If you’re moving to Salem, UT, 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”. Salem is a good place to live for families!
Where Is Salem?
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. Nearby towns include Woodland Hills, Elk Ridge, and Spanish Fork.
Salem UT Population & Demographics
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:
- Median age: 28.3 years
- Racial and ethnic composition: 90.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.95% Hispanic, 5.96% two or more races
- Median household income: $92,250 (the state average is $79,133)
- Educational attainment: 97% high school graduate or higher, 40% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 2.4%
Is Salem UT Safe?
Salem is a very safe place to live. The crime rate is 79% lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 89% lower. 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
Salem has lots of activities, events, and things to see. 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:
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. 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
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The Dragon’s Keep caters to gamers. 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 near Salem:
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, 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 UT
Those moving to Salem 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 $1,550 per month. By comparison, rents in Provo average $1,786 per month.
As of March 2023, Salem home prices were down 5.0% compared to last year, and the average home price in Salem is $577,322. On average, homes in Salem sell after about 95 days on the market compared to 14 days last year.
Jobs in Salem
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 commute to Provo for work. The average salary in Salem is $48,000.
Salem Schools
Salem is served by the Nebo School District. Salem Elementary, Foothills Elementary, Salem Junior High, and Salem Hills High are located in Salem.
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 Statistics & Information
- Salem county: Utah
- Area: 10.53 square miles
- Salem UT zip code: 84653
- Salem area code: 385 and 801
- Elevation: 4,610 ft
- Time zone: UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
- Closest airport to CITY: Provo Municipal Airport (PVU), 16 miles away
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. Call us today at 801-770-0765 for your free moving quote.
