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With a 2006 population estimate of 152,239, Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and it has kept growing (its population increased by 7.5% from 2005-06 alone). Lying midway between Portland to the north and Eugene to the south, Salem, Oregon real estate is only an hour’s drive or less to both.
The seat of Marion County and the capital of Oregon, Salem is where you’ll find the offices of a host of state agencies. There are around 41,000 government jobs in and around the city. The largest private employer is Salem Hospital, which has roughly 2,700 employees. Other major employers are T-Mobile, Norpac and the Roth’s Fresh Markets chain.
Many who opt for Salem, Oregon real estate do so because the city is quieter and more family-oriented than its busy neighbor to the north. Salem has many good schools and families will never run out of things to do here. One of the city’s best features is its proximity to the Cascades and the coast, as well as its extensive parks system.
The chance to enjoy the outdoors is one of the many perks that come with Salem, Oregon real estate. Venues for boating, canoeing and fishing include rivers and lakes like the Santiam River, Foster Lake and Detroit Lake. Also in the area is the Silverfalls State Park, which features no less than ten waterfalls.
Though you may want to drive to Portland for a more varied cultural menu, Salem has its own offerings. Among the many popular events held in the city every year are the esteemed Salem Art Fair and the Oregon State Fair.
Rich in history, Salem has the established feel of a traditional New England town. You’ll find Salem, Oregon real estate in historic districts featuring buildings built in a variety of architectural styles. Standing side by side with graceful Italianate Victorians and elaborate Queen Annes are charming Dutch Colonials and American Foursquares. The current median price of homes in Salem is $249,250.
One of the oldest towns in Oregon, Salem started out as a mission founded by Methodists in the 1830s before it was incorporated in 1860. It is the seat of Willamette University, the oldest university in the west, as well as four other institutes of higher education.
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