Sundial in Salem, Oregon: Affordable 55+ Living in the Willamette Valley

If you have been searching for an affordable 55+ community in Salem, Oregon, Sundial deserves a spot at the top of your list. Set in the heart of the Willamette Valley, right along the 45th parallel, Sundial is a pet-friendly, low-maintenance manufactured home community where the calendar stays full, the neighbors know your name, and some of the Pacific Northwest's best wineries, waterfalls and bakeries are a short drive from your front porch.

This guide covers what life at Sundial looks like, the amenities residents enjoy every day, and our favorite places to eat, shop for pastries and explore around Oregon's capital city.

About Sundial: Affordable 55+ Living in the Willamette Valley

Sundial sits at 2310 Lancaster Drive SE in Salem, Oregon.

Sundial is an active adult manufactured home community located at 2310 Lancaster Drive SE, Salem, OR 97317. The community blends a true neighborhood atmosphere with the easy upkeep of manufactured home living, so residents spend less time on chores and more time on the things they enjoy. Its location at the south end of Lancaster Drive puts everyday shopping, dining and medical appointments close at hand, with quick access to Interstate 5 for trips to Portland, Eugene or the Oregon coast.

Homes at Sundial range from cozy one-bedroom layouts to roomy three-bedroom, two-bath floor plans. Many recent listings are newer homes from well-known builders, featuring open great-room layouts, stainless steel appliances and plenty of natural light. Typical exterior touches include a covered porch, carport and storage shed, with landscaping designed to stay low-maintenance year-round.

And yes, your pets are welcome. Sundial is a pet-friendly 55+ community with its own on-site dog park, which makes it a natural fit for retirees who would never consider moving without their four-legged family members.

Sundial Amenities

Sundial's clubhouse is the center of community life.

Sundial's amenity lineup rivals communities with much higher price tags. Residents enjoy:

• Indoor heated pool and indoor spa for swimming and soaking through every Oregon season
• Fitness center to keep up with your workout routine close to home
• Pickleball and bocce ball for friendly competition with neighbors
• Clubhouse and community room for gatherings, celebrations and club meetings
• Billiards room and library for quieter afternoons
• BBQ area and fire pit for summer cookouts and evenings under the stars
• Dog park for daily play with your pup
• A full calendar of activities and events, so there is always something happening

Low-maintenance homes with porches, carports and storage sheds are a Sundial hallmark.

Best Bakeries in Salem, Oregon

Salem takes its pastries seriously. Whether you need a birthday cake for the clubhouse, a box of cannoli for card night or a loaf of sourdough for Sunday supper, these local bakeries are worth the trip from Sundial.

Gerry Frank's Konditorei

A Salem institution since 1982, Gerry Frank's Konditorei at 310 Kearney Street SE is the city's legendary cake shop. The display cases hold dozens of towering layer cakes, tortes and cheesecakes, with regulars swearing by the dark chocolate Barney's Blackout and the tiramisu cake. The Konditorei also serves a full lunch menu of quiche, soups and sandwiches, making it a favorite spot for a ladies' lunch or an afternoon coffee date. Planning a celebration? Specialty cake orders should be placed several days in advance.

The Little Cannoli Bakery

This family-run downtown bakery has been turning out old-fashioned Italian desserts since 2005. Cannoli are filled to order so the shells stay crisp, and the colorful mini macarons are a local favorite. Little Cannoli also bakes preservative-free sourdough and offers savory options like homemade soup, sandwiches and pizza, plus espresso and Italian sodas to round out your visit.

Manna Bakery

Located at 237 State Street in historic downtown Salem, Manna Bakery is one of the city's newer local favorites. Known for its sourdough breads and flaky puff pastry, Manna has expanded with a cozy cafe space next door, complete with comfortable chairs and a piano that guests are welcome to play.

Sweetly Baked Cafe and Bakery

Just a few minutes from Sundial at 680 Hawthorne Avenue SE, Sweetly Baked is a convenient neighborhood stop for cupcakes, custom cakes and lunch. It is a handy option when you want something fresh-baked without heading downtown.

Pure Decadence Pastries and Bigwig Donuts

In South Salem, Pure Decadence Pastries on Liberty Road S earns top marks for its pastries, including gluten-free options that even wheat-eaters enjoy. Downtown, Bigwig Donuts specializes in donut holes that are entirely gluten-free and vegan-friendly, a welcome treat for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Downtown Salem's bakeries and restaurants are a short drive from Sundial.

Amazing Places to Eat Near Sundial

Salem's dining scene draws on the bounty of the Willamette Valley, one of the most fertile farming regions in the country. Here are the restaurants we would send a new Sundial neighbor to first.

Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro

Housed in a cozy 1934 Craftsman home at 140 17th Street NE, Word of Mouth has been Salem's go-to breakfast and brunch spot since 2008. Expect generous portions of made-from-scratch dishes like cinnamon roll pancakes, crème brûlée French toast and homemade biscuits and gravy. The line often stretches onto the porch on weekends, so go early or plan a weekday visit.

