Living in Salem, VA

Downtown Salem, Virginia, features a charming row of historic brick buildings that house unique retailers, antique shops, restaurants, and business offices. A block away, the Roanoke College campus begins; within a few blocks of each other, the city's public library and the college library serve reading, research and Wi-Fi needs. The downtown area is bordered by green spaces that serve as a perfect afternoon picnic spot during the spring and summer months. On one end, you'll find a charming duck pond with gazebo and sidewalk, perfect for evening strolls or a morning outing to feed the ducks. At the other end of downtown, Longwood Park offers expansive open spaces, running trails, playgrounds and ballparks, and free musical entertainment on occasion at an outdoor stage. A farmer's market draws those living in Salem to central downtown each weekend from April to December for fresh fruits and vegetables for any weeknight cooking endeavors.

Retail establishments and other employers are found outside of downtown as well. The regional VA Medical Center is located in Salem, and non-military residents can access health care at the LewisGale Medical Center. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities along the Roanoke River in various locations throughout Salem, including Greenwood Park. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists in Salem, Virginia, have easy access to an expansive stretch of greenway through the city, and it's only a few miles drive from Salem to iconic hiking locations such as McAfee Knob. Salem is also home to the Red Sox, a minor-league, AA baseball team.

Near downtown, Salem real estate is divided more by blocks than neighborhoods; you'll find mostly brick or wood-sided homes in this area in a variety of sizes and styles. It's not odd to find a colonial-inspired two-story next to a small cottage in this area, and homes often date back 50 to 100 years. Newer homes for sale in Salem are more likely as you radiate outward from downtown. One Salem neighborhood, built near the Hidden Valley Country Club, features large, modern homes on bountiful lots. Between cottage and country club mansion, you'll find plenty of options, including suburban-style bi-level, ranch, and colonial homes on tree-lined streets.