Location and lifestyle

One of the greatest benefits Salem Health offers is the opportunity to live, work and play in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley.
Named one of the World’s Greatest Places by Time magazine, the Willamette Valley has gained an enviable reputation as one of the
most desirable places to live anywhere. The moment you arrive, you’ll see why.

The Willamette Valley provides the best of all worlds. As home to the state’s five largest cities, the Willamette Valley offers an incredible variety of cultural, entertainment, sports, dining, shopping and other activities. Yet, its location — nestled between the Cascades and the Oregon Coast Range
— opens up spectacular vistas of the most breathtaking scenery and natural wonders imaginable.

Welcome home

Small town vibe, big city amenities. That’s Salem. While we may be neighbors with Portland on the map, we couldn’t be more distinct in personality. As Oregon’s state capital, Salem is a center of vital civic activity with a diverse population of approximately 180,000 people. At the same time, it exudes a friendly and welcoming spirit, making it a wonderful place for you and your family to establish a rewarding life. Salem features an eclectic and exciting downtown, a vibrant waterfront area, excellent schools and so much more. In fact, Salem offers everything you’d look for in a large metropolitan area like Portland with a much more affordable cost of living. Salem is also conveniently located just an hour away from Oregon’s beautiful beaches and the spectacular Cascade Mountains.

And let’s not forget the neighboring communities of Keizer, Woodburn, Dallas, Monmouth and Independence, each adding its own unique flavor to the vibrant tapestry of the Willamette Valley. With their own local attractions and charm, these towns offer additional options for exploration and connection, enriching the experience of living in this beautiful corner of Oregon.

The Willamette Valley, and beyond

One of Salem’s greatest advantages is the easy access it provides to the breathtaking landscape and diverse cultural and recreational areas found in the Willamette Valley and beyond. You’ll enjoy all of this without the hassle or the hectic, harried living of the big city. These are just a few of the highlights.

Whatever outdoor activities get your heart pumping, you’ll find a spectacular setting to enjoy them here. From the coast to the Cascades, you can hike, bike, ski (water and snow), kayak, fish or camp. And that’s just scratching the surface! Some of the most beautiful natural destinations like Silver Falls State Park and Willamette River Greenway – Spring Valley Access are just a short drive from the heart of Salem. With all the possibilities available in Salem and throughout Oregon, you’ll definitely want to go outside and play!
A Woman kayaking on Lake Jenny in Grand Tetons National Park
Silver Falls State Park

As the home to over two-thirds of Oregon’s vineyards and wineries, it’s no wonder Time magazine called the Willamette Valley “the next Napa.” The region is noted for its extraordinary pinot noir production while gaining recognition for its tremendous array of internationally renowned wine producers.
Read more about the article

A green vineyard with rows of plants
A bunch of purple grapes hanging from the vine

Looking to get into the swing of things by taking in a round of golf? You’ll be happy to know that Salem itself is home to five excellent courses. In addition, there are an additional 11 courses that are just a short drive away.

See a list of golf courses

Four people playing golf on a golf course
Four people standing together on a golf course with golf clubs

If you’re looking for excellence in education, you’ll find it here. From primary public education in the Salem-Keizer School District to outstanding private schools, we feature some of the best schools around. You’ll also find world-class universities throughout the Oregon, including the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

This is a place that brings together the highest standards of learning with an unyielding commitment to equity in education.

A woman and three young girls playing on a ropes course
A mother, father, and toddler smiling

This is also a great place if you’ve got a passion for spectator sports. Head on up to “Rip City” and watch the best of NBA basketball at an exhilarating Portland Trailblazers game. For soccer enthusiasts, the vibrant soccer culture featuring the Portland Timbers and Thorns provides an electric atmosphere for MLS and NWSL matches.

Additionally, you can catch a rising star at a Hillsboro Hops baseball game where aspiring minor league ball players take a swing at the big leagues as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The University of Oregon and Oregon State University also feature nationally renowned men’s and women’s athletics for you to cheer on.

A basketball hoop, basketball, and people playing
Two rows of stadium seats

Salem Health is proud to serve several neighboring communities. These towns greatly enrich the diversity of our unique area:

  • Dallas
    Located amidst rolling hills and lush farmland, this friendly town of 18,000 residents is home to locally-owned eateries and shops, annual musical events, a farmer’s market, the Polk County Fair and much more.
    Read more about Dallas
  • Independence/Monmouth
    Discover small town charm and contemporary convenience in a delightful location. Whether you are looking for the historic downtown of Independence or the vibrancy of Western Oregon University in Monmouth, this is a great place to call home.
    Read more about Independence/Monmouth
  • Woodburn
    Woodburn epitomizes small-town charm with modern convenience. It offers proximity to Portland and Salem while maintaining a tranquil suburban vibe. With excellent schools, diverse dining and a tight-knit community, Woodburn is an inviting haven for families and individuals alike.
    Read more about Woodburn
A fountain in a courtyard in front of a field and trees
A wooden bridge in a forest

A place where all belong.

We are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and learning.

Benefits made just for you.

We offer benefits for you and your loved ones that are designed to meet your unique needs.