10 Best Places to Live in Oregon, According to Real Estate Experts

From small coastal towns to urban areas surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, the Beaver State is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to put down roots.

Oregon has always been synonymous with abundant natural beauty. From its rugged coastline dotted with small villages to dramatic Mount Hood, the Beaver State offers a cornucopia of awe-inspiring, picture-perfect vistas at every turn. No wonder it's hailed as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise — the state's mild weather and four distinct seasons create the perfect conditions for enjoying an endless list of year-round activities like kayaking, skiing, swimming, and fishing. Unsurprisingly, access to outdoor recreation is one of the reasons people choose to move to Oregon. The laid-back lifestyle, good job prospects (the state's unemployment rate is currently 3.4 percent, a little less than the nation's average), and many universities and colleges add to the state's allure with new residents.

Here are 10 of the best places to live in Oregon — from small towns to big cities — according to longtime Oregon-based real estate agents and experts.

Related: 22 Things to Do in Oregon — From Coastal Bike Routes to Canyon Hikes

Portland

Set against iconic Mount Hood, Portland's allure with newcomers lies in its stunning natural setting, bustling creative community, and robust job market. With two rivers running through the city and the Pacific Ocean (plus many lakes) about an hour away, Portlanders have plenty of opportunities to get outside and stay active year-round.

"The short distance to rivers, mountains, and beach recreation is the envy of every West Coast city. Portland is one of a kind — an intimate, engaging, and inspiring city to call home," Temara Presley, a broker with John L. Scott Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, told Travel + Leisure. Presley suggested that those who'd like to invest in real estate here should be patient, explaining that the market is busy, but inventory is low. According to Zillow, the median home value in the city is $532,323. Some of her favorite neighborhoods are Irvington and Alberta in Northeast Portland, Eastmoreland and Ladd's Addition in Southeast Portland, and Slabtown in the northwest.

Salem

Located about 47 miles south of Portland at the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem — Oregon's capital — draws visitors and new residents with its small-town vibe, bustling farm-to-table dining scene, parks and gardens, wineries, and outdoor activities. Salem is also an excellent city to be a first-time homeowner since the median home value is $441,000, according to Redfin.

"While Salem is the capital city, our inventory tends to be much more affordable than our larger neighboring communities," Ashleigh Fordham, an agent at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, said. "If you are looking to purchase in Salem, varying price points and locations may have competing offers, so be prepared to explore and get to know the market and price point you are searching in to best prepare for any scenario."

Fordham added that some of the most sought-after neighborhoods include Fairmont Hills for the beautiful architecture and city views and Bush Park with its historic homes and lush park that boasts 90 acres of hiking trails and idyllic gardens.

Bend

Central Oregon is a prime destination for outdoor activities, and Bend makes an excellent home base to explore and enjoy the region's natural beauty. "Each season brings different opportunities, like snow skiing/snowboarding, golfing, camping, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, equestrian activities, just to name a few of the favorites," said John Ropp, an agent at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International. This city of a little over 100,000 residents, which is also the fastest-growing in the state, is also known for its craft beer scene, as there are over 30 breweries within the city limits.

"A lot of people are relocating to the area, especially people who can work from home and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle right out their back door," Ropp added. Because of that, first-time homeowners might find house hunting challenging as inventory is low, and the median home value is $726,400, according to Zillow. The hottest neighborhoods in Bend right now are Midtown and the Westside for their proximity to the Deschutes River, downtown, and the Old Mill shopping district.

Corvallis

As the home of the Oregon State University, Corvallis is a young (the average age is 27), culturally diverse, and dynamic community located within driving distance of Salem and the Oregon coast. The city is surrounded by farms, vineyards, and rivers, making it a particularly idyllic setting that also attracts a lot of retirees.  The median home value in Corvallis is $565,000, according to Redfin.

"In the city, there are many sought-after neighborhoods centered around good schools for families and around the university for investment. In the countryside, people can find small hobby farms or houses with sweeping views of the valley and mountain ranges," Hong Wolfe, a broker with Windermere Real Estate, said.

Related: 10 Best Oregon National Parks and Sites

Lake Oswego

This charming town of about 40,000 is a suburb of Portland that offers top-notch education, safe neighborhoods, a strong community vibe, and lively arts and culinary scenes. Of course, the main draw is the lake itself, along with access to the Willamette River.

