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.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
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.
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.
Salem is a medium-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 25,290 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Salem is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Salem is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Salem could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Salem and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute and other important metrics.
The livability score in Salem is 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Salem could be a great choice! Salem also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the grades for each individual category, Salem has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (A). Salem does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 126 crimes per 100,000 residents, Salem has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Salem, the average school test scores reached an impressive 84%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Salem an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Salem has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that Salem meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Salem. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Salem are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $200,000, which is 19.5% 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 3.2, which is 15.8% lower than the Virginia average.
| 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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