Expectation vs. Reality of Living in Salem Oregon

[@SalemOR]

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[@Em_your_local_goth]

Ngl the rainy gloomy weather is one of the biggest reasons I want to move there

[@SalemOR]

That’s a popular opinion, especially for clients who are relocating from Cali, Texas, Arizona, etc. Those places are just too hot now!

[@MarciMonzter]

As someone who loves the rain and foggy weather I hate the sun so that’s perfect for me

[@SalemOR]

Well my friend you’re not alone. The rainy, cozy vibes are a favorite among many here. You’ve found your people. Yay!

[@anthonypetrozzelli5429]

I love the rain too. I live north of San Diego, and I miss the rain and the greenery.

[@_kass3939]

As someone who’s lived here in for going in 21yrs (originally from SoCal) Salem has grown a lot and changed (some good/some bad) But weather is wonky and I’m glad it’s not 100’ all the time, I love my sweaters and coffee 😂. I like that you can escape to a nice drive on rural roads that are untouched, go to the coast, dinner in portland or a great winery in our backyards.

[@SalemOR]

What do you think is the biggest difference between the lifestyle of Cali and living in Oregon?

[@TheOfficialPatriarchy]

The ordinary rain during most of the wet season isn't too bad, it's just the winter storm season when the rain is freezing and blows sideways that sucks. Also, I lived in Portland and thought it was far more clickish. Too many different places to go all over town so it can be hard to find where similarly minded people go. In Salem, all I ever had to do was sit outside a coffee shop downtown and I would meet new people all the time.

[@SalemOR]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. What do you think is the biggest problem to living in Salem that others should know about?

[@TheOfficialPatriarchy]

@@SalemOR I don't get out often anymore so I cannot speak much to what current problems there may be, but having grown up here, the biggest problem my friends often felt was there was simply little to do. Most of us turned into avid coffee drinkers downtown simply for lack of options. lol

[@SalemOR]

I think thats a valid concern. I also feel like there is limited options for activities around town. Thankfully in the summertime the city comes alive but as you and I both know thats for 3 months at best!

[@NatKekuna2012]

This was a good video and wondering if you know anything about Coos Bay

[@SalemOR]

I don't know much about it but if you're interested in moving there I'd be happy to connect you with an agent out that way. Just book a 1-1 consult. with me and I can help direct you accordingly.

[@carriekay5987]

Great video, AGAIN! I LOVE your videos❣❣❣

[@SalemOR]

Thank you so much!!

[@anthonypetrozzelli5429]

Excellent video! Salem is a beautiful city. Remember, one person's hell is another person's heaven! Every place has its pros and cons. What I love about Oregon is the cool weather, rain, low density, and greenery. I liked Salem better the Portland. Salem reminds me of Portland over 30 years ago. If you move to a different part of the country you must embrace the weather. Many Californians moved to Oregon, Washington and couldn't deal with the rain. I rather deal with gray and rain than blazing, hot desert climate.

[@SalemOR]

Great perspective! What is your favorite aspect of living in Salem Oregon specifically?

[@anthonypetrozzelli5429]

I didn't live in Salem. I took a road trip through Oregon several years ago with my wife. I liked Salem. The first time I went to Portland was 1987. Portland was very nice then. When I visited Salem, it reminded me of Portland when I visited the first time.

[@scottbenke7182]

I have lived in Salem for 13 years now, moved here from SoCal. You are right on the money about the weather, mostly mild summers and drizzly winters, with frost 3-4 nights a week. Occasional hard frost, down into the low 20's.

[@SalemOR]

Oh I love those frosty mornings, especially when its sunny and frosty. It's so pretty when that happens. What do you think are the biggest differences between SoCal and Salem? I know a lot of the peeps who watch my videos are from So Cal and having your perspective I'm sure will be helpful to them.

