When you’re planning on shifting to Oregon, add these cities to your checklist.
Residence to lush landscapes, famend coastlines, and ample recreation alternatives, Oregon has all of it. The state can typically be cut up into two sections, divided by the Cascade Mountains: Western Oregon and Japanese Oregon. The Columbia River and its well-known Gorge defines the state’s northern border with Washington. Oregon and Washington have related climates, topographies, and cultures, so residents relocating from one to the opposite is pretty widespread.
Western Oregon consists of the Oregon Coast, Oregon Coast Vary, and Willamette Valley, and is the place a majority of the state’s inhabitants lives. Cities like Portland, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, and Cannon Seashore are all situated right here. The area has a gentle, marine local weather and sees fairly a little bit of rain.
East of the Cascades is Japanese Oregon, which is situated on the Columbia Plateau and is way drier than Western Oregon. Bend, Hermiston, and Pendleton name this space residence, with the Blue Mountains, Wallowa Mountains, and Alvord Desert in style locations. The area sees hotter summers and colder, snowy winters.
However which cities within the Beaver State are the most effective for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the most effective locations to dwell in Oregon, rating them on qualities akin to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The most effective locations to dwell in Oregon
Portland, OR
Milwaukie, OR
Eugene, OR
Salem, OR
Tigard, OR
Bend, OR
Beaverton, OR
Medford, OR
Gresham, OR
Oregon Metropolis, OR
1. Portland, OR
Inhabitants:630,498Median Sale Worth:$545,000Median Lease Worth:$1,650Average Commute Time:24.6 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.8%
Portland tops our checklist as the most effective place to dwell in Oregon. Recognized for its quirky vibes, wet climate, and big public parks, Portland has all of it. Typically in comparison with its northern neighbor Seattle, Portland is constructed into the hills alongside the Willamette River, simply south of the Washington border. Town can be simply an hour and half from each the coast and Mount Hood, making for unbelievable seasonal recreation alternatives.
Portland is famed for its eclectic, small-town really feel and peculiar, indie tradition – and it’s not afraid to lean into it. The Filmed by Bike Competition, Pedalpalooza, Geek Week, and Rose Metropolis Comedian Con are among the hottest annual occasions. Portland additionally hosts the most important iteration of the World Bare Bike Trip alongside its many bikeable streets. The variety of biking occasions is apt, on condition that it’s the second-most bikeable metropolis within the U.S.
On the entire, Portland is in love with bikes, inexperienced areas, and nice delicacies, and has an extended historical past of being on the forefront of social, governmental, and environmental change. Portland’s public transportation can be top-notch.
Among the most well-known sights in Portland embody Forest Park, Powell’s Metropolis of Books, the Portland Saturday Market, and TomMcCall Waterfront Park. The world can be residence to dozens of scrumptious globally-inspired eateries, like Soiled Lettuce, Gabbiano’s, and Urdaneta. And maybe most well-known of all are town’s lots of of meals carts (vans) serving all method of dishes.
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2. Milwaukie, OR
Inhabitants:21,594Median Sale Worth:$460,000Median Lease Worth:$1,350Average Commute Time:25.1 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.2%
Just some miles southwest of Portland, Milwaukie is second on our checklist of the most effective locations to dwell in Oregon. Town is way slower paced than Portland, providing residents a quiet, inexperienced, suburban really feel whereas nonetheless sustaining a really walkable and bikeable format. It’s additionally very handy to dwell in Milwaukie and commute into Portland utilizing the MAX Orange Line. Home and lease costs are a bit increased, although.
Milwaukie is formally generally known as the Dogwood Metropolis of the West for the numerous dogwood bushes that bloom each spring. Actually, town comes collectively yearly on Could twenty first to have a good time each its incorporation and its attractive blooming bushes. This love of nature is mirrored within the dozens of attractive parks, trails, and viewpoints that dot the realm. Sellwood Park, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Backyard, and the Springwater Hall Path are beloved pure sights.
