Apartments for Rent in Salem, OR(718 Rentals)

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Salem, OR Local Guide

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Written By:
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Salem Overview

Salem is the capital of Oregon and is located in Marion County, the 2nd largest city in Oregon behind Portland. The top colleges are Willamette University, Corban University and Chemeketa Community College. Salem is nicknamed the Cherry City because of the different varieties of cherries invented and exhibited.

What is the history of Salem?

Salem is situated on the Willamette River in the Willamette Valley and is rumored to have been inhabited for over 10,000 years. Its original name was Chemeketa, but was changed by settlers with a Christianity perspective. David Leslie, President of the town’s Trustees decided to name the city Salem, based on the last five letters of Jerusalem and because he was from Salem, Massachusetts.

How is the weather in Salem?

Salem usually experiences mild weather in the summer with an average high temperature of 82°F in July and August and an average low of 50°F. The winter months are a little cooler with an average maximum temperature of 52°F and lows around 32°F for December through February.

How do I get around town?

The best way to get around Salem is by car, but there is the Cherriots bus services which provides fixed bus routes for the Salem-Keizer area. The bus connects to Grande Ronde, Wilsonville, Polk and Marion Counties. There is also the Amtrak Cascades line which provides service to Vancouver, BC from Seattle and Portland. Salem is only a one-hour drive from Portland. There is also the Chemeketa Area Regional Transportation System (CARTS) that transports residents as far as Dallas, if necessary.

What is the Salem commute like?

The major highways in Salem are I-5, Oregon Route 99E (for the downtown area) and Oregon Routes-22, 221, 51 and 213. The heaviest congestion periods for traffic occurs when visibility is low due to fog or rain, and when the highways are under construction.

What are the local media outlets?

Salem has the Statesman Journal, as its major newspaper, an independent newspaper, the Salem Weekly, and an agricultural newspaper, the Capital Press. There are seven radio stations that broadcast from Salem with KBZY being its most popular one, and three different television stations dedicated to serving the Salem area.

Why live in Salem, OR?

Salem has a beautiful woodsy landscape with a rich history of invention and filming. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was filmed at the Oregon State Hospital. There are a plethora of wineries and vineyards from which to choose. The 46 parks are lush and inviting and spread over almost 30 miles across the state. Salem has ongoing community events like the Saturday Market, available from May until October, and exhibits baked goods, crafts, produce and meat. There is also the Wednesday Farmers’ Market that takes place downtown in Courthouse Square during the summer months. The Indoor Saturday Public Market is open all year-around.

What Salem landmarks should I see?

Since Salem is the State capital of Oregon, one of its biggest landmarks is the Oregon State Capital and nearby Wilson Park. There is also the Mission Mill Museum, the Elsinore Theater and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. And for the children, there is the A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, an interactive museum that keeps children intrigued for hours.

What is there to do around Salem?

"Oregon has its own ""7-Wonders"" of Oregon which includes a grand Columbia River Gorge, a beautiful canvas of hills called the Painted Hills, Smith’s Rock towers of volcanic ash, the alpine peaks of the Wallowas, the deepest lake in America, Crater Lake, and of course, Mount Hood, the perpetually snowy peak which is home to six ski areas. And never miss the Oregon Rodeos."

Any annual festivals or Salem events to know?

The Oregon State Fair is the grandest event of the year and is held in Salem beginning at the end of August and wraps up around Labor Day. There is the annual World Beat Festival that lasts for 2-days and is held in June. There is also the Rose Festival in nearby Portland and the Salem Art and Fair Festival which occurs during the summer months. And there’s the Mid-Valley Video Festival which hosts independent films in theaters throughout Salem.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest provide fantastic vacation destinations for those who are looking to get out of their Salem apartments for day trips and adventure.

Where is the best place to move in Salem?

Salem has 18 different established neighborhood associations that are recognized by and receives administrative support from the city. These neighborhoods are Central Area-Downtown, Faye Wright, East Lancaster, Morningside, Lansing, Grant, Northeast, Northeast Salem, North Lancaster, Northgate, Faye Wright, South Central, Southeast Mill Creek, Southeast Salem, South Gateway, Sunnyslope, West Salem and South Salem. The housing costs are very affordable and most apartments range from 1-3 bedroom apartments.

Salem, OR
Population: 173,442

Ranked #149

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Salem, OR

Ranked #16

Among cities in Oregon for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Salem, OR Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Salem, OR

Walk Score®

60 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

72 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

35 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Salem

How much are Studio apartments in Salem?

There are currently 38 Studio Apartments in Salem with rent ranges from $1,199 to $1,849 with an average price of $1,449.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Salem Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Salem ranges from $995 to $2,206 with an average monthly rent of $1,434.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Salem cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Salem range from $995 to $2,776. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,617.

How expensive are Salem Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 105 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Salem on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,300 to $17,650 - averaging $2,280 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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Signing Your Apartment Lease: The Basics

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When you're about to sign a lease for the first time, it can feel a bit overwhelming. You don’t want to miss any important details hidden in the fine print.

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What to Know About Fees and Fines When Renting

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When it comes to renting a new apartment or home there can be a number of fees that you will want to keep in mind going into the process.

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Real Estate Term Glossary: Your Guide to The A to Zs of Renting

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Navigating the world of real estate can reveal an abundance of terminology and phrasing around the topics of renting and buying that for some may seem like a brand-new language.

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Navigating the World of Low-Income Housing: A Comprehensive Guide

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Are you having difficulty keeping up with bills or paying the rent? If so, you are not alone. Many families struggle to keep up with rents that have increased up to 40% in the past decade.