Americans love Oregon! And why wouldn’t you? From unmatchable natural beauty to a strong economy, the Beaver State has got it all.
Oregon offers an excellent quality of life to its residents. The state remains a popular destination for those seeking quality high education and professional growth opportunities.
It is the 9th largest US state and covers many vibrant cities including Portland and Eugene. Let’s explore the best places to live in Oregon.
Find Homes in Some of the Best Places in OR
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Find Homes in Some of the Best Places in OR
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3 Reasons to Live in Oregon 🦫
- Quality Education: University of Oregon and Reed College are the most renowned universities in the state.
- Excellent Infrastructure: Oregon ranks 3rd in terms of infrastructure.
- Affordibility Utilities: The utility costs in the Beaver State are 2% lower than the national average.
Best Places to Live in Oregon in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Salem | 175,754 | $421,000 | $8,576 | 3.9% | 55/100 |
| 2. | Portland | 646,101 | $490,000 | $10,734 | 3.8% | 70/100 |
| 3. | Eugene | 176,755 | $479,500 | $9,458 | 4.2% | 59/100 |
| 4. | Corvallis | 60,050 | $572,500 | $9,997 | 3.1% | 61/100 |
| 5. | Bend | 99,442 | $712,500 | $9,537 | 4.0% | 62/100 |
| 6. | Medford | 85,539 | $399,900 | $9,100 | 4.3% | 58/100 |
| 7. | Hillsboro | 106,612 | $517,000 | $10,734 | 3.7% | 70/100 |
1. Salem
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.4% |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,576 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 55/100 |
The median home price in the capital city is $421,000. The cost of living in Salem is 6.9% higher than the national average. The city is surrounded by serene and attractive places, such as Yercaud Hill Station. Moreover, the city has abundant cherry blossoms and grand marble structures, which makes it an ideal tourist spot.
Salem has a lot to offer with its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving community. Apart from this, it has the renowned Willamette University, a private liberal arts college founded in 1842. The city is also home to Silver Falls State Park and Willamette Mission State Park.
» Homes For Sale in Salem, OR: View thousands of properties for sale in this serene city.
2. Portland
| Home Value | ⬆️ 0.2% |
| Median Household Income | $85,876 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,734 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 70/100 |
Portland is located on the Willamette River and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. The median home price in Portland is $490,000. However, the cost of living in the city is 24% higher than the national average.
Portland is home to the world’s smallest park, Mill Ends Park, which is only 2 feet in diameter. Alongside this, the city is known for being eco-friendly and sustainable, with a high number of LEED-certified buildings and a strong public transportation system.
» Homes For Sale in Portland, OR: Find your dream home online.
3. Eugene
| Home Value | ⬆️ 2.2% |
| Median Household Income | $61,481 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,458 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 59/100 |
Eugene is known as “Emerald City” and is famous for organic farming. The city has a median house price of $479,500, and the cost of living is 10% higher than the national average.
Eugene is renowned for its thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. Besides this, the city is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Oregon, which is a renowned public research university. This makes the city one of the best places to live in Oregon for young adults.
» Homes For Sale in Eugene, OR: Find the best neighborhoods in Eugene, Oregon.
4. Corvallis
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.2% |
| Median Household Income | $61,610 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,997 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 61/100 |
Corvallis is a small city located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The population in Corvallis is 62,342. The city offers a great quality of life for those who value higher education, job opportunities, outdoor recreation, the arts, and sustainability.
Corvallis has a growing tech industry, with companies like Hewlett-Packard having a significant presence in the city. Besides this, Corvallis is known for its breathtaking scenery, including the Cascade Mountains and the Willamette River, and many outdoor activities.
» Homes For Sale in Corvallis, OR: Find your dream home in Corvallis.
5. Bend
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.6% |
| Median Household Income | $82,671 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,537 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 62/100 |
The median home price in Bend is $712,500. The population in Bend is 104,906, and the cost of living is 11% higher than the national average. The city is located in central Oregon and is known for its sunny climate. Bend is a wonderful option for those looking for a small-town feel with access to scenic spots and career opportunities.
The city has renowned places such as the High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, and Mount Bachelor. Apart from this, the city is also home to giant tech industries like G5, Five Talent Software, Manzama, etc.
» Homes For Sale in Bend, OR: View the best luxurious properties for sale in Bend.
6. Medford
| Home Value | ⬆️ 0.6% |
| Median Household Income | $65,647 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 58/100 |
Medford is located in Jackson County, in southern Oregon. The median home price is $399,900. Additionally, the city is home to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, which is the third-busiest airport in Oregon. Medford is the eighth-largest city in Oregon in terms of population, with around 83,400 people.
Medford is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with nearby attractions such as the Rogue River, Table Rock, and Mount Ashland. Medford has 28 parks and family-friendly attractions. Crater Lake, the only national park in the state, is just an hour away from Medford and is worth a visit.
» Homes For Sale in Medford, OR: View the best properties in one of the best places to live in Oregon.
7. Hillsboro
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.7% |
| Median Household Income | $98,891 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,734 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 70/100 |
Hillsboro is one of the best places to live in Oregon. The city is known for its tech industry and is home to companies like Intel, Salesforce, Oracle, and Adobe. The city hosts several annual events and has a rich history with historic buildings and landmarks. The median home price is $517,000, and living costs are up to 23% higher than the national average.
The city is famous for the Hillsboro School District, which includes 35 schools and serves over 20,000 students. It has a diverse population and a close-knit community.
» Homes For Sale in Hillsboro, OR: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
Best Places to Live in Oregon for Families
- Ashland: It is a great place for families in Oregon. It has excellent public schools, including Ashland High School, which has ranked as one of the top high schools in Oregon. The city also features fine arts opportunities and various playgrounds for kids.
- Beaverton: Beaverton is a great place to raise a family in Oregon. It has excellent public schools, parks, and recreational facilities for families to enjoy such as Oak Hills Recreational Center and Beaverton City Park.
Best Places to Retirees in Oregon
- Hood River: This scenic town in Columbia River Gorge is known for its stunning views, outdoor activities like windsurfing, skiing, and burgeoning wine industry. It also offers a relaxed lifestyle and a strong sense of community, that makes it one of the best places to retire in Oregon.
- Roseburg: The city also referred as the Land of Umpqua. The town of Roseburg and its 23,903 residents are located in the Umpqua River Valley area in southwest Oregon. Located near some of Oregon’s best outdoor adventures, it’s a good place to settle down.
Bottom Line
Oregon is one of the best places to live in the US due to its affordable cost of living and great climatic conditions. Moreover, the state is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic spots. Other things that contribute are its unemployment rate which is just 3.7%.
From the vibrant city of Portland to the charming town of Hillsboro, Oregon offers a range of destinations that cater to different interests and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, excellent education, affordable living or sense of community you’ll find the best places to live in Oregon.
Research Methodology
We considered North, Central, and South regions to rank the best places in Oregon. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Oregon and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Oregon Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Oregon for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I live in Oregon?
There are many best places to live in Oregon which offers affordable housing and excellent education opportunities. These cities offers its own unique charm and attractions, so it really depends on what you're looking for in a place to live.
What are the best places to live in Oregon for retirees?
Hood River and Roseburg are the best places to live in Oregon for retirees as it has a strong sense of community and outdoor recreational activities with affordable housing.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Oregon?
With a cost of living 18.4% below the national average, Baker City is the cheapest place to live in Oregon.
Best Places to Live Oregon
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