7 Best places to live in Oregon| Perfect places to call home in Oregon

Where to live in Oregon to experience the ideal lifestyle

If you need clarification about where to live in Oregon, you can experience Oregon’s beautiful environment, strong wealth, and friendly- neighborhood. Our guide will help you find the best places to live in Oregon.

From the busy urban centers to the peaceful small towns, Oregon is a perfect home for every lifestyle. Living in these best cities in Oregon will allow you access to all the basic and advanced life needs, like quality education, safe and budget-friendly accommodation, several employment opportunities, and a high-quality lifestyle. 

Portland

Portland, Oregon, is the largest city in the state and is known for its strong economy, beautiful scenery, and lively culture.  The major industries running in Portland include technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and outdoor clothing.

The city houses some of the major brands, such as Nike, Intel, and Columbia Sportswear. These companies play an important role in developing one of Oregon’s best places to live.

Don’t worry about getting a job if you plan to move to Portland. This place offers employment opportunities across various sectors, including tech startups and healthcare organizations.

Finding a safe and budget-friendly place to live in Portland is not that big of a problem. The median home price in Portland is approximately $485,000, while the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,500.

The housing costs have increased in recent years, but Portland remains relatively affordable compared to other West Coast cities like San Francisco and Seattle.

If you want a good-quality education, Portland is a good place to be. It is home to famous institutes like Portland State University and Oregon Health & Science University.

In addition, Portland’s public school system is known for its excellent education and creative programs, making it the best choice for families with school-going children.

Bend

Bend is a city in Central Oregon known for its relaxing atmosphere, outdoor adventures, and lively community atmosphere. The population of Bend has faced major growth in recent years due to its strengthening economy and high quality of life.

The major industries functional in Bend that play an important role in building its economy include tourism, healthcare, technology, and outdoor activities. Moreover, this city has several major companies, like St. Charles Health System, Les Schwab Tire Centers, G5, and Hydro Flask.

The unemployment rate in Bend is quite low. You can find jobs in several sectors, like healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. As the city’s population grows exponentially, it attracts new startups and people searching for jobs there.

Bend offers various accommodation options to cater to various needs and budgets. However, the city has faced increasing housing costs in recent years due to high demand and limited inventory.

If you have school-going children in your family, finding quality education won’t be a problem in Bend. The Bend-La Pine School District has several highly-rated public schools. The city also has Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, offering several educational programs and opportunities.

The residents of Bend are also served with healthcare facilities, grocery stores, recreational centers, and parks. The Bend’s city center has many shops, restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions.

Eugene

Eugene is among the best places to live in Oregon because of its natural beauty, outdoor adventure opportunities, and lively culture. Eugene’s economy is growing because of major sectors like education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. 

The University of Oregon serves as the prime source for revenue generation. Peace Health Sacred Heart Medical Center offers jobs for doctors and staff. 

Major companies like IDX Systems Corporation and Symantec operate within the city premises. For this reason, the unemployment rate in Eugene is typically lower than the national average.

Finding a home in Eugene catering to your different needs and budgets won’t be a problem. The median home price in Eugene is approximately $350,000, making it more budget-friendly than larger cities like Portland.

Apart from the University of Oregon, Eugene has several top-class public and private schools. The Eugene School District has several elementary, middle, and high schools. The private institute, O’Hara Catholic School, also provides students with quality education.

Alton Baker Park and Skinner Butte Park are a refreshing escape for the residents who want to relax, enjoy, and take a break from their everyday lives. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in Eugene.

Living here, you can get a chance to be a part of many local events and festivals throughout the year, including the Oregon Bach Festival.

Salem

Salem serves a beautiful blend of urban facilities and small-town comfort. Top government institutions, healthcare facilities, and a growing technology sector are the major reasons behind running the city’s economy.

Salem Health is one of the largest employers in the region, providing opportunities in healthcare and related fields. The city also has a strengthening technology sector. Companies like Garmin and NORPAC are responsible for job growth in the area.

From cozy homes to modern apartment complexes, people have several housing options. The median home price in Salem is around $300,000, making it comparatively budget-friendly than the other larger cities.

