Moving to Salem

Welcome to Salem!

We’re excited to welcome you to Willamette University School of Law and Oregon’s capital city! Whether you’re a new or current student, this guide is designed to help you transition smoothly to life in Salem, a city known for its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With its relaxed pace of life and relatively low cost of living, Salem is an ideal place to focus on your legal education while enjoying a balanced life outside the classroom.

About Salem

Salem is the third-largest city in Oregon and serves as the state’s capital. Just a short drive from the coast, the Cascade Mountains, and Portland, Salem offers a unique mix of city amenities and scenic landscapes. In a matter of minutes, you can go from shopping downtown to exploring nearby vineyards, hiking trails, or other outdoor adventures.

This guide is designed to help you settle into your new home, find housing, and explore everything Salem has to offer. Whether you’re looking for off-campus housing, temporary accommodations, or local dining and activities, you’ll find valuable information here to make your move to Salem seamless.

Finding Your New Home

Salem offers a variety of housing options for Willamette students. Many choose to live in central Salem, near Willamette University, the Capitol, and the downtown area, while others prefer South Salem or nearby communities like Keizer and West Salem. For those willing to commute, Portland suburbs like Tigard, Tualatin, and Lake Oswego are just 45 minutes north, offering proximity to partners or family members working in the metro area.

Off-Campus Housing

Salem has a wide selection of rental housing options, some within walking distance of campus and others just a short drive away. It’s a good idea to secure your housing by June or July to avoid the last-minute rush. Many students find rentals through popular apartment search websites like Zillow, ApartmentList, Padmapper, Apartments.com, and Craigslist. You can also reach out to local property management companies, many of which offer listings for available rentals.

• When to Look for Housing

  According to Oregon law, tenants must provide a three-week notice before vacating a rental. Availability tends to increase toward the end of the month. Willamette Law recommends that incoming students move to the area by early August to get settled before classes begin.

• Bearcat Advantage

  Many apartment owners in Salem enjoy renting to Willamette graduate students. While not guaranteed, mentioning your connection to Willamette may be helpful when searching for housing.

• Salem Area Apartments

  We’ve compiled a partial list of apartments in Salem, including information on rental costs, distance from campus, and amenities. Please note that this list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Willamette University.

