South Central in Salem offers a diverse range of housing styles, divided by Commercial Street. East of Commercial Street, you'll find modest Craftsman homes and cottages with a grid layout and mature trees, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet. West of Commercial Street, the neighborhood features a more natural landscape with larger Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Colonial Revival homes, some up to 3,000 square feet. This area includes Mahonia Hall, the Oregon governor's residence. Bush's Pasture Park, a 90.5-acre site, offers walking trails, a playground, sports fields, and the Bush House museum. Minto-Brown Island Park provides 1,200 acres of nature trails, fishing ponds, and a 30-acre off-leash dog park. Commercial Street is the main hub for shopping and dining, with options like Straight From New York Pizza and Best Little Roadhouse, which also features an 18-hole mini golf course. The neighborhood hosts events such as the Salem Art Fair & Festival and plant sales at Bush Park. Public transit is accessible via Cherriots bus routes 8, 7, and 21, and the area is convenient to Salem Hospital. South Salem High School, highly rated, offers career and technical education courses and dual credit programs. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, adding to its appeal for potential home buyers.