If you’re moving to Salem, Utah, you’ll find it a small, rural farming community. The city was once called “Summer Spring” by local Native Americans and “Pond Town” by early settlers in 1851. Salem was named after New Salem, MA, the birthplace of Lyman Curtis, an early pioneer who moved there in 1856. The town hosts Salem Days on the second Saturday of August each summer, where the community celebrates their “City of Peace”.
Today, living in Salem UT has never been better! The area boasts a low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and friendly people. Here’s what you need to know about living in Salem UT.
Is Salem UT a Good Place to Live?
Salem UT is a good place to live. With an affordable cost of living, amazing nature, and a high median income among residents, living in Salem UT has never been better.
Where Is Salem Utah?
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What county is Salem Utah in? Salem, UT is located in Utah County in the Utah Valley. The city is part of the Provo–Orem metropolitan area. Salem is about 13 miles south of Provo. Salem Utah is 58.6 miles from Salt Lake City.
When living in Salem UT, you can explore nearby towns like Woodland Hills, Elk Ridge, and Spanish Fork.
Salem Utah Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Salem UT? Salem has a population of 9,298 as of the 2020 census, which is a 31% increase from the 2010 census. The population density is 885.52/sq mi.
Salem demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50.2% female, 49.8% male
- Median age: 28.3
- Racial and ethnic composition: 90.8% White (86.85% non-Hispanic), 5.96% two or more races
- Median household income: $92,250 (the state median income is $79,133 and the national median income is $80,610)
- Educational attainment: 97.4% high school degree (or higher), 40% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 2.4%
Is Salem Safe?
Salem is a very safe place to live. The crime rate is 80% lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 94.9% lower. Therefore, you can feel very safe when moving to Salem Utah. Living in Salem UT is also safer than living in SLC, as the crime rate is far below the Salt Lake City crime rate. The Salem City Police Department is committed to maintaining and enhancing Salem’s status as the City of Peace.
Things to Do in Salem UT
There are lots of activities, events, and things to see when living in Salem UT. You’ll also find convenient shopping at Salem City Shops. While Salem doesn’t have a mall of its own, nearby malls include Canyon Creek in Spanish Forks and Mountain View East Professional Plaza in Payson. Here are some of the best things to do in Salem Utah.
Salem Pond
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Salem Pond is a spring-fed body of water that offers fun things to do for the whole family when living in Salem UT. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are some of the available water activities. The path surrounding the pond is great for walking, rollerblading, skateboarding, and biking. Fish in the pond for rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Kids can enjoy the playground, and there are picnic tables for visitors to use.
Salem Pond, 30 West 100 South, Salem, UT 84653, 801-423-2770
Utah Valley Llamas
Utah Valley Llamas offers a unique opportunity to see llamas up close and personal. Feed, brush, and pet these docile animals. You can also rent a llama for a day, week, or month to take camping, hiking, or for parties. A wrangler guide goes with you. Discover how fun and friendly llamas are!
Utah Valley Llamas, 8628 South State Road, Spanish Fork UT 84660, 801-919-9933
The Dragon’s Keep
After moving to Salem Utah, make sure you check out The Dragon’s Keep. As the only comic book shop in Utah Valley, they have a wide range of comics for every taste. Come play Trading Card Games such as Magic The Gathering, Pokemon, YuGiOh!, and Dragon Ball Super. If you like gaming miniatures such as Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar, you can join a league. Dragon’s Keep also specializes in Role-Playing Games like D&D, Pathfinder, Star Wars, and more. Come in for board games during family game night!
Dragon’s Keep, 239 N. Main St., Spanish Fork, UT 84660, 801.504.6522
Additional attractions near Salem:
- Coin Crazy Family Fun Center
- Dripping Rock Falls
- Adventure Heights Park
Salem Restaurants
You’ll find a variety of restaurants in Salem to satisfy every taste. Here are two of the best restaurants to check out when living in Salem UT:
Gandolfo’s Deli
Gandolfo’s bakes their own breads, uses their own signature meats and cheeses, and makes their deli salads fresh every day. Everything is prepared by hand for the freshest and best-tasting food in Salem. Their first-bite guarantee says that if after one bite, you’re not eating the best sandwich you’ve ever tasted, they’ll give you your money back. Ask anyone living in Salem UT, and they’ll recommend this eatery!
Gandolfo’s Deli, 565 W. State Rd. 198 Hwy 6, Salem, UT, 801-423-3354
Main Street Pizza
Main Street Pizza offers a wide variety of traditional pizzas as well as a selection of healthy pizzas, including the California pizza and the veggie pizza. They also serve wings, calzones, and different types of breadsticks, such as jalapeno, cheese, cinnamon, and pepperoni.
Main Street Pizza, 466 N SR 198, Salem, UT 84653, (801) 423-0199
Average Rent & Homes for Sale in Salem Utah
Those moving to Salem Utah should plan to buy a home. Salem is made up of 98% single-family homes, and owner-occupancy is 97%, so there aren’t a lot of rental options in the city. Rental prices average about $2,088 per month, according to RentCafe.
Are you thinking about buying a home when living in Salem UT? According to Redfin, the median home price in Salem UT is $849,950. The Salem Utah real estate market is quite competitive, and home prices are up 40.5% compared to last year.
Jobs in Salem UT
Are you thinking about searching for Salem Utah jobs? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of options when living in Salem UT. The largest employers in Utah County are Brigham Young University, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, and the Alpine School District. Many people living in Salem UT commute to Provo for work. The average salary in Salem is $48,000.
If you’re looking for jobs before moving to Salem Utah, you can search for ‘jobs in Salem Utah’ on Indeed. You can also check out City of Salem jobs on the city’s official website.
Salem UT Schools
What can you expect from schools when living in Salem UT. Salem is served by the Nebo School District. Salem Elementary, Foothills Elementary, Salem Junior High, and Salem Hills High are located in Salem.
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The nearest college to Salem, and the highest-rated in the area, is Brigham Young University Provo, about 13.7 away. The largest college in the area is Utah Valley University, with an enrollment of 41,262 students. Snow College in Ephraim is the least expensive, with a yearly tuition of $3,616.
Salem UT Statistics & Information
- County: Utah
- Area: 10.53 sq mi (885 people per square mile)
- Salem Utah zip code: 84653
- Salem Utah area code: 385, 801
- Salem Utah elevation: 4,610 ft
- Salem Utah time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Salem Utah: Provo Municipal Airport (PVU / KPVU), 16 miles away
Salem Map
You can refer to this map when living in Salem UT.
Is Moving to Salem Utah in Your Future?
Does living in Salem UT sound great? If you’re ready to make Salem, UT your new home, let the top-rated Salem movers at Wasatch Moving take care of all your moving needs. We will make moving to Salem Utah a smooth and stress free process! Call us today at 801-335-5603 for your free moving quote.
