Let the numbers do the talking.
Gresham, OR vs Salem, OR
Gresham, OR vs Salem, OR: What the data shows
Gresham, OR is in Gresham, OR while Salem, OR is in Salem, OR — both in the same state. On home prices, Salem, OR is the more affordable option at $274,900 median — $98,900 less than Gresham, OR's $373,800. WYLT rates Gresham, OR as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Salem, OR as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Gresham, OR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Salem, OR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Gresham, OR has Low flood risk and Salem, OR has Low flood risk.
Salem, OR is the more walkable neighborhood. Gresham, OR scores 28/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Salem, OR's 33/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Gresham, OR has the higher school rating — Gresham, OR rates 8.1/10 and Salem, OR rates 8/10.
| Category | Gresham, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $374K | $275K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $61K ✓ Higher income | $53K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 28/100 | 33/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 20/100 ✓ Better transit | 14/100 |
| Bike Score | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable | 18/100 |
| Commute | 35 min | 35 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 8/10 |
| Best for | Families with kidsSuburban commuters to PortlandPeople seeking moderate housing prices | FamiliesStudentsFirst‑time homebuyers |
Bottom line
If you prioritize good schools, a family-friendly environment, and moderate housing prices, Gresham might be a solid choice, despite some drawbacks with car dependence and commute time. However, if your main concerns are affordability, practicality, and accessibility, Salem is currently a better option for you. Gresham's trade-offs may be more acceptable for families with kids, but Salem offers more balanced livability for a broader range of residents.
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