If you happen to’re planning on transferring to Oregon, add these cities to your listing.
House to lush landscapes, famend coastlines, and considerable 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 comparable climates, topographies, and cultures, so residents relocating from one to the opposite is pretty frequent.
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 Seaside are all positioned right here. The area has a light, marine local weather and sees fairly a little bit of rain.
East of the Cascades is Japanese Oregon, which is positioned 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 widespread 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 stay in Oregon, rating them on qualities similar to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The most effective locations to stay 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 listing as the most effective place to stay in Oregon. Recognized for its quirky vibes, wet climate, and large public parks, Portland has all of it. Usually 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 unimaginable seasonal recreation alternatives.
Portland is famed for its eclectic, small-town really feel and bizarre, 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 a few of 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, provided 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.
A number of the most well-known points of interest in Portland embody Forest Park, Powell’s Metropolis of Books, the Portland Saturday Market, and TomMcCall Waterfront Park. The realm 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 the town’s tons 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%
Only a few miles southwest of Portland, Milwaukie is second on our listing of the most effective locations to stay 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 structure. It’s additionally very handy to stay in Milwaukie and commute into Portland utilizing the MAX Orange Line. Home and hire costs are a bit greater, although.
Milwaukie is formally often known as the Dogwood Metropolis of the West for the various dogwood bushes that bloom each spring. In truth, the town comes collectively yearly on Could twenty first to have a good time each its incorporation and its beautiful blooming bushes. This love of nature is mirrored within the dozens of beautiful parks, trails, and viewpoints that dot the world. Sellwood Park, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Backyard, and the Springwater Hall Path are beloved pure points of interest.
Milwaukie can be a metropolis that embraces the outdated and new. Downtown, fashionable bars and eating places like Ovation Bistro & Bar and Decibel Sound & Drink sit adjoining to Milwaukie Bowl, a traditional 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 stay 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 out of doors recreation, native outlets and markets, and historic structure.
Unsurprisingly, Eugene is obsessive about working – it’s often known as TrackTown USA – and holds the annual Prefontaine Traditional at UO’s Hayward Area. Plenty of Olympic athletes additionally practice in Eugene.
Just like Portland, Eugene is equidistant from the Oregon coast and Cascade mountains – nearly two hours by automotive every means. Plus, it affords loads of out of doors recreation inside metropolis limits, too. The beautiful Alton Baker Park and Hendricks Park are native hotspots, whereas dozens of strolling and biking trails and bridges make it straightforward 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 widespread choices.
Importantly, Eugene has grown significantly prior to now a number of years. It was once a reasonably small, inexpensive, and eclectic faculty city, however as extra individuals moved to the world and the college grew bigger, housing, leases, and the final value of residing grew alongside it. Nonetheless, Eugene remains to be much more inexpensive 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 listing is Salem, the capital of Oregon. Situated between Eugene and Portland alongside the Willamette River, Salem is within the coronary heart of the fertile Willamette Valley and surrounded by beautiful state parks, forests, and vineyards. Willamette College calls the town residence and even affords internships on the capitol constructing for these interested in native authorities.
Salem has a fame for being pretty quiet in comparison with Portland and Eugene, however it has rather a lot 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 straightforward: simply hop on the Amtrak practice and you will get to Portland and even Seattle inside just a few hours.
Outside recreation is one other main good thing about residing 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 among 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 via April, with late spring and early fall offering essentially the most pleasing climate. A rise in wildfires, warmth waves, and different excessive climate has made summers more difficult, particularly since most houses 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 listing of the most effective locations to stay in Oregon. Simply south of Beaverton, Tigard is a suburb of Portland and a well-liked spot for individuals who get pleasure from a barely slower tempo of life. Nonetheless, the town nonetheless boasts loads of energetic hotspots, together with Pizza Caboose, Washington Sq. Mall, and the Broadway Rose Theatre Firm.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and out of doors recreation are closely prioritized in Tigard. Most roads are tree-lined and have designated bike lanes and well-maintained sidewalks with entry for individuals with disabilities. For an extended outing, Fanno Creek Path is among 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 widespread spots. And simply outdoors the 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 doubtless gained’t assist both. There are many direct bus routes from Tigard to Portland, however no practice service. The marginally greater value of residing 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 listing 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 out of doors haven recognized 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 the town. The Deschutes River Path, Shevlin Park, Larkspur Path, and the Pilot Butte Path are nice spots.
Bend can be only a brief drive away from Mount Bachelor, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters mountains, and the Deschutes Nationwide Forest, all of that are excellent for summer season and winter recreation. Snowboarding, climbing, climbing, biking, and working are all widespread choices.
Bend’s local weather is markedly completely different from Western Oregon; it’s primarily dry and sunny, with reasonably heat days and funky nights. Town sits at 3,623 toes in elevation simply east of the Cascade Mountains, and is technically thought of a excessive desert. This implies temperatures can differ 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 concerning the space is the wildfire and air high quality threat through the summer season and early fall. In recent times, Bend has seen a number of weeks of unhealthy air high quality resulting from wildfire smoke. If you happen to’re contemplating transferring to the world, ensure you perceive how one can keep good indoor air high quality.
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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 listing of the most effective locations to stay in Oregon. Tucked between the West Hills and Tualatin Valley farmlands, Beaverton comprises big-city facilities whereas sustaining its rural and suburban allure. Plus, it’s solely seven miles from Downtown Portland and is alongside the MAX Crimson Line, that means quick access into the town. Beaverton is thought for being residence to the Nike and Intel headquarters.
Beaverton is an extremely fertile, inexperienced, and clear place to stay. 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 widespread spots.
An vital side to remember is that Beaverton has pushed its city boundaries out fairly a bit prior to now decade, which has led to plenty of modifications to native farms and agriculture. Many beloved U-Decide farms and native markets have been was new housing developments and faculties. Beaverton only in the near past (unofficially) handed 100,000 residents, in spite of everything, and the town needs 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 beautiful vineyards in and across the space which can be widespread 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%
Situated in Southwestern Oregon, simply 31 miles north of the California Border, Medford is the eighth metropolis on our listing of the most effective locations to stay in Oregon. Town is within the Rogue Valley south of the Willamette Valley, which suggests 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.
Dwelling in Medford additionally means you’re near whitewater rafting in Grants Go and the well-known Shakespeare Competition in Ashland. If you happen to would somewhat 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 can 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’d 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 may play a big function in each 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 often 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 the whole lot from a energetic downtown, to riverside marinas, to rural farmland. Town is usually lumped along with close by Troutdale.
Outside recreation is a big a part of life in Gresham. A number of the hottest out of doors spots are the Powell Butte Nature Park, Principal 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 stay in Gresham and work in downtown Portland. As such, it’s pretty straightforward to commute into the massive metropolis alongside Freeway 26, Interstate 84, or the MAX Blue Line, which runs many of the day, daily. Driving throughout rush hour can take fairly some time, although. In truth, the Portland space has the Tenth-worst rush-hour site 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 listing because the tenth-best place to stay 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 sort of equivalent to Portland, although.
Historical past is among the greatest elements of residing in Oregon Metropolis. Within the heart of the town are the Willamette Falls, the positioning of the nation’s first long-distance electrical line and a serious milestone of hydroelectric energy. Simply northeast of that’s the Municipal Elevator, the one out of doors municipal elevator within the U.S., which vertically connects two ranges of the 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 widespread 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 determination when selecting the place to stay. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or larger have been thought of for our Oregon listing. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
