Often also called the “Cherry City,” because of its thriving cherry-growing industry, Salem is the capital city of the beautiful state of Oregon and is home to more than 150,000 people. It’s also home to a number of universities, plenty to see and do, and many job opportunities, as there are several major corporations headquartered here. Located in the center of the gorgeous Willamette Valley, it’s a city full of natural beauty, friendly people, and welcoming neighborhoods.
A Look at Salem ’s History
Salem was originally settled by the Kalapuya people, native population that lived there for many years. Its more modern-day history began in the 1830s, when Methodist colonizers first arrived in the Salem area. It was founded in 1842 and officially became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851. It is somewhat unclear how the city received its name – some think it is a derivative of the Jewish word Shalom, while others think it is a shortened version of Jerusalem. After its founding, Salem, quickly became an important center of learning and agriculture and remains so to this day. Over the course of time many corporations have also made their headquarters here, meaning that there is plenty of opportunity for all. Today it is a friendly, forward-thinking city with many wonderful welcoming neighborhoods to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Salem
Read more fun facts about Salem here.
Salem ’s LGBTQ Community
Salem is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Salem is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Capital Pride is a community-based organization committed to serving the LGBTQ community in the greater Salem area. Throughout the year, the group provides resources, organizes events, and creates opportunities to build the community. It organizes the yearly Gay Pride March and festivities as well, and it’s a wonderful way to get connected and become involved.
What's the Weather Like in Salem?
Those who live in Salem can expect to experience all four seasons each year. Summers are usually short, warm, and generally dry, while winters can be cold and somewhat cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature usually varies from around 36°F to 85°F. Salem receives an average of 45 inches of rain per year and 4 inches of snow. It averages 150 for sunny days per year. Spring and fall are usually mild and pleasant, and wonderful times to enjoy all of Salem’s stunning outdoor beauty.
Can’t-Miss Events in Salem
Capital Pride Festival and Parade
Capital Pride is the city’s annual pride celebration of the LGBTQ community. It’s a great way to celebrate, connect to community – and to have fun! You’ll definitely want to put this event on your calendar each year.
In a city so well-known for cherries that it’s called “Cherry City,” the annual Cherry Festival is one event that you won’t want to miss. The first cherry festival in Salem was held more than 100 years ago in 1903, and it is a fun, delicious, festive celebration of the city’s most well-known fruit.
The Best Neighborhoods in Salem
Unlike some larger towns that have one primarily gay neighborhood, Salem’s LGBTQ community tends to be a bit more spread out across the city. This isn’t a bad thing though – it simply means that there are many wonderful neighborhoods in town to choose from.
This is particularly the case in Salem as the city has adopted a Human Rights Ordinance that eliminates discrimination due to sexual orientation, which makes it relatively safe to live anywhere.
Salem is also quite an affordable place to live with the average price per square foot for a property being $224. The average listing price for homes for sale in Salem over the last year was $369,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is the third-largest art museum in Oregon and a beautiful facility that has a wide variety of art in a number of different genres. It is a very welcoming space and a great way to spend an afternoon learning and being inspired.
The Pentacle Theater is a unique, quaint theatre nestled in a magical wooded space a few miles outside of town. This excellent community theater troupe puts on comedic, dramatic and a variety of other plays several times a year. They’re always excellent, and you won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy a performance – or several – for yourself.
Parks and Recreation
Just outside the outskirts of the city is beautiful Silver Falls State Park. This beautiful park includes 9,000 acres of forest filled with walking paths, plenty of wildlife, and many stunning waterfalls which are perfect for picture-taking and exploring.
Bush's Pasture Park is a beautiful green space in Salem that offers a number of nature trails for walking, cycling, and jogging, as well as other amenities like a greenhouse, rose gardens, tennis courts, playgrounds, and open meadows for relaxing. It’s a great place to enjoy a beautiful day in Salem!
Salem Nightlife
The Southside Speakeasy is Salem’s only specifically LGBTQ bar – and it’s an extremely popular gathering spot year-round. It’s open seven days a week, and often hosts special events, theme nights, and shows. It sponsors Salem’s gay softball team, the Speakeasy Saints.
Contact a Salem Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Salem , at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Salem, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Salem gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
