Most Popular Places to Live in Oregon: Sit by an ancient lake created by a volcanic eruption, go for a desert safari, soak up the sun at a beach, or explore the rich flora and fauna in a lush forest, Oregon offers all this and more with its diverse landscapes.
The stunning state provides many outdoor adventure opportunities for those who love an active lifestyle.
It also has a vibrant arts and culture scene and is home to impressive theatres, intriguing museums, and fascinating art galleries.
What’s more? It also has a robust job market, excellent schools, and a lively entertainment scene.
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Whether you’re looking for a serene small-town vibe, lively city life, or laid-back beachside living, you can find it here.
Wondering which would be the perfect place for you to call home in this vibrant state?
We’ve got you covered with our list of the most popular places to live in Oregon: –
Corvallis #1
This lively college town is a popular choice for young adults. It is home to Oregon State University and has a vibrant arts and culture scene. It features numerous art galleries and museums.
With easy access to open spaces, forests, and numerous hiking and biking trails, residents can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, birding, camping, biking, and more.
The Siuslaw National Forest and the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge are popular areas to explore.
What’s more?
There are over 47 public parks. The NCAA Division I sports teams offer great sports entertainment.
Relocating with family?
There are several A-rated schools in the town and housing options are relatively affordable compared to many other parts of the state.
Couple that with a growing job market. With so much to offer, it is one of the most popular places to live in Oregon.
Salem #2
Looking for a lively cosmopolitan life without giving up on picturesque natural spaces? Head to Salem. The capital city features sprawling orchards, lush gardens, and beautiful parks along its rolling terrain.
From soaking in the beauty of a multitude of roses at Bush’s Pasture Park, attending annual holiday events at the Riverfront Park, catching a show at Elsinore Theatre, to exploring the historic downtown, there is something here for everyone.
The city offers plenty of job opportunities, especially in industries such as healthcare, government, and education.
It is also home to Willamette University and Corban University.
Housing prices are slightly over the national average but the amenities make it worth every penny.
Eugene #3
Love spending time amidst nature?
Eugene may be a perfect choice.
Nestled in the Willamette Valley near the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers, this scenic city offers ample outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, rafting, biking, and more.
Its temperate climate throughout the year makes it an ideal location for outdoor recreation.
From enjoying nature walks in the sprawling Rhododendron Garden, soaking in some history at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History to appreciating artworks at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and shopping from boutiques at Fifth Street Public Market, there are endless activities to enjoy here.
It also has plenty of breweries and pubs. Couple that with a low commute time, a decent job market, and excellent schools.
What’s more?
You can find affordable rental options here, making it a great choice for young professionals and families just starting out.
Portland #4
Known for its trendy neighbourhoods and vibrant arts and entertainment scene, Portland exudes a quirky and fun vibe.
The City of Roses offers something for everyone. From sipping on your favourite drink at The Bridgeport Brewing Company, Oregon’s oldest craft brewery; exploring boutiques, galleries, vegan bakeries, and excellent restaurants in the Alberta Arts District; singing to your heart’s content at Karaoke from Hell to strolling on the cobblestone streets of Pearl District, there are endless activities on offer here.
You’ll also find many quirky places in the city including Voodoo Doughnuts and Freakybuttrue Peculiarium.
Love an active lifestyle?
The city is home to over 12,000 acres of parkland and open space and has a strong bike culture.
What’s more?
Many international brands call it home, contributing to its robust job market.
Buying a house is expensive here but you can easily find affordable rental options.
Bend #5
Love an active lifestyle?
Bend won’t disappoint.
Nestled in the high desert and near Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock, the city offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities to indulge in, from climbing up Monkey Face and rafting the Deschutes to skiing and snowboarding the numerous powder-coated slopes.
Bend enjoys sunny weather most of the year, adding to the convenience of outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
You can also explore the Newberry National Volcanic Monument to witness and learn about lava flows, lakes, and stunning geologic features.
Wish to spend a lively evening out?
The city offers a host of entertainment options.
Try some delectable drinks at the breweries and pubs Downtown, satiate your dessert cravings from the bakeries in Old Bend, or soak in some history at the High Desert Museum, there is no dearth of entertainment options here.
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.
Beaverton #6
Looking for a serene rural vibe with access to the big city amenities?
Perched on the eastern part of the Tualatin Valley, Beaverton features numerous biking and hiking trails, more than 90 parks, and beautiful views of the surrounding farmlands.
You can find many lavish apartment buildings and stunning residential homes here. The town is also home to many award-winning restaurants and entertainment centres.
From outdoor plays to multicultural festivals, there is a host of events held here, that bring the community together.
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.
One of the biggest employers in town is Nike. There are also many other tech companies and firms that add to its promising job market.
Its numerous highly-rated schools make it a great place to raise a family.
Housing prices here are over double the national average but if budget is not a constraint, go for it.
Lake Oswego #7
Only eight miles from Portland lies this scenic city, encircling the beautiful Oswego Lake. It offers the perfect combination of lush natural beauty with city amenities.
There are ample outdoor recreational opportunities to enjoy here including fishing, boating, kayaking, golfing, and swimming amongst others.
With plenty of parks, excellent schools, and a low crime rate, it is a great place to raise a family.
What’s more?
Downtown Lake Oswego features plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The city also hosts Lake Oswego Farmers Market every Saturday as well as numerous exciting events that add to its entertainment scene.
Couple that with a strong community vibe. From condos to ranch-style houses, there is a range of housing options available here.
Housing prices are higher than the national average but the incredible offerings that this picture-perfect place offers make it worth the splurge.
Baker City #8
Looking for a scenic town with affordable housing options?
Head to Baker City.
Nestled along the Powder river and between the Blue and Wallowa mountains, the town is known for outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts scene, and exquisite historic buildings.
It is home to a thriving downtown area that features plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
From learning about its history at Baker Heritage Museum, enjoying a scenic drive on The Elkhorn Scenic Byway, cycling along the Leo Adler Memorial Parkway to attending exciting events such as Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally and Salt Lick Art Auctions along with several rodeos, there is an array of activities to enjoy here.
Ashland #9
Located on one end of Oregon’s picturesque Rogue Valley, Ashland exudes a vibrant college-town vibe. Home to Southern Oregon University, the town has a vibrant arts and culture scene.
From attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and catching a show at Allen Elizabeth Theatre to attending live theatre and musical performances at Lithia Park, there is a host of cultural activities to enjoy here.
Craving some outdoor adventure?
The town gets almost 300 days of sunshine annually and Lithia’s 93 acres of forested canyon land offer a host of outdoor recreation activities.
What’s more?
Its proximity to California allows easy access to the big city entertainment scene.
Its numerous A-rated schools and robust job market draw young professionals and families alike to take up residence here.
Buying a house is pricey here but you can find affordable rental options. Certain neighbourhoods are safer than others so make sure you keep that in mind while choosing a location here.
So, pick the one that ticks off all the boxes on your checklist and get ready to move into your new home.
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FAQs:-
Q. What is the best part of Oregon to live in?
Corvallis, Portland, and Eugene are some of the best places to live in Oregon.
Q. What is the nicest city in Oregon?
Eugene is the nicest city in Oregon.
Q. What are the top 5 major cities in Oregon?
Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and Beaverton are the top 5 major cities in Oregon.