[@scottbenke7182]

Negligible traffic here in Salem and Marion County compared to SoCal. I came from the IE, Inland Empire of SoCal. So much greener here, and no watering restrictions. Of course, we only water for 3 months in the summer. People are in less of a hurry to get places here, kinda nice.@@SalemOR

[@SalemOR]

Thanks for sharing! I should mention no watering restrictions in one of my upcoming videos. With limited watering abilities in Cali, is it difficult to have a garden? Is gardening a thing in Cali?

[@smol_vape]

@@SalemORHi I'm from really far down south in SoCal, Imperial County and we garden a fair bit here but to keep up with all our fruit trees and vegs it takes watering twice a day, I'm hoping on moving to Salem after finishing at OIT at Klamath Falls

[@SalemOR]

Sweet! How did you select Salem as THE place to relocate to?@@smol_vape

[@Pickle_Panther]

Cool video. Been living in Salem for about 5 years now. I agree with what you said about the weather. Summer here is magical, but then there's the 9 months of winter where its cold, wet, and everyone's depressed and irritable. I also agree with what you said about finding your tribe. I've heard from many folks that finding your people in Salem is really challenging. The general social vibe here is not shut off, but its far from wide open like you would find in Portland or even Eugene. Salem is cool. It's absolutely going through growing pains though. It's already very different than when I moved here 5 years ago. Far more people live here now. Some folks have left but many new ones have arrived (mostly folks with a lot of cash). If youre middle-upper class Salem is awesome. If you aren't (if you make less than $20/hr) it's far less awesome. Being poor in Salem is harder than being poor in many other cities I've lived in.

[@SalemOR]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! How did you pick Salem as the place you relocated to?

[@Pickle_Panther]

@@SalemOR I had originally come to Salem to attend Chemeketa Community College with the intention of transferring to OSU in Corvallis. The pandemic changed my plans though. While I do fall into the "poor class" or Salem, I still willingly live here and have built a little life for myself. The homes, attractions, parks, and such aren't why I stay. It's for the people. It can be hard to find your tribe but there are a lot of incredible folks in this city.

[@SalemOR]

@@Pickle_Panther Well said. It took me a while to find my tribe too...I think it's a Salem thing? Whats your favorite thing to do in Salem for fun?

[@Pickle_Panther]

@@SalemOR If I have some spending cash, Coin Jam is one of my go to places. But if I'm looking for free fun, I spend a lot of time in Minto Brown park. It's an incredible place to observe nature in change or to simply nature bathe.

[@SalemOR]

Have you been to Willamette Mission just North of Keizer?

[@connor1174]

Love the video, Charity, and I left a thumbs up. One small critique, however, Salem is not in competition with Portland. I nearly spit out my morning coffee from the Ike Box, when I heard you say that. Maybe Salem is in competition - if the concept of competition is even appropriate - with Corvallis, Eugene or Albany, but Portland?! Also, I love the term "Salamander" as opposed to "Salemite."

[@SalemOR]

I can appreciate that one might not see Portland and Salem in competition with each other. That statement stems from my own clients who are electing to relocate out of Portland or have decided to relocate into Salem rather than Portland even though they are both on the list of possibilities. What do you wish more people knew about life in Salem, Oregon?

[@ttopero]

I have yet to move to a new city that lived up to its hype LOL. The real key is finding a place you want to be for 90% of days & can tolerate or escape the other 10% (about 5 weeks)!

[@SalemOR]

This is true! Every city has its challenges but it’s about what works best for you. Are you local to Salem?

[@ttopero]

@@SalemOR I’m in Denver. I’ve actually been thinking about the numerous square mile clear cut areas that surround the valley Salem is in & how they can become an asset for people in the present & future. Learning about communities nearby is important to consider.

[@Phodo_Graf]

I love salmon, orgon👍🦅⛈

[@Chillbuster69]

salmon🐟👍

[@SalemOR]

I think you misspelled Origun.

[@daniellemcelvaine9496]

I heard it’s a non smoking city are there designated areas?

[@SalemOR]

I think the rule is that you cannot smoke inside and you have to be 10ft away from any doors if you’re smoking outside.

