Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Located in the state of Virginia, Salem is a medium-sized city with a population of 26,071 people. At 87%, the majority of the Salem population is White; this is followed by 7% Black and 2% Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Salem offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Salem is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Salem and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Salem to Virginia and the national average.
The livability score in Salem is 78/100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, Salem ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Salem ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the scores for each individual category, Salem has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A-), cost of living (A+), education (A), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Salem scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Salem have an average test score of 84%, which is well above the US average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Salem excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Salem is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $364,976, which is 16.1% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salem, the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 15.6% lower than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Salem | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.6% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.2% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.7% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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