Milwaukie can be a metropolis that embraces the previous and new. Downtown, trendy bars and eating places like Ovation Bistro & Bar and Decibel Sound & Drink sit adjoining to Milwaukie Bowl, a basic cinema and bowling alley. The historic Oaks Amusement Park can be simply three miles north alongside the Willamette.
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3. Eugene, OR
Inhabitants:177,899Median Sale Worth:$451,000Median Lease Worth:$1,410Average Commute Time:18.6 minutesUnemployment Charge:4.7%
Eugene is available in because the third-best place to dwell in Oregon. Two hours south of Portland and adjoining to Springfield alongside the Willamette River, Eugene is residence to the College of Oregon (UO), and is the birthplace of Nike. Town additionally boasts ample outside recreation, native retailers and markets, and historic structure.
Unsurprisingly, Eugene is obsessive about working – it’s generally known as TrackTown USA – and holds the annual Prefontaine Traditional at UO’s Hayward Area. Various Olympic athletes additionally prepare in Eugene.
Much like Portland, Eugene is equidistant from the Oregon coast and Cascade mountains – nearly two hours by automobile every means. Plus, it affords loads of outside recreation inside metropolis limits, too. The attractive Alton Baker Park and Hendricks Park are native hotspots, whereas dozens of strolling and biking trails and bridges make it simple to get round.
Eugene is within the South Willamette Valley, that means wineries, nice delicacies, and native agriculture are all close by. King Property Vineyard, Morning Glory Cafe, and Sabai Cafe & Bar are particularly in style choices.
Importantly, Eugene has grown significantly previously a number of years. It was a reasonably small, reasonably priced, and eclectic faculty city, however as extra folks moved to the realm and the college grew bigger, housing, leases, and the overall price of dwelling grew alongside it. Nevertheless, Eugene continues to be much more reasonably priced than different Northwest cities like Portland and Seattle.
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4. Salem, OR
Inhabitants:177,432Median Sale Worth:$460,000Median Lease Worth:$1,200Average Commute Time:22.4 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.8%
Subsequent on our checklist is Salem, the capital of Oregon. Positioned between Eugene and Portland alongside the Willamette River, Salem is within the coronary heart of the fertile Willamette Valley and surrounded by attractive state parks, forests, and vineyards. Willamette College calls town residence and even affords internships on the capitol constructing for these inquisitive about native authorities.
Salem has a fame for being pretty quiet in comparison with Portland and Eugene, nevertheless it has loads going for it. Maybe most well-known is the regional wine scene, highlighted by the Honeywood Vineyard and Redhawk Vineyard. Eola Hills Wine Cellars even affords an all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch. Commuting to different cities can be pretty simple: simply hop on the Amtrak prepare and you will get to Portland and even Seattle inside a number of hours.
Outside recreation is one other main advantage of dwelling in Salem. You’re inside two hours of the Cascades and the coast, and inside strolling distance to loads of native parks. Minto-Brown Island Park is without doubt one of the largest parks within the space and affords trails, a golf course, and riverside actions year-round.
Like most cities alongside the Willamette Valley west of Cascades, Salem sees pretty wet climate from October by April, with late spring and early fall offering probably the most satisfying climate. A rise in wildfires, warmth waves, and different excessive climate has made summers tougher, particularly since most properties don’t have air-con.
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5. Tigard, OR
Inhabitants:55,590Median Sale Worth:$620,000Median Lease Worth:$1,725Average Commute Time:23.4 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.6%
Tigard is available in at quantity 5 on our checklist of the most effective locations to dwell in Oregon. Simply south of Beaverton, Tigard is a suburb of Portland and a preferred spot for individuals who get pleasure from a barely slower tempo of life. Nevertheless, town nonetheless boasts loads of full of life hotspots, together with Pizza Caboose, Washington Sq. Mall, and the Broadway Rose Theatre Firm.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and outside recreation are closely prioritized in Tigard. Most roads are tree-lined and have designated bike lanes and well-maintained sidewalks with entry for folks with disabilities. For an extended outing, Fanno Creek Path is without doubt one of the hottest routes for runners and walkers, connecting Tigard with neighboring suburbs Beaverton and Tualatin, and even extending to Portland.
