Salem is divided by geographic designations. State Street divides Salem into north and south. The Willamette River divides the city into east and west. While students live throughout Salem, many choose to live in central Salem (the area surrounding Willamette University, the Capitol and downtown area) and South Salem. Other popular housing locations for students include Keizer, which adjoins Salem to the north, and West Salem, the are of Salem west of the Willamette River. Few graduate students live east of Interstate 5.
Some students commute from Portland and its suburbs including Tigard, Tualatin and Lake Oswego, which are located about 45 minutes north of Salem. Other students call the suburbs of Wilsonville and Charbonneau home, which are only approximately 30 minutes away from campus. Rental prices in these suburb communities are comparable to the higher rents of Portland, but are ideal for those with partners or spouses who work in Portland. The commute south from these locations is pleasant as traffic is generally light on the Interstate 5 straightaway.
- On Campus Housing
- Off Campus Housing
- More Resources for Finding Off Campus Housing
- Utility Providers in Salem
- Homestays for International Students
1. On Campus Housing
The majority of graduate students secure housing in the Salem community; however, a very limited number of apartments may be available on campus in the University Apartments. The University Apartments are located one block from the College of Law. Leases are available in June. If interested, contact Residence Life and Housing at (503) 370-6212 or housing@willamette.edu to be put on the mailing list. Graduate student assignments are made on the basis of space availability with preference going to returning students. Assignments are confirmed in mid-July.
2. Off Campus Housing
Salem has a varied selection of rental housing, some very close to campus and others within a 15–20 minute drive. You are advised to make your housing arrangements in June or July to avoid a last-minute rush.
Salem Area Apartments
The following is a partial list of rental apartments in the Salem area. We offer this list as a public service to incoming students. While Willamette students have rented many of the apartments below, Willamette University makes no specific recommendation or endorsement of any of the facilities listed.
The list below includes information about cost, distance from campus and other attributes of area apartment complexes. Distances to school are reasonably accurate, as are rents and deposits, but all information is subject to change.
Many of these apartments are listed in the apartment search websites such as Zillow, ApartmentList, Padmapper, Apartments, and Craigslist.
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Battlecreek Lodges Rent: $1,250- $1,650 - 1 BR | $1,450- $2,425 - 2BR | $1,700 - $2,575 - 3BR |
Battlecreek South Apartments Rent: 1 BR $900; 2 BR $1000 |
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Colonial Apartments Rent: $825- 1 BR | $925 2 BR + 1 BA |
Eola Heights Apartments Rent: $1,199 - $1,449 - 1 BR | $1,595 - $1,795- 2 BR | $1,795 - $1,895 - 3 BR |
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The Forum Rent: $1,050 - 1 BR | $1,150 - 2BR | $1,200 - 2 BR + 1.5 BA |
The Frances Apartments Rent: $1,125 ($800 deposit) - Studio | $1,200 ($850 deposit) - 1 BR Features: Historical building Distance to school: 1/2 mile |
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Grand Oak Apartments Rent: $875-$999- 1 BR | $999-$1,099 - 2 BR |
Lee Apartments Rent: $1,125 ($800 deposit) - Studio | $1,200 ($850 deposit) - 1 BR | $1,300 ($950 deposit) - 2 BR |
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Madras Apartments Rent: $975- $1,025 2 BR + 1 BA |
McNary Heights Apartments Rent: $1,250- $1,400 - 1 BR + 1BA | $1,350 - $1,550 - 2 BR +1 BA | $1,550 - |
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North Park Rent: $965 - 1 BD + 1 BA | $1,295 -2 BD + 1 BA | $1,395 - 3 BD + 1 BA |
Northwood Apartments Rent: $1,375 - $1,575 - 2 BD + 1 BA |
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Park View Apartments Rent: $1,435 - $1,567 2 BD + 1 BA |
(503) 378-1265 Rent: $1,125 - $1,175 - 1 BD + 1 BA | $1,200 - 2 BD + 1 BA |
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Rolling Hills Townhouses Rent: $1075 - 2 BR | 3 BR Townhouses $1,275 |
Southvista Apartments Rent: $1,450 - 2 BD + 2 BA |
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TOR Properties Rent: $1,495 - 2 BR + 2 BA; other apartments available |
Wallace Park Apartments Rent: $1050 - 2 BR + 1 BA | $1100 - 2 BR + 2 BA | $1200 - 3 BR + 2 BA |
