North Lancaster - Salem, OR

The town of Salem was first established in 1844 at the site of a former Methodist mission and a more successful college, the forerunner of today's Willamette University. Six years later, Salem became the state capital. Thanks to its schools and its central location in the Willamette Valley near verdant forests and teeming oceans, Salem thrived as a center of culture and agriculture. Over the years it saw waves of immigrants from Mexico, from China, from Japan and from Russia and Eastern Europe, creating the diverse population that North Lancaster boasts today. From North Lancaster, residents have easy access to world-class events right in their backyard. With the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center only 2 miles away, there's something new every weekend, ranging from food and wine expos to classic car auctions, to say nothing of the annual state fair itself.

While North Lancaster is not a nightlife destination, insiders have their choice of low-key local watering holes and family-owned eateries that you won't find anywhere else.

Start your evening at Bottoms Up Bar and Grill, where you're likely to find the owner himself behind the bar or working in the kitchen. Pick up a cocktail and a plate of pepper shrimp for dinner, or enjoy a plate of eggs and bacon before you head off to work in the morning.

At Hollywood Tavern, locals and visitors alike love the great beer and the hearty hamburgers dished up by the friendly staff. Eat at the bar or take your drink and your grub out to the patio to sit around the outdoor fireplace.

Satisfy your cravings for pizza and chicken wings at beloved local mini-chain Odd Moe's Pizza. While you're picking up a gluten-free pie or a traditional crust pie, make sure you remember to grab one of Odd Moe's own home-made microbrews.

For something completely different, belly up to the bar for a spider roll and a cucumber salad from Momiji Japanese Crepes and Sushi. Half hidden in the back of a market, this little gem of a restaurant serves up sashimi, nigiri and rolls of all kinds.

Within North Lancaster, many residents get around by personal vehicle. With Interstate 5 running right through town and other smaller highways running through the area as well, it's easy to get around locally and statewide.

If you're between cars or prefer a more eco-friendly method of transportation, grab a ride through Cherriots Salem-Kaizer Transit, the local transportation authority. Cherriots runs daily bus service, non-emergency medical transportation and special services for seniors and the disabled. About 20 percent of the neighborhood participates in some kind of ride-share or carpooling program.

For travel within the neighborhood, you'll find bike lanes on most of the major streets and well-lit, wide sidewalks available for pedestrians.

Traditional taxi service is just a phone call away, but you might have a harder time finding an Uber or a Lyft driver.

In addition to the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley's mountains and nearby waterfront, residents of North Lancaster also enjoy a wide selection of parks and public open spaces within town.

In the heart of the neighborhood is McKay School City Park. With football, baseball and soccer fields to the south and playgrounds, walking paths and picnic areas to the north, this park expands over several blocks.

Across the 5 you can choose from three smaller city parks: Livingston City Park, Eastgate Basin Park and Northgate Park, all of which offer playgrounds, sports fields and shady spaces for relaxing with friends and family.

Just a couple miles to the west is Minto Brown Island Park, a riverside stretch of land offering miles of trails, stunning views and even an off-leash park for your pups. Equally close is the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Every summer, locals and residents from across the state pack in for great fun, food and music.

Many residents are drawn to North Lancaster for the affordable housing in an area so close to Portland and to the conveniences of the state capital. A one-bedroom apartment goes for about $620 on average.

A bus ride to the city center ranges from $1.60 to $2.25 depending on which line you are taking. Or take your own car: Salem's gas prices run right along the national average, so filling up isn't too hard on the wallet.

Locally, food and drink are very affordable with dive bars offering $3 and $4 beers.

North Lancaster provides a broad range of options for local shoppers within its borders and within walking distance of most homes.

The Walmart Supercenter is located in the northwest corner of the neighborhood, but there are also several other local stores offering groceries, necessities, and entertainment purchases. Buy your produce local and organic at Norman's Farmers Market. This store specializes in produce from Oregon farmers and offers dramatically lower prices than many other competing stores.

For your protein, head over to El Ranchero Meat Market and Mexican Foods for both cuts right from the butcher as well as prepared Hispanic delicacies. Grab a tres leches sheet cake, grilled carne asada and a bag of pan dulce while you're picking up your week's groceries. You'll also find Safeway, Fred Meyer and other grocery stores. In addition to a selection of chain stores selling everything from tires to shoes, North Lancaster also hosts several independently owned shops that give the area its charm. At Double H Western Wear Ranch and Feed, horse owners can find everything from custom-fitted saddles to home goods and more. Or wander into Aunt Tilly's Flower Barn to find that special bouquet or centerpiece for you or for someone special.