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South Salem

South Salem

Suburban Neighborhood in Salem, Oregon

Marion County 97302

$527,529 Average Value
$276 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

Quiet, nature-filled community in rapidly growing Salem

South Salem is an established neighborhood in a fast-growing part of Oregon's capital. While many of the areas around this community are seeing rapid and continued residential development, this quiet spot still offers a peaceful lifestyle just minutes from Downtown Salem. "You have these soaring, gorgeous, 100-year-old trees — massive trees all around the parks and the area, and it just gives you that nature-y feel, but you're not 20 minutes outside of town. You're five minutes to a grocery store and 10 minutes to a really nice restaurant," says Shareef Hagag, a Realtor with HomeSmart Realty Group who has sold homes in the area.

South Salem has a mix of suburban homes and dense trees.
South Salem has a mix of suburban homes and dense trees.
Minto-Brown Island Dog Park offers shaded trails for visitors to enjoy in South Salem.
Minto-Brown Island Dog Park offers shaded trails for visitors to enjoy in South Salem.
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Natural beauty around South Salem

Hagag says that the Croisan Creek Trail is popular with residents, an approximately 1-mile trail in the neighborhood that leads through wooded areas and is used by hikers and bikers. The northern trailhead is in the neighborhood on Spring Street and connects to Croisan Scenic Way on its south end. From here, residents can walk a few blocks west and hop on the Skyline Trail for more forest adventures. Fircrest Park is a community park with a tennis and basketball court, a playground and a walking path that meanders through towering evergreens. South Salem is also conveniently located near Minto-Brown Island Park, a 1,200-acre natural area along the Willamette River. This expansive park has over 29 miles of hiking, running and biking trails. There is a 30-acre off-leash dog park and several spots for fishing in the river or nearby ponds. Approximately 300 acres of the park are designated conservation land and are home to blue herons, rabbits and occasionally cougars. The neighborhood is also home to Madrona Swim Club, a private pool that offers a place to cool off in the summer, plus swim lessons and a swim team. Golf lovers can tee off at the public Salem Golf Club, an 18-hole, par-72 course.

The Croisan Creek Trail is a 1.5 mile long trail in South Salem.
The Croisan Creek Trail is a 1.5 mile long trail in South Salem.
Fircrest City Park is a great spot for families in South Salem to enjoy the outdoors together.
Fircrest City Park is a great spot for families in South Salem to enjoy the outdoors together.
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Midcentury homes on tree-covered South Salem lots

South Salem is an established neighborhood with many homes from the 1950s to 1970s. These are typically ranch-style houses set on hilly tree-lined streets. There are also split-level and contemporary 1970s homes available. The median lot size in the neighborhood is just under a quarter acre, and most homes have spacious front and back yards that can accommodate landscaping or a game of backyard football. Established homes in the neighborhood usually cost between $310,000 and $770,000. Salem has grown rapidly in the past decade — overtaking Eugene as the second largest city in Oregon — and according to Hagag, most of the growth has come in the city's southern half. South Salem has some new contemporary Craftsman houses from the 2010s and 2020s, typically costing between $650,000 and $800,000.

Rows of homes sit between large trees in South Salem.
Rows of homes sit between large trees in South Salem.
A beautifully landscaped Mid-Century Modest home in the South Salem neighborhood.
A beautifully landscaped Mid-Century Modest home in the South Salem neighborhood.
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Convenient access to shopping and dining in the capital city

South Salem's location near Liberty Road and Commercial Street makes getting to local shops and restaurants easy. McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House is part of a regional chain of bars and grills. Known for its house-brewed beer and bar food, this location is in a historic building once owned by a Civil War veteran. Farther north, Downtown Salem is home to many local restaurants, including Taproot Lounge & Café. This casual spot serves coffee and breakfast in the morning before transitioning to burgers, tacos and beer for the evening. Groceries are nearby at stores like Roth's Fresh Markets and Fred Meyer. LifeSource Natural Foods is a locally owned store offering organic and natural groceries. Residents can make the 6-mile drive to Willamette Town Center for stores like Burlington, Barnes & Noble and Hobby Lobby. Stores like Walmart and Costco are closer, located on Commercial Street and Kuebler Boulevard.

