It’s no secret that Oregon’s balance of remote outdoor activities and creative urban centers entices new residents from around the country. Half of this state is covered by forest, making it an ideal destination for those who love enjoying a peaceful and tranquil life away from big-city noise.
However, since this US state is home to various cities and towns, it might be difficult for you to choose the best option. Hence, we have put together a list of the best places to live in Oregon for families to help you make the appropriate choice. Check our best picks and move accordingly.
What is the prettiest place to live in Oregon?
While there are plenty of beautiful towns in Oregon, Ashland is the prettiest place to live in this state. It is brimming with scenic views and outdoor adventures, thus keeping the residents engaged and occupied.
It is a bustling tourist destination and is home to several must-do activities. Ashland is famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and is ranked 10 on the list of The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.
Is Oregon expensive to live in?
Yes, definitely. Oregon is one of the pricey US states to call home, and living here is significantly costlier than the national average. It is estimated that a single adult needs a minimum of $19.51 per hour to live comfortably in this state, which is way more than the national average.
Checking the cost of living in Oregon before making a final move is advised to avoid any last-minute surprises.
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The 9 Best Places to Live in Oregon
Are you all set to call Oregon your home but are still confused about the best places to live there? Here, we have outlined the 9 best options for you. All the cities listed below are famous for offering good quality of life, excellent job markets, and high-end safety to their residents. Check the options and make an informed choice.
Best Places to Live in Oregon for Young Adults
1. Portland
The largest city in the US state of Oregon, Portland has always remained among the best places to live in Oregon for young adults. This port city sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and is famous for iconic views, parks, bridges, bicycle paths, and many more.
While Portland is counted among the top-notch cities to visit and settle in, you should not overlook its high crime rate. It nearly falls at the bottom of the list of the safest US cities, with an overall score of 69.48 points.
Also, Portland is one of the most populous cities in Oregon. As of 2020, it is the sixth most populous city on the west coast and 26th in the United States.
Is there a homeless problem in Portland, Oregon?
Yes. The homeless problem in Oregon has increased due to the housing shortage, the high drug addiction rate, and the pandemic. More than 3,000 people are estimated to be homeless, which is 50% more than in 2019.
Is Portland expensive to live in?
Absolutely yes. The city’s housing market is 66% higher than the national average. Its cost of living is 17.7% more than the US average, making it one of the costliest cities in the country to live in.
2. Bend Oregon
A small city on the Deschutes River, Bend is flanked by lakes and peaks of the Cascade Mountains. It is widely famous for being the beer capital of Oregon and is also referred to as “The Palm Springs of the North,” owing to more than two dozen golf courses.
This city is also well-acclaimed for its culinary scene. Find the best restaurants in Bend Oregon, and satiate your taste buds. The best thing about Bend is its safety. This city ranked #6 in terms of the safest cities in Oregon.
Bend is central Oregon’s largest city, with a current population of 1.03,686, based on the latest US census estimates.
Is Bend Oregon a good city to live in?
Yes. Bend is one of the most beautiful and safest places to live in Oregon. The cost of living in Bend is reasonable and its medical community is one of the best in the state.
What are the downsides of living in Bend Oregon?
The job opportunities in Bend, Oregon, are quite limited compared to the larger cities. Also, it is located in a very remote area of Oregon, making it difficult for residents to connect to big cities.
3. Corvallis Oregon
A cycling haven of Oregon, Corvallis is located eight miles from Portland. Unlike other big cities in the state, Corvallis is all about calm and chill, making it one of the best places to live in Oregon for young adults. It is known for its better life quality, bicycle-friendly tracks, and pleasant retirement community.
The crime rate in Corvallis is 2 per 1000 residents, which is way lower than the country’s average. It is also ranked among the safest cities in the US by New York Times. As of 2021, its population was 59,864, making it a comfortable place to live in.
Is Corvallis Oregon a good place to live?
Yes, Corvallis Oregon is considered to be one of the best places in Oregon to settle in. Living here will give you a suburban feel. Moreover, this place is safe, with a low crime rate.
How far is Corvallis from the ocean?
Corvallis is around 57 miles away from Oregon Coast.
Best Places to Live in Oregon for Families
1. Salem Oregon
The capital city of Oregon, Salem is one of the best places to settle in this US state. It is located in the middle of the Willamette Valley, and is famous for being the “garden capital of Oregon.” The city is packed with a myriad of public and private gardens that come alive during the Spring months.
Salem offers the best of the big-city vibe and small-town beauty in one place. There’s a mixed bag of reviews when it comes to safety and crime in Salem, Oregon.
While its violent crime rate is lower than the national average, the high property crime rate is still a matter of concern for residents. Salem is home to around 177,723 people, making it the second most populated city in the state.
Is Salem Oregon a good city?
Yes, Salem is a good city in Oregon to live in. It offers comfortable weather and a peaceful setting to raise your family.
Is Salem Oregon where the witch trials were?
No. The city famous for witch trials is Salem in Massachusetts, but it is a matter of the past and such events used to occur between early 1692 and mid-1693.
Is there anything to do in Salem Oregon?
Yes, there are several things to enjoy in Salem, Oregon, including visiting public gardens, theme parks, heritage centers, and riverfront Carousels.
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2. Eugene Oregon
Located at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene Oregon is one of the best places to live in Oregon, for various good reasons. This city is famous for offering tons of recreational activities, bicycle and hiking trails, and organic farming. Overall, Eugene is a great city for the arts and outdoors.
Speaking of safety, Eugene is ranked in the top 25 safest places to live in by US News and World Report. Its metropolitan area’s violent crime rate is lower than the national average, making it a safe place to settle in. It has a population of 179,887 people, as of 2022.
