Why you'd want to live in Salem

From the historic downtown area to the vineyard-covered Willamette Valley countryside, Salem, Oregon, provides a peaceful setting and a more relaxed atmosphere than you'd find in a larger city like Portland, located less than 50 miles north. While Salem does have a small-town feel, it doesn’t lack in amenities. The metro area is home to a major hospital and several shopping centers, as well as Willamette University. Salem also has a relatively vibrant cultural scene anchored by the historic Elsinore Theatre, where residents can enjoy classic cinema, live music and theater. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art, part of Willamette University, is home to a collection of Pacific Northwest art, as well as a variety of works from around the globe. The city also celebrates various cultures with its annual World Beat Festival, which is organized by the Salem Multicultural Institute. via realestate.usnews.com