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Willamette Estates Rent: $1,189- $1,199 (Studio) | $1,390 - $1,400 ( 1 BD + 1 BA) | $1,544 (2 BD + 1 BA) | $1,500- $1,648 (2 BD + 2 BA) | $2,004 - $2,079 (3 BD + 2 BA) |
Willamette Park Apartments Rent: $1,700 - $1,800 (2 BD + 2 BA) |
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Willamette Terrace Rent: $1,610- $2,190 ( 1 BD + 1 BA) | $1,950 - $2,675 ( 2 BD + 1 BA) | $2,185- $2,905 (2 BD + 2 BA) |
Acero Apartments Rent: $1,325-$1,855 - 1 BR | $1,530-$2,340 - 2 BR |
*Not an exhaustive list, details are limited based on deemed significance, this page is intended to be a starting location to begin your housing search, prices and availability may vary depending on property/market
Other Apartments:
South Block, Woodside Estates, Willamette Landing, Rose Park Apartments, Lockhaven Hill Estates, Keizer Terrace, Gateway Village Apartments, Fairmount Park, and others. This list is not exhaustive and can be supplemented with other companies and sites.
3. More Resources for Finding Off Campus Housing
Property Management Companies
Contacting property management companies that manage rentals is another good way to locate rentals. Here is a partial list. Some charge a fee for their listings.
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Eldred Realty (503) 581-3434 eldredrealty@gmail.com (Mainly single family homes, duplex, and triplex units. No apartments.) |
Shelter Management |
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Ned Baker Real Estate Inc |
Norris & Stevens Realtors Inc (30+ properties here in the Salem area) |
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*Please note that while the newspapers post many rental listings on Sundays, the property management companies that manage many of these rentals are only open Monday through Friday. |
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Newspaper
The Statesman Journal is Salem’s daily newspaper. The Sunday edition features the greatest number of rental announcements. Houses, apartments, townhouses and duplexes are listed by category and by geographic area.
The Oregonian is Portland’s daily newspaper. It includes rental announcement for Portland and the city’s suburban areas. It includes a very limited list of Salem rentals.
Campus Bulletin Boards
A few rental announcements are posted on the bulletin boards located in the lower level of the College of Law near the locker area. Willamette community members are also encouraged to use Switchboard, which, in essence, is Craigslist just for the Willamette community.
Looking for a Roommate
If you are interested in sharing an apartment or house, email our Admissions Office at law-admissions@willamette.edu and we will do our best to put you in contact with other interested students.
4. Utility Providers in Salem
The following is a partial list of the various utility providers in the Salem area. If you are renting an apartment check with your landlord or apartment management company before contacting these utility providers as some of these services are provided by apartment owners. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and Willamette University makes no specific endorsement of these providers.
ElectricityPortland General Electric |
Natural GasNorthwest Natural |
Telephone, Cable, & Internet Service
Both Comcast and CenturyLink provide phone and internet service to the Salem area. There are also numerous other internet service providers throughout the Willamette Valley, however these are the main two providers. InMyArea.com also offers a service for finding off-campus utilities.
| Comcast Xfinity 1-800-xfinity (1-800-934-6489) |
CenturyLink (800) 244-1111 |
5. Homestays for International Students
International students may be interested in seeking a cultural and language immersion experience. Willamette University partners with 2 local homestay providers that match students with host families in the Salem area. Both ANDEO and American Homestay Network screen and interview their host families, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students.
ANDEO
ANDEO is a Portland-based nonprofit organization that offers homestays for international students attending colleges and universities in Oregon. A homestay can be a great learning experience for international students who wish to immerse themselves in American culture and the English language as part of a local family. All ANDEO homestays include a private bedroom, all meals, high-speed internet access, and access to public transportation. Please call (503) 274-1776 for more information.
American Homestay Network
American Homestay Network (AHN) is an international organization that matches students with host families, including in the Salem area. Please visit Student Room Stay for more information.