirl]

Thank you so much for all of the information. It rains a lot in north Florida, which I really don't mind. It's the humidity that follows that is really very annoying!

Atillion - why did you opt to live in Dalles and commute into Salem? If I decide to take the job, and after today it looks like I will, I am going to try to hold off buying a place until I get somewhat familiar with the area.