Parks are in every single place as effectively. Greenway Park, Summerlake Metropolis Park, and Dirksen Nature Park are in style spots. And simply exterior town, the Tualatin River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Tryon Creek State Pure Space present prospects for longer outings.
Commuting to Portland could also be a problem although, as the primary freeway (Pacific Freeway) typically will get extremely crowded throughout rush hour. Freeway 217 possible received’t assist both. There are many direct bus routes from Tigard to Portland, however no prepare service. The marginally increased price of dwelling additionally pushes it down in rankings.
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6. Bend, OR
Inhabitants:104,557Median Sale Worth:$685,000Median Lease Worth:$2,100Average Commute Time:16.9 minutesUnemployment Charge:3%
The one metropolis on our checklist east of the Cascades, Bend, OR is available in at quantity six. Sitting on the Deschutes River three hours southeast of Portland, Bend is a fast-growing outside haven identified for its four-season recreation, small-town really feel, and historic downtown.
Inside the metropolis, it feels as if you’re already within the wilderness; native and regional parks and trails are woven into the material of town. The Deschutes River Path, Shevlin Park, Larkspur Path, and the Pilot Butte Path are nice spots.
Bend can be only a quick drive away from Mount Bachelor, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters mountains, and the Deschutes Nationwide Forest, all of that are good for summer time and winter recreation. Snowboarding, mountain climbing, climbing, biking, and working are all in style choices.
Bend’s local weather is markedly totally different from Western Oregon; it’s primarily dry and sunny, with reasonably heat days and funky nights. Town sits at 3,623 ft in elevation simply east of the Cascade Mountains, and is technically thought of a excessive desert. This implies temperatures can range broadly from day to nighttime, and particularly between seasons. Summers are normally dry and pretty scorching, whereas winters will be chilly and snowy. Temperatures are typically reasonable, although.
One rising concern in regards to the space is the wildfire and air high quality threat through the summer time and early fall. In recent times, Bend has seen a number of weeks of unhealthy air high quality attributable to wildfire smoke. When you’re contemplating shifting to the realm, ensure you perceive how one can keep good indoor air high quality.
Bend properties on the market | Bend homes for lease | Bend flats for lease
7. Beaverton, OR
Inhabitants:96,945Median Sale Worth:$650,000Median Lease Worth:$1,660Average Commute Time:24.1 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.8%
Beaverton is the seventh metropolis on our checklist of the most effective locations to dwell in Oregon. Tucked between the West Hills and Tualatin Valley farmlands, Beaverton comprises big-city facilities whereas sustaining its rural and suburban attraction. Plus, it’s solely seven miles from Downtown Portland and is alongside the MAX Purple Line, that means quick access into town. Beaverton is thought for being residence to the Nike and Intel headquarters.
Beaverton is an extremely fertile, inexperienced, and clear place to dwell. Infrastructure is effectively maintained, bike lanes are in every single place, and forests and streams dominate the panorama. And most spectacular of all are the countless trails, parks, and paths. The Westside (Powerline) Path, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, and Tualatin Hills Nature Park are in style spots.
An essential facet to remember is that Beaverton has pushed its city boundaries out fairly a bit previously decade, which has led to loads of modifications to native farms and agriculture. Many beloved U-Choose farms and native markets have been changed into new housing developments and colleges. Beaverton only recently (unofficially) handed 100,000 residents, in spite of everything, and town desires to continue to grow.
Loads of native farms are nonetheless round, although, together with Hoffman Farms Retailer, Oregon Heritage Farms, and Smith Berry Barn. There are additionally many attractive vineyards in and across the space which might be in style amongst locals, like Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Raptor Ridge Vineyard. The Beaverton Farmers Market can be a beloved Saturday custom working year-round.
