The people USA loves Oregon. And I don’t see why not. The Beaver State is well-endowed in every way, from its robust economy to its unparalleled natural beauty. People who call Oregon home enjoy a high standard of living. People who are looking for a great place to get a college degree and advance their careers continue to flock to the state. It encompasses a number of exciting cities, such as Portland and Eugene, and is the ninth biggest state in the United States. We should check out the top Oregon neighborhoods.
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3 REASONS TO LIVE IN OREGON
- Quality Education: The University of Oregon and Reed College are the state’s most famous universities.
- Excellent Infrastructure: Oregon is ranked third in terms of infrastructure.
- Affordability Utilities: The Beaver State has 2% cheaper utility costs 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. | Portland | 646,101 | $490,000 | $10,734 (approx) | 3.8% | 70/100 |
| 2. | Salem | 175,754 | $421,000 | $8,576 (approx) | 3.9% | 55/100 |
| 3. | Eugene | 176,755 | $479,500 | $9,458 (approx) | 4.20% | 59/100 |
| 4. | Corvallis | 60,050 | $572,500 | $9,997 (approx) | 3.10% | 61/100 |
| 5. | Bend | 99,442 | $712,500 | $9,537 (approx) | 4.00% | 62/100 |
| 6. | Medford | 85,539 | $399,900 | $9,100 (approx) | 4.30% | 58/100 |
| 7. | Hillsboro | 106,612 | $517,000 | $10,734 (approx) | 3.70% | 70/100 |
| 8 | Milwaukie | 21,375 | $502,139 | $9,556 (approx) | 4.30% | 60/100 |
| 9 | Lake Oswego | 40,108 | $988,705 | $10,250 (approx) | 3.20% | 71/100 |
| 10 | West Linn | 26,931 | $756,953 | $5,996 (approx) | 2.80% | 65/100 |
1. 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 stunning natural surroundings, such as Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Portland’s median home price is $490,000. However, the city’s cost of living exceeds the national average by 24%.
Portland is home to the world’s tiniest park, Mill Ends Park, which measures barely 2 feet in circumference. In addition, the city is noted for its eco-friendliness and sustainability, with a large number of LEED-certified buildings and a robust public transportation infrastructure.
» Homes For Sale in Portland Oregon: Find your dream home online.
2. 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 property price in the capital city is $421, 000. Salem’s cost of living is 6.9% over the national average. The city is surrounded by peaceful and appealing locations, such as Yercaud Hill Station. Furthermore, the city boasts an abundance of cherry blossoms and stately marble architecture, making it an ideal tourist destination.
Salem has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and community. Aside from that, it is home to the prestigious Willamette University, a private liberal arts college established in 1842. The city also includes 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.
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 renowned as the “Emerald City” and is famed for its organic farming. The city’s median home price is $479,500, while the cost of living is 10% higher than the national average.
Eugene is known for its vibrant cultural community, which includes various galleries, museums, and theaters. Aside from that, the city is home to various higher education institutions, notably the University of Oregon, a prestigious public research university. As a result, the city is one of the greatest 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 Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The population of Corvallis is 62,342. The city provides an excellent quality of life for those who value higher education, employment possibilities, outdoor recreation, the arts, and sustainability.
Corvallis has a thriving technology industry, with major corporations such as Hewlett-Packard headquartered there. Aside from that, Corvallis is recognized for its stunning beauty, which includes the Cascade Mountains and the Willamette River, as well as a variety of 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 |
Bend’s median home price is $712,500. Bend’s population is 104,906, and the cost of living is 11% higher than the national average. The city is located in central Oregon and is noted for its sunny weather.
Bend is an excellent choice for people seeking a small-town atmosphere with proximity to scenic areas and job possibilities. The High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, and Mount Bachelor are among the city’s most well-known attractions. Aside from that, the city is home to major technology companies such as G5, Five Talent Software, and Manzama.
» Homes For Sale Bend Oregon: 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, southern Oregon. The median property price is $399,900. In addition, the city is home to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, Oregon’s third busiest airport. Medford is Oregon’s eighth-largest city, with a population of approximately 83,400.
Medford is also a popular location for outdoor enthusiasts, with surrounding attractions like the Rogue River, Table Rock, and Mount Ashland. Medford has 28 parks and family-friendly attractions. Crater Lake, the state’s lone national park, is less than an hour away from Medford and well 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 among the best places to live in Oregon. The city is well-known for its technology industry, which includes corporations such as Intel, Salesforce, Oracle, and Adobe. The city conducts various annual events and boasts a rich history, including historic buildings and sites.
The median property price is $517,000, with living expenses up to 23% higher than the national average. Hillsboro is well known for its Hillsboro School District, which has 35 schools and serves over 20,000 students. It boasts a diversified population and a tight-knit community.
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8. Milwaukie
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.9% |
| Median Household Income | $45,445 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,556 (approx) |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.30% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 60/100 |
Milwaukie, another Portland suburb, provides the best of both worlds in terms of suburbia and big-city life, whether you’re looking for diverse entertainment and recreation options, a wonderful dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants, or a workout at the local park. The city is rapidly improving and aiming to establish itself as one of the best Portland suburbs, with a reliable public transportation infrastructure and new residential complexes springing up everywhere.
Milwaukie’s rent prices fall somewhat in the middle when it comes to affordability. They are not cheap, but they are far less expensive than units in the core of Portland. Milwaukie is not just one of the nicest places to live in Oregon, but also one of the safest.
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9. Lake Oswego
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.3% |
| Median Household Income | $64,880 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,250 (approx) |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.20% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 71/100 |
Lake Oswego, about eight miles south of Portland, is a tiny community with a strong natural presence surrounding the large Oswego Lake, which plays an important part in people’s life. Many inhabitants enjoy boat trips, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, while out-of-towners from Portland who want to connect with nature without leaving their urban conveniences frequently take the day excursion.
Although Lake Oswego is a small city, everything you need is within a short drive, from shopping to delicious restaurants. Lake Oswego, one of the greatest Portland suburbs to consider for families with young children, has an excellent school system, a good safety rating, and several parks.
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10. West Linn
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.2% |
| Median Household Income | $57,922 |
| Monthly Expenses | $5,996 (approx) |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.80% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 65/100 |
West Linn is a tiny community in the Portland metropolitan area with a small-town feel and easy access to amenities such as banks, grocery stores, and restaurants. Renters, on the other hand, are in the minority in West Linn, with duplex apartments, single-family houses, townhomes, and units within apartment communities making up the majority of renting alternatives on the market. The median property price is $756,953.
Overall, West Linn is an excellent place to live for families that want to establish roots in a suburban community with a well-regarded school system. However, young professionals or those seeking the diversity and culture of a larger, more urban metropolis should look at other options.
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Best Places to Live in Oregon for Families
Ashland is an excellent destination for families in Oregon. It offers strong public schools, notably Ashland High School, which is regarded among Oregon’s best. The city also offers fine arts possibilities and several playgrounds for children.
Beaverton is an excellent spot to raise a family in Oregon. It features outstanding public schools, parks, and recreational facilities for families to enjoy, including Oak Hills Recreational Center and Beaverton City Park.
Research Methodology
We examined the North, Central, and South areas while ranking the greatest places in Oregon. Comparison criteria for the finest cities to live in Oregon, along with 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]
In addition, we’ve identified the best cities to reside in Oregon for different populations. These are the top places to live for families, young individuals, pensioners, and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where should I live in Oregon?
There are many best places to live in Oregon that offer 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.
2. 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.