Salem OR Moving Companies

Salem, Oregon

Oregon is a state known for its great outdoors and its sprawling natural landscapes. Farmers, hikers and nature lovers thrive in Salem; the state capital of Oregon nestled in the agricultural county of Willamette Valley. In this picturesque part of town, roadside stands and hiking trails are the norm during the warm weather. In addition to fields of flowers and crops, there are over 200 wineries to visit in one of Oregon’s most sprawling wine-growing regions. Salem, Oregon is the largest city in the state after Portland and Eugene, which are both within driving distance. The city is home to more than 150,000 people whose population is growing more and more people are moving to Salem. Long distance movers come here for the peace, many trading in busy city lives for the calmness of the countryside.

Economy:
In Salem, there are farmers who work the land, and then there are business folk who take advantage of their location adjacent from the I-5 connecting them to Oregon’s largest city Portland. The largest employer in the city is the state government. Another top employer in Salem is the Salem Hospital with over 2,700 employees. Oregon’s economy has been in the news recently because of the double-digit unemployment and early school closures at the beginning of this year. However, economists have predicted a recovery towards 2011 when the high-tech and solar energy jobs will pick up the slack in other fields. The lag in home improvement projects due to the recession has affected the region’s construction and wood product industries, according to the daily Oregon online newspaper The Oregonian, reporting from Salem and other major cities.

Tourism:
There are many coveted locations in Salem that tourists and city natives flock. Salem, at the center of Willamette Valley, is one of the nation’s top producers of agriculture seed stock. These are the best natural sights to take in—imagine a grand field of sunflowers on Silverton Road, or the cherry trees outside of the Oregon Capitol Mall in full bloom. The Valley’s grand rivers, lakes and waterfalls also gives locals and visitors plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, camping, drift boating, fly-fishing, hiking and more. There are plenty of local paradises including the Silver Falls State Park, where are there over ten waterfalls to see. Many people also gush about the views from the top of Mary’s Peak, which is the highest in the Coast Range allowing for views of the ocean that cannot be comparable to anything else.

Salem intrastate and interstate movers will experience a place unlike any other. The region’s farmers and attractions make Salem what it is—just ask the locals. There is plenty to do and places to explore, including the Wooden Shoe Bulb Company, Oregon Garden, as well as the McMinnville’s Evergreen Aviation Museum. There are also over 50 wooden bridges and plenty of discovery zones for children.

History:
Salem, being the state’s capital and one of Oregon’s oldest communities, is imbued with colorful accounts of history. The Indian name for the area was once Chemeketa, which meant “meeting or resting place.” Chemeketa could have also been the name of the Calapooya Indians. The Oregon Institute was established in 1842. One of the trustees of came from Salem, Massachusetts to Oregon who seemingly named the city Salem, for ease. Salem is an anglicized version of the Hebrew word “shalom,” which means peace. Salem was not the capital of the state as it was contested for many years until the destruction of the Capitol at Salem in 1855, which established the area’s importance.

Colleges/Universities:

• Willamette University
• Corban College
• Chemeketa Community College

Interesting Facts:

• Oregon’s tallest building is located in Salem. It is Oregon’s third Capitol Building recorded at 337.5 feet. The structure was completed in 1937.
• Salem is often called “The Cherry City” because of the area’s cherry industry that began in 1847 when pioneer Henderson Lewelling arrived from Iowa with 700 cherry plants. The city’s first Cherry Fair was held in 1903 over three days.
• The film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was filmed at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem.

Helpful Links:

• Official City of Salem Website
• Salem Moving Guide