Salem is located in the center of the Willamette Valley, one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions of the world. Salem serves as the hub of both state government and the surrounding farming communities.

State government is Salem’s largest employer with 38 of the largest state agencies and more than 20 smaller ones located in the immediate area. Salem is also a major agricultural food processing center.

Oregon’s Pacific Ocean coastline and the Cascade Mountains with majestic Mt. Hood can be reached in less than two hours and Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is only one hour away.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BUYING A HOME IN SALEMTOWNE?

The Salemtowne Civic Association does not handle property sales. If you are interested in property in Salemtowne, a local realtor will be happy to answer your questions about the Salemtowne community and about Salem and will have up to date information on property for sale in Salemtowne. Realtors, who are also Salemtowne residents, are listed in the “Buying a Home” section of this web site.

WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATION FEES?

2008 fees are $641 which maintains the golf course, common grounds and community facilities. There is a $1,000 membership fee and a $35 registration fee collected at closing. Golf membership is optional. 2008 golf fees are $398 per person for unlimited play.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DOES THE ASSOCIATION HAVE?

Paid employees include the Superintendent of Grounds, two permanent grounds crew and seasonal crew as needed, and an Office Manager. A volunteer Board of Directors manages the Association and all committee chairpersons and members are volunteers.

WHAT GOVERNS THE ASSOCIATION?

The Association is governed by a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Bylaws adopted by property owners, and the Board of Directors adopts Rules and Regulations, developed to carry out the mandates of the Bylaws.

WHAT AMENITIES DOES SALEMTOWNE OFFER?

Salemtowne is a golfing community. It offers a nine-hole executive golf course, putting green and practice areas, and a clubhouse. The community facilities include a large auditorium with a stage which serves as a multi-purpose room for programs, entertainment, meetings and also provides a pickle ball court and exercise area.

The “Farmhouse” provides additional space for activities and has a lending library, billiards room and card room. There is a patio and barbecue area and a heated pool for summer swimming. Other facilities within the complex house a ceramics workshop, a lapidary shop, a woodworking shop, a model train room and a greenhouse.

There is space provided for RV, boat and vehicle storage.

DOES SALEMTOWNE HAVE FACILITIES FOR CONTINUING CARE?

Those who buy in Salemtowne enjoy independent living in private homes or condominiums. Salemtowne, an active adult community, does not provide for continuing care, or other types of continuums of care. There are several assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, along with health-related services, nearby.

WHAT DO RESIDENTS DO FOR FUN IN SALEMTOWNE?

There is something for everyone—and if you don’t see anything you like, we will start a new activity! Besides the activities already mentioned, there are well organized Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs that plan special golfing events and frequent tournaments, bingo, book clubs, creative writing, card clubs, men’s and women’s clubs, hospitality club, RV club, theatre group, tai chi, water aerobics, and woodcarvers.

Nearby Chemeketa Community College and Willamette University provide continuing education classes.

Our great group of volunteers also plans holiday and other activities throughout the year for the residents. Some of these activities include a Newcomer’s Party, a Halloween Party, an Advent Walk around the golf course, a Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve Party, summer socials, and a parking lot “garage” sale.