As the capital city of Oregon, Salem has much more to offer than stately buildings. Those looking for Salem apartments for rent will find the city is one that is rich in history and the natural areas that the state is known for. With a range of employment opportunities and top-notch educational institutions, there is no shortage of reasons to relocate to a Salem apartment.
The historic home of the Kalapuya Native Americans, the city of Salem first welcomed nonnative settlers to the area in 1812. Many of these early settlers worked as trappers for fur companies in the city of Astoria. Jason Lee's Methodist mission was the first nonnative permanent structure to occupy the land that would become Salem. Lee's efforts grew quickly, and by 1842 the city was home to the Oregon Institute, which was a forerunner of Willamette University.
The first public school district was built in Salem in 1855, and the city was named the state capital of the relatively new state of Oregon in 1864. It continued to prosper through the 19th and 20th centuries, with the economy of Salem remaining relatively steady even through the Great Depression. Today, Salem remains a dynamic city that is home to more than 156,000 residents.
As the state capital, Salem offers residents a number of employment opportunities in a variety of sectors, including the government and healthcare. Some of the city's top employers include North Shore Medical Center and Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as the city of Salem. Salem State University is also a large employer, offering those in the field of education many job opportunities.
Numerous students who reside in Salem attend one of several area universities. Salem State University is a public institution that offers a range of college majors in the fields of health, business, arts and sciences. Willamette University, also located in Salem, is a private university that has a strong reputation as one of the best private liberal arts colleges on the West Coast. With a variety of undergraduate programs, the school also offers graduate studies in law, management and education.
One of the best benefits of Salem is its affordable living prices. According to city-data.com, in 2012 the city's residents enjoyed a cost of living index that was nearly 5 points below the national average. Median gross rent for the area in 2009 was similarly affordable, with the average tenant paying $689 per month.
Residents of Salem enjoy a variety of accessible activities, many of which are only minutes from their Salem apartment. Residents with a love of nature enjoy the green hillsides and numerous walking trails provided at Bush's Pasture Park. The enchanting waterfalls of Silver Falls State Park offer a fun and pristine natural area that visitors and locals alike love taking advantage of. For nature that is a bit more domesticated, a visit to the English-style gardens at the Historic Deepwood Gardens is always a treat for residents.
Being a largely historic city, Salem residents also enjoy the many seasoned attractions and building that their hometown has to offer. The Salem Riverfront Carousel is a classic amusement ride that lets residents step back in time as they enjoy views of the Willamette River. The historic Elsinore Theatre hosts a number of theatrical and musical productions that are both contemporary and classic in content. Built during the 1920s, the Elsinore remains as elegant in its design as it was nearly a century ago.
To find your next rental apartment or house in Salem, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.