[@f.prince6642]

Moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I would just add if you move to Salem thinking you need others to make you happy yeah stay in big cities 😆

[@SalemOR]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. What is the biggest surprise you had moving to OR as someone from CA? I know my viewers would love to hear your take on what it was like to relocate here.

[@MiguelRodrigueztx]

lol, the rain

[@SalemOR]

Rain...what rain?...

[@MiguelRodrigueztx]

@@SalemOR I love the way you describe and the expletive you used made me laugh. I just moved here Feb 2023 from the San Antonio, Texas area, and love it here. It has it's charm and culture, and not perfect, but the local music scene, the Grand Theatre, the Elsinore. No need to go to Portland. The parks, the green, West Salem! The rain on the other hand is great cozy snuggle weather with a fireplace and blanky. I could not live anywhere else!!! PS, Love your channel and subscribed.

[@SalemOR]

Sweet! As a fellow non-local, did I do a good job describing Salem for those who are not familiar with it?

[@MiguelRodrigueztx]

@@SalemOR I got into the local music scene, met other practicing musicians and have established a community of fellow musicians that I practice and perform with. That was key. I had to make the effort. I am also involved with the local Buddhist community and that is another circle I have, but I did have to make the effort. I smile and greet people I pass and am always open to starting a conversation. Then I have family in Dallas, Portland, Albany and Salem, so it is a beautiful, wonderful place for me. I am in West Salem and I love it here, even with the bridge:).You did a wonderful job of describing the best kept secret!

[@SalemOR]

I totally agree that you have to make more of a concerted effort to meet people and find your tribe here. What kinda music do you make?

[@daveclack8924]

Only problem is the smell of pee everywhere but it’s okay

[@SalemOR]

Dang, I didn't think my new perfume smelled that bad...

[@myworldfriends123]

😀🙂

[@InspireMe819]

people dream living in salem? hahaha

[@SalemOR]

For those that aren't familiar with Salem, what do you think they should know about the area before moving here?

[@InspireMe819]

@@SalemOR There is an excellent hiking spot called Silver Falls State Park. Visiting local farms to buy/try fresh fruit. Those are great things to do for those who have no clue about Salem, Oregon.

[@SalemOR]

Oh yes! There are so many local farms around town. That is a huge highlight. What do you think is the biggest negative to living in Salem?

[@InspireMe819]

@@SalemOR Oh yeah, one more pro: lots of vineyards around Salem. Negatives: No growth in jobs. Only industry we have is government. Need more cultural diversity. Salem is predominately a White/Hispanic population. I would like to see more diverse foods/cultures.

[@SalemOR]

I agree 100%. All of Oregon could use more diversity and that includes Salem. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I really like hearing what others people in Salem have to say about living in the city.

[@JohnPaul-jn1fo]

You probably had a hard time clicking because salem people dont like Portland people. Also salem sucks.

[@SalemOR]

I totally get where you're coming from. I didn't like Salem at first but once I found my groove I've come to appreciate it. Salem isn't right for everyone and thats ok. How long have you lived in Salem for?

[@daniellemcelvaine9496]

Coming from az what would say

[@BillLaBrie]

Far fewer conveniences. Streets aren’t laid out in a grid (like Phoenix) so driving is frustrating. Far fewer jobs. Decent, affordable sit-down restaurants are rare. Plus side: nice to be able to spend all day outside in the summer. The town caters to the poor and lower-middle-class so if you’re not ambitious so don’t stand out. Plenty of pot shops and microbreweries.

[@SalemOR]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. What is 1 thing you think all new Salem people should know before relocating here?

[@BillLaBrie]

@@SalemOR it’s not a vibrant metropolis full of high-achieving yuppies. It’s a government city that’s resisted change in the past. That’s part of its hidden grace: the past lives on in unexpected ways

[@SalemOR]

Thanks for sharing. How long have you lived in Salem for? It sounds like you've seen it grow, change...and not change.