Best Places to Live in Oregon: With stunning beaches, towering mountains, and sprawling deserts, Oregon features diverse geographical terrain, offering a host of opportunities for outdoor adventure for those who love an active lifestyle.
The picturesque state also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene with plenty of impressive theatres, fascinating art galleries, and intriguing museums.
Couple that with a robust job market, excellent schools, and a variety of lifestyle options that suit varied family dynamics.
Planning to relocate to this stunning state with family?
We’ve got you covered with our list of the best places to live in Oregon for families:-
Dive in!
Ashland #1
Located on one end of Oregon’s picturesque Rogue Valley, Ashland is a vibrant college town with a thriving arts & culture scene.
It is home to Southern Oregon University and hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, attracting many theatre fans. It also features Allen Elizabeth Theatre and Lithia Park where many events are held, including live theatre and music performances.
Being only 15 miles from California, the town also offers access to the big city entertainment scene.
Love an active lifestyle?
The place gets almost 300 days of sunshine annually and Lithia’s 93 acres of forested canyon land offers a host of outdoor recreation activities.
What’s more?
There are many A-rated schools in the area and a host of job opportunities. Housing is expensive but the amenities make it worth it.
Beaverton #2
Looking for tranquil rural living with access to the big city amenities?
Beaverton may be the place for you. Perched on the eastern part of the Tualatin Valley, this scenic town is home to over 90 parks, and numerous hiking and biking trails and is surrounded by farmland, offering ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family.
Located only a short drive away from Portland, it offers easy access to the big city amenities while offering a slow-paced lifestyle for residents.
The town is also home to many tech employers along with the popular Nike, offering a host of job opportunities. Its numerous highly-rated schools make it a great place to raise a family.
Housing here is almost double the national average but if budget is not a constraint, go for it.
Bend #3
Love an active lifestyle? Bend won’t disappoint.
Nestled in the high desert of the state, it features sunny weather most of the year and is in close proximity to Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock.
With access to such varied natural landscapes, there is no dearth of outdoor activities to enjoy here, from rafting the Deschutes, climbing up Monkey Face, and skiing down its scenic slopes.
The town also offers a host of job opportunities in the healthcare, tourism, hospitality, and brewing industries.
With the OSU Cascades and Central Oregon Community College, it’s a great choice for families looking for higher education options near home. Housing is expensive here but if that isn’t a concern, go for it.
Salem #4
Looking for a relatively affordable option without compromising on the amenities?
Salem may be the place for you. The bustling city offers a host of recreational options.
From buying fresh produce at the Salem Saturday Market, taking the kids to the Gilbert House Children’s Museum, picnicking in Bush’s Pasture Park to attending the annual World Beat Festival, there is something here for everyone.
Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, the city also offers plenty of outdoor recreation activities.
What’s more?
The city also offers access to Corban and Willamette Universities, and Chemeketa Community College along with a host of state job opportunities.
Its numerous A-rated schools and affordable housing options draw many families to take up residence here.
Bethany #5
Looking for suburban living with access to the amenities of a larger metropolis?
Bethany offers the best of both worlds.
The lively town offers a host of entertainment activities. From enjoying nature walks in Forest Park, birding in Bethany Lake Park, and taking a swing at Claremont Golf Club to trying unique cuisine at the numerous excellent restaurants, there are endless activities to indulge in here.
The town also features Bethany Village which features a host of shopping and dining options. Couple that with numerous highly rated schools and a low crime rate.
Enjoying all these amenities doesn’t come cheap but the high median household income makes up for it.
Baker City #6
Looking for a picturesque town with affordable housing options?
Head to Baker City.
Nestled along the Powder river and between the Blue and Wallowa mountains, this town offers a host of outdoor recreational activities and features a vibrant art scene.
It is home to a bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The town also hosts numerous events that bring the community together.
What’s more?
It has a low crime rate and is home to decent schools, making it a great place for families.
Corvallis #7
Home to Oregon State University, Corvallis exudes a lively college-town vibe. There are plenty of art galleries and museums in the town, adding to its vibrant arts and culture scene.
There is also a host of outdoor recreational activities with around 47 public parks and the NCAA Division I sports teams provide great sports entertainment.
There are several A-rated schools in the town and housing options are relatively affordable compared to many other parts of the state.
With so much to offer, it is one of the best places to live in Oregon.
Eugene #8
Love spending time amidst nature?
Eugene may be the perfect place for you.
Nestled in the Willamette Valley, this scenic city offers ample outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, rafting, biking, and more.
The city also has a lively arts scene with many performing arts companies calling it home. Couple that with a low commute time and excellent schools.
What’s more?
You can find affordable rental options here, making it a great choice for families just starting out.
So, pick the one that speaks to you and get ready to move into your new home.
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FAQs:
Q. Where is the best place to raise a family in Oregon?
Bethany and Salem are amongst the best places to raise a family in Oregon.
Q. Is Oregon a good place to raise a child?
With diverse natural landscapes, a vibrant arts scene, plenty of outdoor recreational activities, and excellent schools, Oregon is a great place to raise a child.
Q. What is the best part of Oregon to live in?
Bend, Salem, and Corvallis are some of the best places to live in Oregon.