Relocating from central coast California: What are the realities of life in Salem? Any tips on great things to check out or how to get involved with the community?
As my post title says, I'm in the midst of planning a move to Salem. This is with my partner who grew up in a neighboring town but is moving back to MA for the first time in over a decade. For him, he has family around in several neighboring towns; whereas mine is in LA, Seattle, and Europe) and I'd like to create a social group of my own not reliant on his family network.
I've browsed around this sub a bit to get a handle on how some things with life are in the area but have some questions I'd love to hear locals opinions on regarding how to best find community as a newcomer and any other tips or realities of day to day living I should know? How NIMBY is the local community and in what ways? As in, it is just to keep the town local and not let national chains take over or is it taken to the extreme? Is it the kind of small area where everyone knows each other? What local businesses have garbage practices or policies or politics that I should note to avoid?
For context, we are coming from Santa Barbara so cost of living hasn't really been much of a thought though it seems like Salem is considered on the high end for the north shore (correct me if I'm wrong); have two dogs (heard the area is super dog friendly so love that - any tips for best beaches or local trails dogs are allowed on would be wonderful); have details on several ceramics studios in the area (but the more art - or collectives - to get into the better); and I know it's going to be rough asf moving in October (I'm possibly being blasé as I've lived off the boulevard in the middle of Hollywood and have dealt with crazy traffic and tourist nonsense) but how has it been for others who have moved to area to find a social group, etc? For example, prior to moving to SB I was warned it's rough because it's a small city that is very much isolated compared to southern California proper and locals are not prone to making friends with outsiders.
Oh, and, yes I know winter will be hilariously rough.