Salem, Ohio, got its start in 1806. The original town population was only 100 people, and the town has come a long way since then!
Salem got a humble start but has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding during the early 19th century. Today, it has a population of roughly 12,303 people, according to the most recent census. At its heart, however, it is still a small, rural community in the northeastern side of Ohio that's perfect for renters who need a respite from the hectic running that modern life requires. The largest big town nearby is Youngstown, and Salem proper is almost completely equidistant between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Due to its positioning, Salem provides a quiet home life while still remaining entirely accessible to commute to both of these big cities for work. It is well suited for families who desire extra land and who do not want to pay the premiums that come from trying to get acreage near the bigger cities.
When you're looking at properties in Salem, it's helpful to know whether you are dealing with the homeowner, a management company, or a real estate agent. Dealing directly with a homeowner helps if you have a unique rental situation, such as unusual pets, poor credit, or a lack of landlord references. When you deal with a real estate agent or a property management company, the people there usually want all the Is dotted and the Ts crossed before they rent a property.
Pay attention to the condition of the apartment in Salem before you make a rental decision. Many of these houses and apartments have been standing for decades, which brings advantages in appearance and character and disadvantages in terms of older mechanical systems and appliances. Ohio is a cold state in the wintertime, so you especially want to know that the furnace can keep up with the demands that the blizzards bring.
Landlords in Salem aren't so different from landlords anywhere else, and they'll want to see plenty of documents before handing you your set of keys. Before you start looking at rental properties, get your paperwork in order. Collect your proof of employment-pay stubs or bank statements work just fine-credit report, and landlord references before you view apartments. Bringing a checkbook is also a smart bet-you wouldn't want your ideal apartment to get snatched out from under your nose.
Salem is contained within a small 6.43-square-mile, and for this reason doesn't have neighborhoods as you typically imagine them. Most of Salem is dedicated to residential area. The city is bisected through the middle by route 14, which changes to 173 and 62 as you head west of town. This gives you a great deal of accessibility when it comes to a fast commute to big cities, although you will still be spending an hour on the road to get where you need to go.
Salem is served by Deer Creek Apartments, Kerrybrook Apartments, and Four Seasons apartments for rentals. However, most properties in this area are single-family homes and townhouses. As this is a rural community, the amount of land gets you access to yards that most apartment and house rental occupants can only dream of.
Salem is the type of town that you come home to, but it's rare that you're going to work here. This area's job opportunities primarily revolve around retail, service industries, and healthcare positions. If you work in an industry outside of those, your best opportunities come from Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
Most of Salem's businesses are situated along route 14, making the middle of the city the most walkable. In fact, the city as a whole is quite walkable-it has a Walk Score of 82, which means pedestrians have a field day getting around. That said, many residents do own cars, and if you plan to commute, a car is a must.
This rural community is home to 300 acres of city parks for outdoor recreation. Centennial Park has picnic tables, baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, and a duck pond. The Waterworth Memorial Park has an outdoor concert shell that plays host to plenty of live music events.
If you're not a fan of cooking, Salem's got your back. The town has a great selection of restaurants, both in terms of national chains and locally-owned eateries. The Skyline Diner appeals to avid eaters and aviation enthusiasts. Located right next to the Salem Air Park, this diner specializes in homemade pies, sandwiches, and other classic American fare. If you prefer something lighter than burgers and fries, you're still in luck. Annabell's Restaurant on Benton Road has a menu with better-for-you options; diners recommend any of the seafood selections, but the steak salad is also popular.
Salem has many of the box stores and national chains you'd find anywhere, but it does offer some unique shopping opportunities. Health nuts frequent Natural Solutions, a shop specializing in natural cosmetics and personal-care products-no botox here! Sport Connection is the place to go if you need custom jerseys made for the team you're coaching, and Antique's Books & Clock Shop specializes in-well, you know, antique books and clocks.
Salem is a quiet rural community that takes you away from the stress of the big city, all while providing the amenities you need to stay comfortable. For that perfect blend of country and city, hit the road for Salem.