My previous post added an extra character to the Salem PD web site URL. Use this one -- http://www.cityofsalem.net/export/departments/police/crime_s…

Tue Apr 8 2008, 10:48

The best thing to do to find the low-crime areas of Salem is to check the Salem PD web site -- http://www.cityofsalem.net/export/departments/police/crime_s…

If you might consider Keizer (adjacent to Salem), check the Keizer PD web site -- http://www.keizerpd.com/Records/Statistics.asp

If you're looking at unincorporated parts of Salem/Keizer, call the Marion County Sheriff's Department. Most crime statistics are considered public information, and any member of the public can get them in hardcopy form just by calling and asking (you may have to pay a small fee for photocopying costs). Most larger law enforcement agencies also have public information officers, who can get answers to questions about their agencies' crime data.

As for high-traffic areas, they are located all over Salem and Keizer. If you want to avoid them, I recommend staying as far as possible from the major streets (e.g., Lancaster Drive, River Road, Commercial Streeet, etc., etc.)

Best of luck.

Tue Apr 8 2008, 10:39

I opinion Englewood affordable based on pricings in other, non-Salemmarkets,

This is a GREAT way for you, as an appraiser, to give your opinion. You would be able to help consumers look at data across markets and THAT has a lot of value.

That is a professional, helpful way to inform consumers about the different Oregon markets.

Thanks!
Melina

Mon Apr 7 2008, 21:19

It seems that Englewood is certainly one of the nicer, vintage neighborhoods I have worked in. Jan Ree is nice per Melina who works there, and that is also north Salem like Englewood. Both are NorthWest like I suggested to Sujita in my first response. It DOES get dicey as you head east toward the Interstate 5 , so as I opinioned stay northwest and maybe consider areas where elevation increases. I opinion Englewood affordable based on pricings in other, non-Salemmarkets, but in Salem it's likely one of the more expensive, vintage areas. I do know that tons of 1031 exchange money is targeted for Salem since it is the more 'bang for buck' metro markets in Oregon. Call Melina for a local opinion, it's likely more accurate.

Mon Apr 7 2008, 21:11

Chris,
I do think that we as agents, and appraisers need to watch our comments. I personally don't comment on the Woodburn market or the Portland market since my opinion would not be accurate. I am not sure how someone who knows the Salem market would tell someone to stick north of Center (yes it's Englewood) and Market streets (No). That puts you into the heart of Northgate which is currently the highest crime area in Salem. So while you may feel like I am attacking you, I think it is imperative as PROFESSIONALS that we make sure what we write is based on solid day to day opinions.

It is not my intention to make the Trulia forum a message board to attack other agents, but when someone makes a glaring error like that, it needs to be addressed.

Melina

Mon Apr 7 2008, 20:48

Hi Melina,

"It's unfortunate that two people who don't work in the Salem market are choosing to comment on it.

Please refrain from treating Trulia as a platform to attack industry colleagues. We all realize this industry is full of opinions, some better than others. I do work in the Salem market and have access to all the data that you do, maybe more. The consumer will certainly appreciate a local opinion, so let them make that decision.

Regards, Chris.

Mon Apr 7 2008, 20:16

Hmmm...Not sure I agree with that as a local Salem real estate agent. Good areas to live depends on what kind of price range you are looking at.

South and West Salem generally hold home values well and have schools that consistently get strong school ratings. It is also more expensive. In central Salem, Englewood neighborhood has some really charming homes, but they are older so you'd have to want to deal with old home issues. Up North you need to be careful as there are pockets of higher crime mixed with nicer areas. The Jan Ree neighborhood is nice up there.

I would also consider the Clear Lake area in Keizer. That area is holding values well due to it's ease of access to the Brooks exit. Portland commuters love this area, and as a result homes tend to hold value well.

It's unfortunate that two people who don't work in the Salem market are choosing to comment on it. There are 18 revitalization projects that are occuring in downtown Salem and I do agree with Chris from Eugene that we are a good city for investors. There are many wonderful areas of Salem that are low crime, good schools, and peaceful. I just don't think that homes are going to appreciate at 7% in 2008.

Mon Apr 7 2008, 19:20

I have done several appraisals in Salem and find it to be one of the more affordable housing markets that have a major employment & economic base in Oregon. I was just there this weekend, northwest Salem in the rural hillsides where it is absolutely lovely, pastoral views that include Mt Hood, Jefferson, etc....vineyards, back roads to Portland, etc. I opinion northwest Salem is the most affordable neighborhoods where you can find vintage charmers close to downtown. There are also the suburban neighborhoods of newer year built. There are also 2-3 condo projects under construction presently. I think Salem is a great market to consider investing in, but stay west of the Interstate and north of Center & Market streets. It's a big city and with that comes crime & traffic, that's unavoidable in any market location. Stay north of Commercial Street NE South. Try to find something in the elevated neighborhoods which increase privacy. You'll be surprised at some of the prices for the vintage charmers, I was.

You can search Salem listings at:

www.HouseNow.com

Regards, Chris@HouseNow.com
State Certified Residential Appraiser
Principal Broker
541-912-1405

Mon Apr 7 2008, 08:35

Hmmmm.... Well just remember Stats are hard to chase. The appreciation rate is base dupon the increases in the median sales price. Salem's market is in trouble and CNN in this Case is wrong. Low Crime, peaceful, and Quiet does not apply to that much of the Salem market. No disrespect to Salem....it has it's good and bad areas like every where!

But appreciation is not measured by the what the average median price of a Home is and yet that is how they do it. The fact is that most newer homes in areas liek salem are much higher than the existing homes and therefore the averages come up...this leads to the fact that affordable housing is diminishing form the market.

So CNN is great for some things but being an accurate source of housing news and regional and city wide trends is something best left to the professionals. Move somewhere that you want to live Sujita or to invest in...and stop chasing headlines. There are good and bad deals everywhere. Most people in the know are not chasing deals in Salem.

If you are looking to invest and we are looking at this bleak economic picture.....better stay in the A locations and near major employers and find a baragain. They are out there. maybe salem is the right spot . But showing up and buying something in a good area will costs you more and I doubt you will see any gain year over year.

Just my educated opinion.

Best wishes to you;

Dirk Knudsen
Remax Hall of Fame

Mon Apr 7 2008, 07:55