"The city does a fantastic job creating community by hosting parades, farmers markets, and concerts. However, do not let this small-town feel fool you. Lake Oswego also has all the amenities of city life, including restaurants, wine bars, art museums, and shopping," Amy Emhoff, a broker at John L. Scott Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, explained.

She added that the town's neighborhoods all have unique charm and characteristics and highlighted First Addition and Evergreen for their proximity to downtown Lake Oswego, many parks, and great schools. "A hidden gem is Hallinan, as it, too, has a walkability aspect along with larger, flat lots and a charming 'Mayberry' like feel," Emhoff said, referring to the fictional small town from the 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show.

Cannon Beach

With the iconic Haystack Rock rising from the Pacific Ocean, miles of expansive sandy beaches, and spectacular scenery, Cannon Beach is a picture-perfect small town catering to those seeking tranquility and classic Oregon coastal living, just an hour and a half from Portland.

Kate Merrell of Windermere Real Estate explained that because of the town's popularity as a vacation destination, homes come with higher price tags — the median home value is $900,000. However, nearby villages in the area lack crowds but not charm. One is Arch Cape, just five miles south of Cannon Beach. "Due to our maritime environment, homes in the cedar shake style predominate as cedar weathers the storms and all that nature throws at its homes," Merrell added.

Grants Pass

Located on the banks of the Rogue River in Southern Oregon, Grants Pass offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. "If you love the outdoors, you'll love Grants Pass — from hiking to river rafting or fishing, outdoor dining, and the jet boats, there's something for everyone," David Case of Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International said. The town has a historic main drag with shops, restaurants, and galleries, and it’s surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Case explained that housing is pretty affordable in the town where median home prices are in the low $400,000s. However, just like elsewhere in the state, inventory remains an issue. "Most homes are ranch-style. There is also a good number of craftsman and modern styles to be found," he said. "One of the most popular neighborhoods is Northeast Grants Pass, with its mix of historic homes and many wonderful parks and proximity to restaurants."

Eugene

"Outside of being Track Town USA, the home of the Oregon Ducks, and the producer of some of the best wines in the Willamette Valley, Eugene has a little bit for everyone who wants city amenities with a small-town feel," Aaron Bloom from Windermere Real Estate said.

Oregon's third-largest city certainly has a lot in store for its over 170,000 residents who appreciate its world-class sports facilities, year-round cultural events, and access to outdoor recreation. "I went hiking on trails from my backyard, attended a Broadway show, played at the coast, and went snowboarding in the mountains within one week this past winter," Julia Anderson, a John L. Scott Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International broker, added.

The city, together with neighboring Springfield, offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to families, young professionals, or retirees. Anderson's best advice is to explore as many areas as possible to get a feel for the lifestyle and homes they offer.

Hood River

Located on the Columbia River just across from Washington State, Hood River is famous for its excellent windsurfing conditions, mountainous scenery, and top-notch wineries. This small town is only an hour east of Portland, so it is an ideal place to settle down if you want to be close to big-city amenities but away from big-city crowds.

"We have two huge mountains with one of the nation's largest rivers flowing between. Recreation couldn't be more varied: wind sports, river rafting and kayaking, hiking, exploring, and wine tasting," local real estate agent Todd Fiebig of John L. Scott Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International said. The median house value in Hood River is $695,000. Fiebig explained that older homes tend to be craftsman style, while newer construction has either Northwest contemporary or modern aesthetics.

McMinnville

Nicknamed "Mac" by its residents, McMinnville is nestled in Oregon's wine country and boasts stunning vineyard views and an impressive number of wineries (250 in a 20-mile radius). The town is also known for its excellent restaurants, boutique shops, historic theaters, and art galleries, which draw many weekend visitors from nearby Portland and Salem.

"The walkability of the town is exceptional, and you will soon feel that there is a true sense of community that blends nicely with the old and the new," Devri Doty, principal broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, added. "There are so many sweet spots and pockets of desirable homes in Mac. If you are looking for more historic homes close to downtown or desire country living on a few acres just out of town, Mac has all this and everything in between." She explained that homes on the east side tend to be more historic, while those on the west side tend to be more mid-century-modern and bungalow-style.

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