Wild Pear Restaurant

A downtown staple since 2000, Wild Pear at 372 State Street serves Northwest cuisine with a Vietnamese influence, all built around local, seasonal ingredients. Popular picks include the Wild Pear Salad with candied pecans and pears, the coconut curry butternut squash soup and the pho dip sandwich. Save room for the wild pear cheesecake.

Clink!

For a special night out, Clink! brings French American cuisine to a beautiful downtown setting. It consistently ranks among Salem's top-rated restaurants for anniversaries, birthdays and visiting family.

Amadeus and Encore

Amadeus serves contemporary American fare in an elegant atmosphere, while Encore is a friendly gastropub praised for attentive service and a great-value happy hour. Both are local favorites for lunch and dinner.

DaVinci Ristorante

Located next to the historic Elsinore Theatre, DaVinci has long been considered one of Salem's best Italian restaurants. Pair dinner with a show at the Elsinore for a perfect evening downtown.

Adobe Restaurant and Bar

Adobe offers lively Latin American dishes and craft cocktails. And while you are exploring, don't overlook Salem's many family-owned taquerias, which locals consider some of the best and most authentic food in the city.

Things to Do and See Near Sundial in Salem

From world-class wine tasting to waterfall hikes, the area around Sundial offers enough to keep active retirees busy for years.

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Just a short drive south in Turner, Willamette Valley Vineyards' Estate Tasting Room sits high in the Salem Hills with sweeping views of the vines. USA Today 10Best readers named it the number one wine tasting room in the nation in 2024. Enjoy Oregon Pinot Noir flights with chef-prepared food pairings beside the fireplace, or relax outdoors on the Pinot Decks, where well-behaved dogs are welcome. Reservations are recommended for indoor tableside service.

Silver Falls State Park and the Trail of Ten Falls

Often called the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls is Oregon's largest state park and sits about 25 miles east of Salem. Its famous Trail of Ten Falls loop passes ten waterfalls, and at four of them the trail actually curves behind the curtain of falling water. You don't have to hike the whole loop to enjoy it; the short walk to South Falls from the main lodge area delivers one of the most memorable views in the state.

Minto-Brown Island Park

Salem's largest park spans roughly 1,200 acres along the Willamette River, which makes it bigger than New York's Central Park. Miles of paved and natural trails wind through wetlands, meadows and woods, perfect for walking, cycling and birdwatching. Pet owners will love the 30-acre off-leash dog area. The Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge connects the park to downtown's Riverfront Park.

Riverfront Park and the Salem Riverfront Carousel

On the western edge of downtown, Riverfront Park offers riverside walking paths, an amphitheater and the beloved Salem Riverfront Carousel, featuring hand-carved and hand-painted animals created by local volunteers. It is a delightful outing with visiting grandchildren and the site of many of Salem's biggest festivals.

Bush's Pasture Park

This 90-acre park and botanical garden just south of downtown features a lovely rose garden, wooded walking paths, the historic Bush House Museum and the Bush Barn Art Center. It is one of the most peaceful places in the city for a morning stroll.

Willamette Heritage Center

History lovers should set aside an afternoon for the Willamette Heritage Center at 1313 Mill Street SE. The five-acre campus centers on the 1889 Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and includes the 1841 Jason Lee House and Methodist Parsonage, among the oldest frame buildings in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon State Capitol

After a decade-long renovation that added seismic upgrades, a new public basement level and a cafe, the Oregon State Capitol is once again open to visitors. Admire the restored rotunda and the gleaming Gold Man atop the dome, then stroll the surrounding Capitol Park. Check ahead for tower tour availability, as the observation deck has undergone recent repair work.

The Oregon Garden in Silverton

About a half hour from Sundial, the Oregon Garden showcases more than 20 specialty gardens, from the Rose Garden to the Sensory Garden, across 80 acres of botanical beauty. The garden is pet-friendly, offers a narrated tram tour from April through October, and is home to the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Oregon. Pair your visit with lunch in charming downtown Silverton.

Wine country, waterfalls and riverfront parks are all within easy reach of Sundial.

Why Retirees Choose Salem, Oregon

Salem offers a rare combination: the amenities of a state capital with the pace and affordability of a smaller city. Residents enjoy four mild seasons, spectacular spring cherry blossoms, easy drives to the Oregon coast and the Cascade Mountains, and a central spot on the I-5 corridor between Portland and Eugene. The surrounding Willamette Valley produces some of the world's most celebrated Pinot Noir, and farm stands and markets brim with berries, hazelnuts and fresh produce through the growing season.

For active adults, Sundial puts all of that within reach while keeping home life simple, social and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sundial

Is Sundial an age-restricted community?

Yes. Sundial is a 55+ active adult manufactured home community in Salem, Oregon.

Does Sundial allow pets?

Yes. Sundial is pet-friendly and features an on-site dog park. Contact the community for specific pet guidelines.

What amenities does Sundial offer?

Residents enjoy an indoor heated pool and spa, fitness center, clubhouse, community room, library, billiards, pickleball, bocce ball, a BBQ area, fire pit, dog park and a full calendar of activities and events.

Where is Sundial located?

Sundial is located at 2310 Lancaster Drive SE, Salem, OR 97317, near shopping, dining and Interstate 5.

Exploring more options in the area? Browse all 55+ communities in Salem, Oregon on RetireNet.com.