South Central - Salem, OR Area Guide

Salem acts as the traditional home of the Kalapuya Native Americans, who thrived in the bounty of the central Willamette Valley. Immigrants and pioneers arrived by wagon and riverboat during the 19th century, establishing industries and agricultural enterprises. Methodist missionaries created the Oregon Institute in 1842, which later became Willamette University. Salem was named capital of Oregon in 1842. Development continued into the 20th century, with a paper mill constructed in the 1920s and the inauguration of Salem General Hospital that same decade. Influential Oregonians, such as Asahel Bush and Dr. Luke Port, built extravagant houses in the South Central area near Bush's Pasture Park. Today, these Victorian beauties stand as historic museums that can be toured and rented for weddings and other events. Salem's First Friday Art Walk presents a fun opportunity to stroll the streets of Downtown and northern South Central, soaking up Salem's art scene.

South Central has some classic American fare mixed in with Chinese, Hawaiian, and Mexican restaurants as well. Dining areas can be found primarily on either Commercial Street or 12th Street. Salem's Best Little Roadhouse, a Route 66-inspired steak house, offers a gargantuan menu featuring burgers, entrees and salads. House specialties include choice cuts of steak and baby back ribs with watermelon BBQ sauce. Purists should stick with the ribeye steak, heavily aged and cooked to perfection over a mesquite wood fire. Kids love the attached mini-golf course with gardens and a small waterfall feature. Another local favorite, Kwan's Original Cuisine, serves up unique variations on traditional Chinese dishes featuring emu, ostrich, mock meats and more. Kwan's can accommodate any dietary need including vegan, vegetarian, macrobiotic and gluten-free dishes. For a real delicacy, try the mandarin pressed duck, accented with orange slices, sesame seeds, cilantro and broccoli tops. Diners may select their preference from six whole grain rice varieties and 10 cooking oils. Locals love McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House, located in a century-old house in the south hills. The brewpub hosts events in the brewery and occasional live music. Other bars and pubs are on hand in downtown Salem, just north of the South Central neighborhood.

South Central sits just below downtown Salem, allowing for bike commuting, walking and alternative transportation. Bike lanes remain available on many streets in the area, providing extra safety. Salem public transit proves widely available in the area and connects riders with all of Salem and Keizer. Hailing a cab on the street can be difficult, but plenty of services are available by phone. Salem does not have any active Uber drivers. Public parking exists abundantly, and access to highway 22 provides convenient access to Interstate 5 and other major routes.

Greenspaces and parks remain abundant in and around the South Central neighborhood, providing recreation options for all. Each neighborhood park can be enjoyed free of charge. Locals love Bush's Pasture Park for running, biking, hiking and other exercise activities. Kids go crazy over the four distinct play areas, while dogs are welcome anywhere in the park on a leash. There exist several gardens to explore, lighted tennis courts and the historic Bush House Museum, a Victorian house built in the late 19th century which showcases early Oregon artifacts and furniture. At 90.5 acres in size, Bush's Pasture provides ample space for all types of fun in the forest. For even more wilderness fun, check out Minto-Brown Island park located on the Willamette River. Dogs can run free and happy in a 15-acre, enclosed, off-leash area with a whole range of sociable canines. Runners and cyclists adore the miles of paved paths cascading through the forest environment. With a rustic feel, the 1,200 acres of Minto-Brown feel like an oasis in the city, making it the perfect destination for those who seek solitude or reconnection with nature. The annual Run4Day 5K and 10K run in Minto-Brown Park provides material and moral support for the Children's Cancer Research Foundation, making for a great reason to come out and sweat.

The cost of living in South Central Salem remains somewhat higher than the city average but still sits on par with the national average. A one-way bus pass to the city center costs $1.50. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence sits at $517.76. The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs anywhere from $3 to $5. Gas prices on average float around 7 percent lower than the national average.

The main shopping areas of South Central run parallel to Commercial Street and the twin roads of 12th and 13th Street. Practical stores predominate over high-end boutiques in the area, although booksellers and a natural foods grocery store add quality of life here. Honeywood Winery showcases Willamette Valley wines, fruit wines and meads in a charmingly rustic storefront. As the oldest winery in Oregon, Honeywood has pioneered the way for Oregon's success with the wine industry. Stop in and soak up the history with a complementary wine tasting, no appointment necessary. Don't forget to peruse the gift boxes, specialty foods and wine-related gifts. South Central has got you covered when it comes to keeping crafty, with the very popular Tangled Purls, a local yarn shop with a focus on eco-friendly, fair-trade and organic merchandise. The store feels more like a community center, with workshops, classes and groups meeting regularly. Books, accessories and other fabric art equipment, such as felting supplies, are available too. South Central has become a hub for fair-trade and organic foods as well at LifeSource Natural Foods, a locally owned company in Salem since 1994.