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8. Medford, OR
Inhabitants:85,098Median Sale Worth:$435,000Median Lease Worth:$1,500Average Commute Time:16.8 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.1%
Positioned in Southwestern Oregon, simply 31 miles north of the California Border, Medford is the eighth metropolis on our checklist of the most effective locations to dwell in Oregon. Town is within the Rogue Valley south of the Willamette Valley, which implies there may be loads of recreation, farming, wine, and pure magnificence. The Rogue River runs from close by Crater Lake Nationwide Park to the Pacific Ocean, whereas Mount Ashland and Mount McCloughlin present trails, winter recreation, and vistas. The Desk Rocks are one other landmark.
Residing in Medford additionally means you’re near whitewater rafting in Grants Move and the well-known Shakespeare Competition in Ashland. When you would reasonably keep inside metropolis limits, there are brewpubs, wineries, and artisanal delicacies inside strolling distance. Wild River Brewing and Pizza, DANCIN Vineyards, and Tartine are nice spots for a lunch or night occasion.
Medford’s local weather might also be a welcome bonus. Town is in a rain shadow between the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountains, that means its local weather is extra akin to Japanese Oregon than you’ll count on. Medford sees half as a lot precipitation as Portland and Eugene (~18 inches vs. ~40 inches), with most of it coming through the cool winter months. Summers are scorching and dry. Fog and temperature inversions within the winter also can play a big position in day by day life by limiting visibility and air high quality pretty considerably.
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9. Gresham, OR
Inhabitants:110,685Median Sale Worth:$460,000Median Lease Worth:$1,380Average Commute Time:27.1 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.7%
Gresham is a far-eastern suburb of Portland (in what’s generally known as East County) and is thought for its number of facilities, suburban really feel, and proximity to vibrant pure magnificence. Gresham covers a pretty big space and comprises every thing from a full of life downtown, to riverside marinas, to rural farmland. Town is commonly lumped along with close by Troutdale.
Outside recreation is a large a part of life in Gresham. Among the hottest outside spots are the Powell Butte Nature Park, Foremost Metropolis Park, Sandy River Delta, and the 21-mile Springwater Hall Path. You’re additionally simply over an hour from Mount Hood. When the mountain is out throughout a transparent day, the view will make you yearn to be on its slopes.
Many individuals dwell in Gresham and work in downtown Portland. As such, it’s pretty simple to commute into the large metropolis alongside Freeway 26, Interstate 84, or the MAX Blue Line, which runs a lot of the day, on daily basis. Driving throughout rush hour can take fairly some time, although. Actually, the Portland space has the Tenth-worst rush-hour visitors within the nation. The area is frequently working to enhance its navigability, although.
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10. Oregon Metropolis, OR
Inhabitants:37,351Median Sale Worth:$625,000Median Lease Worth:$1,675Average Commute Time:26.8 minutesUnemployment Charge:3%
Oregon Metropolis rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to dwell in Oregon. A far southern suburb of Portland, Oregon Metropolis is thought for its industrial historical past, riverside views of the Willamette, and being the ultimate cease on the Oregon Path. Whereas Oregon Metropolis is a suburb, it has its personal vibe and locals view it as a definite metropolis. The local weather is almost similar to Portland, although.
Historical past is without doubt one of the greatest components of dwelling in Oregon Metropolis. Within the heart of town are the Willamette Falls, the positioning of the nation’s first long-distance electrical line and a significant milestone of hydroelectric energy. Simply northeast of that’s the Municipal Elevator, the one outside municipal elevator within the U.S., which vertically connects two ranges of town separated by a bluff. The McLoughlin Home, Museum of the Oregon Territory, and Finish of the Oregon Path Interpretive Heart are close by as effectively.
Whereas Oregon Metropolis is small, it’s nonetheless residence to loads of good meals and breweries. Some in style spots embody Canard, Oregon Metropolis Brewing Firm, Tony’s Fish Market, and Mi Famiglia Pizzeria.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist residence searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to dwell. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or larger had been thought of for our Oregon checklist. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
