One of the first things that people tend to do when they've won the lottery or secured a high-paying job is to purchase a second home in a different locale. This second home acts as an investment property as well as a permanent vacation destination. It is fairly common to see such affluent people searching for this second home in Mexico. Beachfront real estate is the most popular type of vacation property. But what about those people whose primary property is on the beachfront, or who enjoy a more temperate climate? If you are one of these people, your vacation home searches have probably been a frustrating experience until you landed on this page about Salem, Oregon.

It's no secret that Salem and other Pacific Northwest cities have a wet Marine climate that is characterized by frequent rainfall during the fall and winter months. This makes it likely that any views from water front condos would feature river boats moving in and out of the mist, which can be hauntingly gorgeous if you don't mind carrying an umbrella when you leave the house. If you do, simply stay elsewhere during the fall and winter and return to Salem for the dry season between June and September.

On clear days, and even on not-so clear days, your windows will offer stately views of the Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Saint Helens - sights you would be missing out on if you chose oceanfront property for sale instead. The combination of the Willamette River and the Cascades Mountain Range means you don't have to choose between waterfront property or wilderness views. You can have both - and for much cheaper than you would pay for views of similar scenery in Europe.

Your Toronto Beaches real estate agent may try to draw you away from considering Salem by mentioning all the museums, arts centers, and attractions in Toronto. While it's true that Toronto has these things, you are by no means missing out on them in Salem. As the state capitol, Salem also has the state's biggest arts district. There are festivals for local artwork, food, wine, films, theater, and music along with year-round displays in the art and history museums and shows at the Opera House. There is always a play, musical, or concert to attend in Salem.

The biggest draw for tourist and vacationers, however, is the area's natural beauty. The city is nestled within towering Pacific Northwest forests that contain enormous trees, some of which are older than Windsor real estate. Salem is a Tree City USA, a wine producing region, and a jumping off point for adventure tours involving hiking, biking, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and mountain climbing.