WHAT IS SALEMTOWNE?
Salemtowne is a 55+ active adult golf community located on the west side of the Willamette River in Polk County, less than three miles from the center of Salem, Oregon. Salemtowne was developed on the site of an historic orchard owned by the Wallace family and their original farmhouse has been incorporated into the main activity complex.
Salemtowne offers a private executive golf course, swimming pool, woodshop, fitness center, pickleball courts, activity rooms, RV or extra vehicle storage and many more amenities. Located within the Salem city limits, Salemtowne has all the city services as well as services provided by Polk County.
The community was established in 1967 and contains 462 individually owned homes built between 1967 and 2006. While the majority are freestanding houses, there are also two small groups of condominium units. Most houses are one-story with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two-car attached garages. The private golf course and open greenways provide residents with pleasing vistas.
WHAT ARE THE AGE RESTRICTIONS?
There are no age restrictions on who can buy a house in Salemtowne. However, at least one resident of each household must be 55 years of age or older and there may be no children under the age of 18 permanently residing in the home. Children are welcome as visitors for a period not to exceed 45 days in any consecutive twelve months.
WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATION FEES?
For 2023, the annual assessment is $1215. There are two payment options: 1) Pay in full no later than the end of January, or 2) Pay in two equal payments with first payment due no later than the end of January and second payment due no later than the end of June. This assessment maintains all of the community facilities, the common grounds and the golf course. For new homeowners, there is also a one-time buyer transfer fee of $2875 and $500 administrative fee for a total of $3375 collected at closing. Golf memberships are optional. The condominium units have additional fees to cover their maintenance and landscaping. Golf memberships are optional.
WHAT GOVERNS THE ASSOCIATION?
Salemtowne is governed by a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Bylaws recorded with Polk County. Rules and Regulations as authorized by the Bylaws and overseen by the Board of Directors help retain the qualities that initially attract residents to Salemtowne.
When you buy a home in Salemtowne you become a member of the Salemtowne Civic Association. The association is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected at the June annual meeting. The maintenance of the buildings and grounds as well as administrative support is provided by a small number of paid employees.
DOES SALEMTOWNE HAVE FACILITIES FOR CONTINUING CARE?
Those who live in Salemtowne enjoy independent living in private homes. Salemtowne does NOT provide for continuing care or other types of continuums of care. There are several nearby assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, along with health-related services.
WHAT DO RESIDENTS DO FOR FUN IN SALEMTOWNE?
Salemtowne offers something for everyone – and if you don’t see anything you like, keep in mind that Salemtowne is a self-managed community run by volunteers demonstrating their “Salemtowne Spirit”. Step up and start a new activity! There are bound to be others who will appreciate you for doing so. Show More
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BUYING A HOME IN SALEMTOWNE?
The Salemtowne Civic Association does not handle property sales or rentals. If you are interested in buying property in Salemtowne, a local real estate agent will be happy to answer your questions and will have current information on available properties for sale. There is also no central management of properties for rent. Persons interested in rental properties need to contact the individual owner or their personal representative. Show More
WHERE ARE THE CLOSEST AIRPORTS?
The closest airports are located in Eugene (EUG) and Portland (PDX). The City of Salem airport is used by private planes and jets, not commercial airlines.
TAXES
Property taxes are based on the Polk County assessor’s valuation (not real market value). If you are considering a move to Oregon, it is important to note that Oregon does not have a sales tax. While there is an income tax, all or part of a US government pension, including military pensions is tax exempt in Oregon depending on your years of service.
UTILITIES
Salemtowne is serviced by Salem Electric (a co-op) and Northwest Natural Gas. Salem’s water is supplied from the North Santiam River and is rated among the highest quality in the nation. Weekly garage and recycling pickup is provided by Valley Recycling.
- Water & Sewer – City of Salem – Phone: 503-588-6099
- Electric – Salem Electric – Phone: 503-362-3601
- Natural Gas – NW Natural – Phone: 800-422-4012
- Trash & Recycling – Valley Recycling and Disposal, Inc. – Phone: 503-585-4300
TELL ME ABOUT SALEM, OREGON
Salem is Oregon’s capital and is the third largest city in the state. Early Northwest pioneers flocked to Salem and the Willamette Valley for the fertile grounds which are evident everywhere. In addition, the Oregon State Capital grounds are a major attraction, with several other interesting attractions located within walking distance. Surrounded by farms and vineyards, Salem is also a wonderful destination for wine, farm stands and dining.
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 known for its beauty and the rugged Cascade Mountains with majestic Mt Hood can be reached in less than two hours. Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is only one hour away.
The CITY OF SALEM.NET website provides a wealth of information available from the City of Salem including information about the city government, building permits, calendars, recreation, parks, neighborhoods, volunteering and much more.
TELL ME ABOUT POLK COUNTY
Although Salemtowne is located in the city of Salem, unlike much of Salem which is located in Marion County, Salemtowne as part of West Salem is actually located in Polk County. The Polk County website provides a wealth of information specific to Polk County such as property values, property taxes, voters ballets, dog licenses and much more.