Diners can enjoy a delicious crepe at French Press Coffee and Crepes in South Salem.
Diners can enjoy a delicious crepe at French Press Coffee and Crepes in South Salem.
Life Source Natural Foods has a great selection of organic and local produce in South Salem.
Life Source Natural Foods has a great selection of organic and local produce in South Salem.
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Preparing South Salem students for life after high school

Candalaria Elementary School is in the heart of the neighborhood and receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Leslie Middle School gets a C-plus, while South Salem High School gets a B-plus. The high school serves approximately 2,200 students and offers dual credit courses through local colleges like Chemeketa Community College, Western Oregon University and Oregon Tech. Students can also take career and technical education courses in broadcast journalism, computer programming and sports medicine.

South Salem High School is home of the Saxons.
South Salem High School is home of the Saxons.
Candalaria Elementary School is located on Hansen Ave S in South Salem.
Candalaria Elementary School is located on Hansen Ave S in South Salem.
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Plenty of ways to get around the city

The convenient location of South Salem makes it easy to get around the city. "I can't imagine myself anywhere else just because of the access. Sometimes I have to go south, sometimes I have to go north," says Hagag. "It's phenomenal to have a beautiful view and all of the trees for privacy, then come down the hill and it's like, boom!, where do we want to go?'" Commercial Street and Liberty Road are major north-south thoroughfares in the area; Commercial merges with Liberty Street on the neighborhood's western border and leads 3.5 miles north to Downtown. Cherriots bus routes 8 and 21 are also nearby, offering public transportation access to downtown. Salem Hospital is about 3.5 miles north of the neighborhood as well. Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is about 3 miles away and has limited commercial flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The closest major airport is about 62 miles north in Portland.

Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Elizabeth James
Photography Contributed By
Elizabeth James
Jonathan Bradley
Video By
Jonathan Bradley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Crystal Qian Hu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Salem US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$510,000
Median Single Family Price
$527,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$347,949
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$276
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
127
Months of Supply
1.40
Median List Price
$549,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,083
Median Year Built
1960
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,116
Above the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,452
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    570 Ben Vista Dr S, Salem, OR 97302

    $575,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,350 Sq Ft
    • 570 Ben Vista Dr S
    • New 1 day ago

    Stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home originally built in 1952. Thoughtfully renovated to blend timeless charm with modern style. Featuring a fully updated kitchen and luxurious bathrooms. The finished basement doubles your living space for entertainment or dual living. Nestled in a sought-after neighborhood, this turnkey gem delivers comfort, style, and effortless sophistication. OPEN HOUSE

    Shelli McKenzie WINDERMERE HERITAGE

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  • Sunday, May 4
    1 - 3pm

    3653 Maidenhair Place S, Salem, OR 97302

    $770,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,254 Sq Ft
    • 3653 Maidenhair Place S
    • New 24 days ago

    Custom-designed by Timbercraft Homes! Customized for this prime corner lot to take advantage of the stunning views. Primary suite is located on the main floor. The attention to detail & quality finishes you have come to expect, this home has! Smart home features, outside light control's are inside for easy access and underground sprinklers. Crawl space has plenty of room for storage. Just

    KRISTI MCMURRY HOMESMART REALTY GROUP

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 3pm

    3196 La Costa Loop S, Salem, OR 97302

    $409,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,326 Sq Ft
    • 3196 La Costa Loop S

    Charming Single Level Home in Golf Club Estates Overlooking Croisan Creek! A beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1326 sqft home in the highly desirable neighborhood. This zero lot line property offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty, with Salem Golf Club just moments away. Step inside to discover a tastefully updated kitchen featuring granite counters,

    Mark Shadrin BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Crystal Qian Hu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,441
Median Age
42
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,208
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$112,189

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
51.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

8 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

18 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South Salem