Hi..anyone here from Salem? [View all]

I am considering moving back to the Pacific Northwest , recently took a trip to Seattle and Vancouver, and stopped in Salem twice. Wondering what kind of town it is, seems less expensive and fairly close to Portland. But it does seem rural and wonder if that might be a drawback, kind of republican if you know what I mean. I've been looking at houses online and they are affordable. Saw one I really liked, but don't know enough about the area to tell if it's a good neighborhood...1605 18th Street NW. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.