  Battlecreek Lodges (503) 399-9642 1690 Madras St SE Rent: $1,250- $1,650 - 1 BR | $1,450- $2,425 - 2BR | $1,700 - $2,575 - 3BR Deposit: $500 up to one month's rent (refundable); $45 application fee; $300 deposit/pet; $25 rent/pet; max 2 pets Features: Pool, tennis, laundry facilities, dishwasher, garbage disposal, gas fireplace, off-street parking, private patio or balcony. Distance to school: 5 miles	Battlecreek South Apartments (503) 585-0218 5952 Park Ct SE Rent: 1 BR $900; 2 BR $1000 Deposit: $500 on approved credit deposit; $42 application fee/adult; $300 deposit/pet; $20 rent/pet; max 2 pets Features: Laundry facilities, pool, picnic tables, barbeque area, assigned parking, on site maintenance, and dog park for all units. 2 BR comes with dishwasher included. Distance to school: 4 miles
  Colonial Apartments (503) 585-4207 1250 Wallace Rd NW Rent: $825- 1 BR | $925 2 BR + 1 BA Deposit: $900 deposit (refundable); $45 application fee/adult; $500 deposit for first pet; $100 deposit for additional pet Features: Convenient location, on-site laundry, assigned parking Distance to school: 2.8 miles	Eola Heights Apartments (503) 365-0339 3045 Gehlar Rd NW Rent: $1,199 - $1,449 - 1 BR | $1,595 - $1,795- 2 BR | $1,795 - $1,895 - 3 BR Deposit: Equal to one month's rent Features: Laundry (W/D), high speed internet, garages + plenty of parking, renter pays utilities including garbage, all units come with appliances Distance to school: 4 miles
  The Forum (503) 371-1412 350 13th St NE Rent: $1,050 - 1 BR | $1,150 - 2BR | $1,200 - 2 BR + 1.5 BA Deposits: $700 deposit (depends on credit); $35 application fee/adult Features: Gated community, fireplace, private patio, loves WU students Distance to school: .5 miles Return to Top	The Frances Apartments (503) 364-1641 555 Winter St Rent: $1,125 ($800 deposit) - Studio | $1,200 ($850 deposit) - 1 BR Deposits: $650-1145 deposit; $40 application fee/adult; $500 pet (cat/only); $25 rent/cat Features: Historical building Distance to school: 1/2 mile
  Grand Oak Apartments (503) 588-2841 4078 Liberty Rd S Rent: $875-$999- 1 BR | $999-$1,099 - 2 BR Deposit: $500 deposit; $50 application fee/adult; $500 deposit/pet; 25 lb max Features: W/D hookup, spacious rooms, cable ready, 1 parking spot included Distance to school: 4 miles	Lee Apartments (503) 364-1641 585 Winter St NE Rent: $1,125 ($800 deposit) - Studio | $1,200 ($850 deposit) - 1 BR | $1,300 ($950 deposit) - 2 BR Deposit: $650-1145 deposit; $40 application fee/adult; $500 pet (cat/only); $25 rent/cat Features: Secured building, roof-top patio Distance to school: 1/2 mile
  Madras Apartments (503) 362-8965 1701 Madras St SE Rent: $975- $1,025 2 BR + 1 BA Deposit: $500-800 deposit; no application fee Features: Laundry facilities available, no pets, play area, next to I-5, air conditioned units available Distance to school: 6 miles	McNary Heights Apartments (503) 463-5746 892 Foothill Ct NE Rent: $1,250- $1,400 - 1 BR + 1BA | $1,350 - $1,550 - 2 BR +1 BA | $1,550 - $1,755 - 2 BR + 2BA | $1,675- $1,915 - 3 BR + 2 BA Deposit: One month's rent, $50 application fee/adult; $350 deposit/pet; $25 rent/pet; max 2 pets Features: 24-hour fitness center, seasonal pool, washer/dryer installed in every apartment, assigned covered parking, attached storage, section 8 approved, complimentary coffee bar on site, built in microwaves in all units, free wifi at clubhouse Distance to school: 10.5 miles
  North Park (503) 393-3666 4356 25th Ave NE Rent: $965 - 1 BD + 1 BA | $1,295 -2 BD + 1 BA | $1,395 - 3 BD + 1 BA Deposit: Heated swimming pool, recreation rooms, basketball court, playground, washer/dryer hookups in 2 BR (stackable W/D only), laundry facilities, some storage.  Distance to school: 4 miles Return to Top	Northwood Apartments (503) 393-3080 600 Lockhaven Dr NE, Keizer Rent: $1,375 - $1,575 - 2 BD + 1 BA Deposit: One month's rent security deposit (conditionally refundable); $50 application fee/adult; $300 deposit/pet; $20 rent/pet; 2 pet limit Features: Half apartments have washer/dryer hookup and half have washer/dryer installed/fitness center/decks available on some unit, non-smoking facility. (Pet restrictions apply, and dogs must be under 35, no "aggressive breeds" lbs.) Distance to school: 5 miles