Is Eugene Oregon a nice place to live?
Yes, absolutely. Eugene Oregon offers a strong job market, high quality of living, and an endless list of recreational activities to keep residents engaged.
What percentage of Eugene Oregon is black?
Around 1.4% of Eugene’s population is Black or African American.
How expensive is it to live in Eugene Oregon?
Yes. The average cost of living in Eugene is $1814, which is in the top 21% of the costliest cities in the world.
3. West Linn Oregon
A city in Clackamas County, West Linn Oregon is a southern suburb within the Portland metropolitan area. Since it is located along the Willamette River, it is a quaint community with charming views and tasty dining options.
It is also famous for being the “City of Hills, Trees, and River”, and is home to the Nature Conservancy’s Camassia Natural Area. West Linn has been recognized as the 36th safest city in the country, with an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents. The current population of West Inn is 27,825, according to the latest US Census estimates.
Is West Linn Oregon a good place to live?
Yes, West Inn, Oregon, is a nice place for those who prefer living in a peaceful setting with a low crime rate.
Is West Linn a suburb of Portland?
Yes. West Inn is a southern suburb within the Portland metropolitan area.
Does West Linn Oregon have a downtown?
West Inn, Oregon, has a historic downtown, known as the Historic Willamette Main Street that preserves the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
Best Places to Live in Oregon for Weather
1. Lake Oswego
Located around 8 miles south of Portland, Lake Oswego was founded in 1847, making it one of the old establishments in Oregon. This city is famous for its lively dining scene and a myriad of shopping outlets. It is also home to lakefront and riverfront parks, a performing arts center, and a famous outdoor sculpture walk.
The chance of becoming a victim of violent and property crime rate in Lake Oswego is 1 in 59. It is ranked as the 84th safest city in the country. It is the 14th largest city in Oregon and is home to around 41,553 people, as of 2022.
Is Lake Oswego wealthy?
Yes, Lake Oswego is listed among the wealthiest Oregon communities.
Is Lake Oswego a good place to live?
Yes, definitely. Lake Oswego is one of the best places to live in for families, as it has a safe environment, natural beauty, great schools, and a sense of community.
Is Lake Oswego a real lake?
Yes, it is a real lake in Clackamas County, surrounded by the city of Lake Oswego.
2. Milwaukie City, Oregon
If you are searching for the best places to live in Oregon for weather, then turn to Milwaukie and enjoy pleasant summer and winter months. A city in Clackamas county, Milwaukie is sometimes referred to as the “Dogwood City of the West”, for the Spring Blossoms. This place is famous for its great shopping, taprooms, and wine bars.
Moreover, Milwaukie is one of the safest places to live in the US State of Oregon, with an average violent crime rate of 1 per 1000 people. It is illustrated that Milwaukie is safer than 78% of every city located in Oregon. It is a small city in Oregon, with a current population of around 21,285 people.
Is Milwaukie a good place to live?
Yes, of course. It is an excellent place to settle in, owing to the low crime rate and tons of outdoor activities to enjoy.
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3. Hillsboro Oregon
The fifth-largest city in Oregon, Hillsboro is situated in the Tualatin Valley and is a county seat of Washington County. It is popular for its beautiful parks and sports fields. The city is known to be the Tualatin Valley’s Beervana, as it is home to several craft breweries.
Hillsboro is 57% safer than other cities in Oregon, and the chance of becoming a victim of either property or violent crime in Hillsboro is 1 in 44. The current population in the city is 109,415.
Is Hillsboro Oregon a good place to live?
Yes. The city is ranked #40 on the Best Places to Live, according to Livability.com. Moreover, is one of the safest places with a low crime rate.
Is Hillsboro Oregon affordable?
Yes. Although its housing expenses are 54% higher than the national average, the city is still referred to as the most affordable place to live in the entire state of Oregon.
Is Hillsboro cheaper than Portland?
Yes, of course. Hillsboro is around 8.5% less expensive than Portland.
What are the pros and cons of living in Oregon?
Before you jump into the moving process, it’s good to learn about the pros and cons of living in Oregon. A few of them are mentioned here.
| Pros | Cons |
| Remarkable views and epic natural scenery | Expensive housing market |
| No sales tax | High cost of living |
| Home to award-winning wineries | The weather is not good in big cities |
| Easy access to Oregon coast | Poor school system |
| Environment-friendly locale | Reserved Locals |
Best Places to Live In Oregon FAQ’s
Where in Oregon should I move?
There are plenty of the best places to live in Oregon, such as Portland, Hillsboro, Gresham, Salem, and Eugene. This state is home to both small art towns where you can enjoy rural vibes to high-end cities with big-city vibes. Evaluate your needs and pick the option accordingly.
What should I know before moving to Oregon?
Along with the best restaurants and things to do in Oregon, there are certain factors you should be aware of before making a move. Oregon is one of the most expensive states to live in with a skyrocketed housing market.
Also, you can traffic congestion in Oregon’s larger cities. The weather is also gloomy and rainy for much of the year.
Conclusion
That’s all about the best places to live in Oregon. We hope this guide will help you narrow your choices. Oregon is one of the most charming and beautiful US states, known for its diverse landscape and coastal escapes. But, this place has various downsides, which you must be aware of before packing your bags.
The cost of living in this US state is insanely high, making it non-suitable for budget-conscious movers. Also, the weather is not so favorable in the state, especially in big cities, which is yet another matter of concern for visitors.
So, if you have made up your mind about relocating to Oregon, then pick any of the cities listed above and get ready to move to this beautiful state for good.
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