West Salem - Salem, OR

West Salem has a rich and interesting history that dates back to 1949, when it was officially merged with the city of Salem, Oregon. West Salem has always been a peaceful place, but don't let those rural roots fool you. West Salem has a love for music and art, along with a passion for culture of all kinds.

Historically, West Salem has been a blend of many cultures, taking in surprisingly strong Italian and French influences that have affected the food, art and music. The result includes things like the Hallier Ford Museum of Art, which holds several early Italian art pieces and exhibits. West Salem also helps host the Oregon State Fair, an annual fair that provides an opportunity to sample the local flavors and culture.

The restaurants of West Salem teem with just as much flavor and energy as the neighborhood's atmosphere itself. West Salem hosts a broad range of eateries, but remains most well known for its coffeehouses, American diners and British-style pubs.

A local favorite down-home diner, the Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bar features signature creme brûlee French toast as one of its top sellers. The inexpensive Broadway Coffeehouse serves mocha macchiatos that delight the locals and provides a relaxed atmosphere when you want to get some work done or get together with friends. The Crooked House Bistro, one of the finest dining spots in the area, features a different menu every day, but the locals know to ask Bernard, the chef and owner, his plans for future meals. The cod, pork and venison round out just a few of the specialties that appear on the menu.

Aside from its great food and atmosphere, West Salem also showcases an interesting night life. For a night out on the town, The Coin Jam makes a great place to get started. A popular bar with the locals, the venue contains many games to play and provides a simple way to get acquainted with the people of the neighborhood.

West Salem has a dedicated public bus system, known as Cherriots, a friendly and celebrated transit system that helps you get anywhere you need to go in the area. For $3.50, you can even get a Gocard day pass, which allows you to use the transit to go anywhere all day.

If a cab better suits your needs, Amanda's Taxi service will be glad to help. Uber's ride-share service is also available in the area, with its convenient app making it easy to find a ride at any time.

If your prefer riding your bicycle, West Salem caters to that too, offering a host of bike trails. Trail stations throughout the area provide maps and locker rentals.

With the light traffic and quiet atmosphere, even walking in West Salem can be another option for completing some of your daily errands.

West Salem has been known for beautiful foliage, as well as great parks. Minto-Brown Island Park, for example, has a dog-friendly atmosphere with many paved circular trails designed specifically for running.

If you are looking for something child-friendly, Bush's Pasture Park has a playground for the little ones. Best of all, every summer the Splash Fountains are open, which offer a great way to cool off and have fun with your family.

The average price of beer in West Salem is about $4, which is slightly lower than the national average. Public transportation can also be a penny saver in West Salem, as it won't cost more than $1.50 on average to get where you want to go.

West Salem may have a great transit system for public transportation, but getting around on your own can be another story. The average price for a gallon of gas is approximately 10 percent higher than the national average.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in West Salem costs around $800 per month.

Shopping in the West Salem area is always an interesting experience. Though many of the locals shop at the Salem Center, a standard strip mall, there are far more exotic spaces throughout the area.

Fred Meyer, for instance, is a one-stop grocery store famous for a wide selection of organic whole foods, a dietary staple in the area. West Salem also has a farmers market available every Saturday, giving local residents the chance to buy fresh produce and other handmade items.

If you are shopping for clothing in West Salem, check out Debra Herring Studio, which has a great selection of women's clothing.

If you want something truly special though, visiting the Willamette Valley Pie Company in Salem will satiate any sweet tooth. In order to ensure that the finest ingredients are being used in its pies, the company processes approximately 12 million pounds of fruit each summer, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries. The company's Farm Store opened in 2009 and is stocked with coffee, baked goods and lots of other treats.