  Park View Apartments (503) 581-5386 1324 Wallace Rd NW Contact: Jeff Gibson Rent: $1,435 - $1,567 2 BD + 1 BA Deposit: One month's rent security deposit on approved credit (refundable); $40 application fee/adult; $350 security deposit/pet; $25 rent/pet/month; pets must be at least 1 years age and must be less than 25 lbs (breed restrictions apply); renter's insurance required, utilities paid by lease. Features: All units have W/D, one assigned parking for free, additional parking is $20, $15 / month / bike for bike storage. Distance to school: 2 miles	Willamette View (503) 378-1265 2332 Crestview Dr Rent: $1,125 - $1,175 - 1 BD + 1 BA | $1,200 - 2 BD + 1 BA Deposit: $500-750 deposit; $45 application fee/adult; $350-$450 pet deposit; $15 rent/pet; max 2 pets, must be under 25 lbs. Features: Laundry facilities, party room, outdoor pool, saunas, patios, assigned parking Distance to school: 2 miles
  Rolling Hills Townhouses (503) 399-9730 190 Boone RD SE 97306 Rent: $1075 - 2 BR | 3 BR Townhouses $1,275 Deposit: $1,500 deposit (refundable); $50 application fee/adult; $500 deposit/cat; max 2 cats Features: Pool, onsite laundry, W/D hookups, non-smoking facility Distance to school: 5 miles	Southvista Apartments (503) 375-9385 435 Vista Ave SE Rent: $1,450 - 2 BD + 2 BA Deposit: One month's rent; $350 deposit/pet; 25lb max, must be 12+ months old. Features: W/D included, garbage disposal, patio, deck, storage Distance to school: 2.5 miles
  TOR Properties (503) 689-2700 1531 Mill St SE Rent: $1,495 - 2 BR + 2 BA; other apartments available Deposit: One month's rent Features: Newly remodeled, private patio, on-site parking, fireplace, W/D in facility. Pets allowed on a case by case basis. Distance to school: 3 blocks	Wallace Park Apartments (503) 588-2996 540 Wallace Rd NW Rent: $1050 - 2 BR + 1 BA | $1100 - 2 BR + 2 BA | $1200 - 3 BR + 2 BA Deposit: $700-900 deposit (depending on unit), application fee $52 Features: Washer/dryer hookups, one laundry room, fitness center. Cats and small dogs $400 pet deposit per pet (under 20 lbs) Distance to school: 1.7 miles
  Willamette Estates 503-581-5400 3900 Santiam Pass Way NE Rent: $1,189- $1,199 (Studio) | $1,390 - $1,400 ( 1 BD + 1 BA) | $1,544 (2 BD + 1 BA) | $1,500- $1,648 (2 BD + 2 BA) | $2,004 - $2,079 (3 BD + 2 BA) Deposit: $550 to 2x the rent (maximum); application fee $50 per adult; $35-100 parking (covered or garage); $500 pet deposit; $35 pet rent/month; 2 pets max; 40 lbs max. Features: Washer/dryer, gas fireplace, private patio/balcony, accommodations for disabilities, reserved parking, pool, fitness center, hot tub, sauna, racquetball court, W/S/G paid by lessee. Distance to school: 4.3 miles Return to Top	Willamette Park Apartments (503) 364-9100 825 Harritt Dr NW Rent: $1,700 - $1,800 (2 BD + 2 BA) Deposit: $500 minimum deposit (refundable); $42 applicant fee/adult; $250 deposit/pet; $35 rent per pet/month; max 2 pets, breed restrictions apply Features: Balcony, cable/satellite ready, dishwasher, disposal, patio, washer/dryer in unit, clubhouse, 24-hour fitness center, playground, on bus line, reserved parking, onsite management and maintenance for emergencies. Distance to school: 2.5 miles
  Willamette Terrace (503) 303-8578 357 Owens St S Rent: $1,610- $2,190 ( 1 BD + 1 BA) | $1,950 - $2,675 ( 2 BD + 1 BA) | $2,185- $2,905 (2 BD + 2 BA) Deposit: $250-450 refundable deposit; $30 application fee/adult; couples application fee is $35; $350-450 deposit/pet. Features: Laundry facilities, pool, off-street parking, W/S/G paid Distance to school: <1 mile	Acero Apartments 503-400-7899 1948 Linwood St NW Rent: $1,325-$1,855 - 1 BR | $1,530-$2,340 - 2 BR Deposit: $500 deposit; $50 application fee; $25 pet rent per pet/month; $250 pet deposit; 2 pet limit (weight limit 100lbs - dog; 50 lbs - cat) Features: Fitness center, spa, laundry facilities, parking, W/D, dishwasher, dog park, appliances included Distance to school: 2.3 mile

