CITY OF SALEM
Municipal Offices
114 N. Broad Street
Salem 540-375-3000
www.ci.salem.va.us
Chamber of Commerce
611 East Main Street
Salem 540-387-0267
www.s-rcchamber.org
Situated in the Shenandoah Valley along the Roanoke River between the Alleghany and Blue Ridge mountains, the charming city of Salem is graced by natural beauty. While nearby Roanoke claims a significantly larger population, Salem adds a number of premier amenities and attractions to residents of the region. The decades following World War II began the real development of the city, spurring several annexations that included South Salem in 1953 and an eastern tract of land in 1960. By the early ’60s, Salem was Virginia’s largest town and became an official city in 1967. In spite of consistent growth and development, Salem preserves all the charm of an intimate and friendly hometown.
The last decades of the 20th century introduced many services and amenities that have enabled Salem to emerge as a thriving and progressive city. The Salem Civic Center first opened in 1967. Salem Stadium appeared in 1985 and the Salem Museum was founded in 1995. That same year, Memorial Stadium expanded the sports opportunities in the city, and 1997 saw the opening of Salem’s Visitor’s Center. With its first-rate attractions, appealing cityscape, and spectacular surrounding beauty, Salem is a magnet for vacationers as well as for new residents.
Services
Efficiently served by Interstate 81 and other major highways, the well-managed city of Salem is unique in that it provides residents with electricity as well as water and sewer services. Nearby Roanoke provides a regional airport with commercial carriers that link to national and international destinations. Salem residents and those who live nearby have the advantage of a state-of-the-art, 521-bed tertiary hospital, the Lewis-Gale Medical Center. This healthcare hub has delivered advanced medical and surgical specialties to the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia for more than 100 years. Today, the medical center is home to a variety of specialized centers for cancer, breast, diabetes, fertility, chest pain, heart, maternity, rehabilitation, and a swallowing clinic. Salem is also home to the region’s Veterans Medical Center.
Salem also provides quality public and private educational institutions that serve students on every academic level. The Salem City School District reflects the strong commitment to excellence in test scores that are consistently above the state and national averages, outstanding programs for exceptional learners, award-winning publications, quality programs in the arts, championship athletic teams, and students who are engaged and involved. The city is also a college town, home to the second oldest Lutheran-affiliated college in the nation. Roanoke College draws a diverse student body to an independent, coeducational, four-year liberal arts collegiate atmosphere. Scores of programs are available on the undergraduate level as well as pre-professional majors in law, medicine, dentistry, engineering, and ministry. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Guide as a national liberal arts college, Roanoke College is one of 270 colleges nationwide with chapters of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor’s society.
Lifestyle
Picturesque Salem offers a leisure activity for every age group and interest, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to collecting arts and crafts, watching championship horse shows, or taking in a first-class cultural event. Salem is home to the only caverns in Southwest Virginia, the Dixie Caverns. In addition to an underground wonderland, the complex offers a multi-dealer antique mall, and a fascinating pottery and rock shop. The Salem Museum and Historical Society is housed in the historic Williams-Brown house, a mid-19th century brick building that serves as an educational and cultural resource center. Those who appreciate the arts will enjoy the stellar performances held at the Salem Civic Center and James E. Taliaferro Sports & Entertainment complex, featuring everything from big-name stars to family programming. The Salem Fair is one of many colorful celebrations during the year, attracting more than 400,000 to one of the nation’s top fairs and expositions.
Lush city parks, tennis courts, golf courses, a skate park, a senior center, and exceptional sports facilities are available for public enjoyment. Salem Kiwanis Baseball Field and the James I. Moyer Sports Complex are utilized seven days a week in season and host many events that draw state and national athletes as well as spectators to Salem. The Salem Avalanch minor-league baseball team, affiliate of the Houston Astros, never fails to draw enthusiastic crowds to home games. The Salem Bike Route offers nearly 12 miles of continuous and safe riding for cyclists. This family-oriented city also has a well-stocked library that offers many special programs and resources including events for the younger set. Recreation programs cover a wide spectrum of interests and appeal to every age group, adding options for hobbyists and sports enthusiasts. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, boating, water sports, winter sports, horseback riding, and nature study. From its beautiful neighborhoods and lovely homes to a world of urban amenities, the city of Salem combines small-town charm with an enviable quality of life.