The Salem-Keizer School District is the second-largest school district in Oregon. The district runs several elementary, middle, and high schools. Salem is also home to Willamette University, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

Some major events and festivals celebrated in Salem throughout the year include the Oregon State Fair and the Salem Art Fair & Festival.

Corvallis 

Corvallis is a beautiful city in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Corvallis serves its residents with a perfect blend of small-town comfort and urban facilities.

The major industries here include agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and education. This city promotes innovation in engineering, forestry, and agricultural sciences. Corvallis also benefits from its access to the Silicon Forest region.

You can find jobs in various sectors, like education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. OSU also offers several postings for faculty, staff, and students, playing an important role in the city’s economic growth.

Corvallis also offers median homes at around $400,000. Rental options are also available for those seeking more affordable housing alternatives.

Corvallis School District accommodates one of the top-class schools. Corvallis is also famous for its strong sense of community support for education.

The city has several beautiful parks, trails, and outdoor adventure opportunities to enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking along the Willamette River. 

Ashland 

For many years, Ashland has been a center of attraction for hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It is one of the largest and oldest theater companies in the country.

Ashland features a strong economy primarily driven by tourism. The city also has a developing healthcare sector and a small but growing technology industry.

Ashland has an unemployment rate of around 3.5%, lower than the other major cities. Major industries in Ashland include arts and entertainment, healthcare, education, and hospitality, which provide many jobs and grant its residents a range of housing options to cater to all preferences and budgets. The median home price in Ashland is approximately $450,000, with rental prices around $1,500 per month.

Southern Oregon University in Ashland offers many educational programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, and education. The city also has several public and private schools that serve kindergarten through high school students.

The city has a safe and friendly community, with several local events, farmers’ markets, and festivals throughout the year.

Hillsboro 

Hillsboro is the fifth-largest city in Oregon. It offers a unique mix of urban and rural charm. The technology sector dominates Hillsboro’s economy. Some companies, like Intel Corporation and ASML, have a major presence in the city. 

Organizations like the Oregon Technology Business Center are the main reasons behind the successful businesses running in the city.

Finding jobs while living here won’t be a problem as companies like Genentech, Nike, and Solar World provide several postings in research and development, engineering, and production.

If you have children in your family, Hillsboro is a good choice to settle in, as the Hillsboro School District serves it.  This school district has several top-ranking public schools that provide quality education.

Hillsboro features a variety of housing options to suit every resident’s interests. The city’s median home price is approximately $400,000, with a median household income of around $80,000.

Lastly, the residents of places like these that qualify as one of the best places to live in Oregon have many exciting outdoor adventures and opportunities to be a part of the rich culture. The city features beautiful parks, trails, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Oregon’s finest living spots uncovered

In conclusion, Oregon offers several opportunities for residents seeking the best places to live in Oregon. Whether you’re attracted to the lively energy of the city, the calmness of rural living, or the coast’s beauty, there’s a perfect community waiting to welcome you with open arms. So start your ideal lifestyle today and explore the perfect place to call home in Oregon.

FAQs

How expensive is it to live in Oregon?

The cost of living in Oregon is not fixed. It varies depending on location, housing, and lifestyle choices. Generally, living costs are higher in Oregon’s best cities, such as Portland and Bend, compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Thus, smart budgeting and proper research can help you and your family find pocket-friendly options when considering where to live in Oregon.

What is Oregon’s third-largest city?

Salem, Oregon’s third-largest city, is also one of the best cities in Oregon to live in. As the state capital, Salem allows its people to experience a beautiful blend of the city charm, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities that make it a preference for those considering where to live in Oregon. 

What are Oregon’s high desert regions?

Some of the best places to live in Oregon within the high desert regions include Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. These cities offer a unique and beautiful lifestyle where you can enjoy outdoor adventure opportunities and a strong sense of community. 

These areas are perfect for residents seeking natural beauty and small-town charm. Whether you’re attracted to activities like hiking or mountain biking or simply love to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the high desert regions are the ideal destination for you to live a stress-free life.