• Temporary Accommodations

  If you need temporary housing while you look for permanent accommodations, there are several motels, hotels, and bed and breakfast options in the area. You can also reach out to Travel Salem for more information on local accommodations.

  Best Western Mill Creek Inn*
  (Off I-5 NE, Exit 253)
  3125 Ryan Dr SE
  503-585-3332 or 800-346-9659

  Comfort Suites*
  (Off I-5 NE, Exit 253)
  630 Hawthorne Ave SE
  503-585-9705 or 800-228-5150

  Double Tree by Hilton
  (Off I-5 North, Market St. exit)
  1590 Weston Ct NE
  503-581-7004 or 800-445-4498

  The Grand Hotel*
  (4 blocks from campus)
  201 Liberty St SE (downtown Salem)
  503-540-7800 or 1-877-540-7800

  Phoenix Inn—South (South of downtown Salem)
  4370 Commercial St SE
  503-588-9220 or 800-445-4498

  Red Lion Hotel* (Off I-5, Market St. exit)
  3301 Market St NE
  503-370-7888 or 800-248-6273

  Residence Inn by Marriott*
  (Off I-5 NE, Exit 253)
  640 Hawthorne Ave SE
  503-585-6500 or 800-331-3131

  Knights Inn*
  (Between 16th and 17th St. NE)
  1555 State St
  503-581-2466 or 800-578-7878

  *offers a Willamette discount

• Additional Housing Resources
  • Newspapers: The Statesman Journal (Salem’s daily newspaper) and The Oregonian (Portland’s newspaper) both include rental listings. The Sunday edition of the Statesman Journal often has the most rental announcements, including houses, apartments, townhouses, and duplexes.
  • Campus Bulletin Boards: A few rental listings can be found on the bulletin boards in the lower level of the School of Law near the locker area. 
  • Looking for a Roommate: If you’re interested in finding a roommate, email our Admissions Office at law-admissions@willamette.edu, and we’ll help connect you with other students seeking shared housing arrangements.

  Property Management Companies

  Contacting property management companies that manage rentals is another good way to locate rentals. Here is a partial list. Some charge a fee for their listings.

  Eldred Realty P.O. Box 7173 Salem, OR 97303 (503) 581-3434 eldredrealty@gmail.com (Mainly single family homes, duplex, and triplex units. No apartments.)	Shelter Management 3625 River Road N, Suite 125 Keizer, OR 97303 (503) 585-6176
  Ned Baker Real Estate Inc 2339 State St. Salem, OR 97301 (503) 364-6797 or 1-877-893-6797	Norris & Stevens Realtors Inc 900 SW 5th Avenue (17th Floor) Portland, OR 97204 (503) 223-3171 (30+ properties here in the Salem area)

   

  Utility Providers in Salem

  If you’re renting an apartment, some utilities may be covered by your landlord or property management company. Below is a list of utility providers in Salem:

  • Electricity: Portland General Electric
    (503) 228-6322 or (800) 542-8818
  • Natural Gas: Northwest Natural
    (800) 422-4012
  • Internet and Cable: Comcast Xfinity and CenturyLink are the main providers, but other smaller internet service providers operate in the Willamette Valley. You can use InMyArea.com to compare utility providers.

  Homestays for International Students

  Willamette partners with two local homestay organizations that provide international students with a unique opportunity for cultural and language immersion. Host families offer a safe and welcoming environment, and homestays typically include a private bedroom, meals, internet access, and proximity to public transportation.

  • ANDEO: A Portland-based nonprofit that offers homestays for international students attending colleges in Oregon. For more information, call (503) 274-1776.
  • American Homestay Network (AHN): AHN matches international students with host families in the Salem area. Visit Student Room Stay for more details.

Key Takeaways

• Start Early: Begin your housing search in June or July to secure the best options.
• Explore Different Neighborhoods: Central Salem, South Salem, and nearby areas like Keizer and West Salem are popular choices.
• Bearcat Advantage: Mentioning your connection to Willamette may help with securing housing.
• Utilities and Homestays: Review our utility provider list and explore homestay options if you’re an international student.

If you have further questions or need additional information, feel free to reach out to the Admissions Office. We’re here to help make your move to Salem as smooth as possible!