12 Best Places to Live in Oregon in 2024

Oregon is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. From picturesque mountain scenery and surreal coastal lowlands to dense forest canopies, it is an outdoor haven that draws tourists from around and beyond. But nature isn’t the only thing that makes a traveler want to make their visit to the Beaver State permanent. A thriving arts scene, a growing economy with promising job opportunities, and a diverse cultural scene make it one of the most desirable states to settle in America.

Whether you're a young professional, part of a growing family, or a retiree, Oregon offers an array of charming locations to suit your preferences and budget needs. These charming towns entice home seekers with affordability, safety, diversity, and access to vital social and health amenities, guaranteeing a high quality of life. If you are planning a permanent move to the Pacific Northwest in 2024, these are some of the best areas to live in Oregon.

Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego offers a little bit of something for all lifestyle preferences, from the outdoorsy and the artsy to the historically inclined. Exciting outdoor adventures await at the 26-acre George Rogers Park, which lies along the scenic banks of the Willamette River. Lake Oswego’s bustling arts scene shines through at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, known for staging a string of exciting live performances, from musicals and plays to concerts. The pedestrian-friendly downtown invites you to explore a vibrant corridor with a mix of businesses, including galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market is a must-visit experience if you appreciate cultural attractions and local cuisine. On the flip side, Lake Oswego is not the cheapest area to live in Oregon, considering that it has a median home price of $1.11M.

Cannon Beach

If you want to spend your days on the serene shores of the Oregon coast, without worrying about overwhelming crowds, Cannon Beach is an excellent option. This quintessential beach community in northwest Oregon is famous for its sandy beaches and stunning ocean vistas. Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site offers the ideal atmosphere for playing on the sand, soaking in the sun, or flying a kite in a serene environment. For a dip in the water, Indian Beach is nicely secluded, with lovely tide pools and access to the iconic Haystack Rock.

Beyond the coast, Cannon Beach delights with an assortment of art galleries and centers for visual and performing arts, with top venues like the Jeffrey Hull Gallery and Coaster Theater Playhouse captivating the community. Lastly, the median house price in Cannon Beach is $1.4M.

Grants Pass

This quaint riparian community lies on the banks of the Rogue River, providing a rural atmosphere with rich natural surroundings. The warmer seasons offer aquatic adventures along the Rogue River with local outfitters like Hellgate Jetboat Excursions. Next to the riverbanks, residents enjoy lovely nature spaces, such as Reinhart Volunteer Park, which is home to picnic shelters, fishing ponds, and sports facilities like sand volleyball courts and a soccer field. Elsewhere, hikers can take on the 10-mile trail system at Cathedral Hills, also ideal for bikers and horseback riders.

Grants Pass (corrected from "Grant Pass") also boasts a respectable arts scene, which entertains residents with both visual and performance arts venues. Glass Forge Gallery & Studio is an exciting stop for those who appreciate glass art. The town also draws home seekers with a manageable median home price nearly at par with the state average, at $477,000.

Tigard

Tigard is where people go to stay when they want to be near all the amenities of Portland without having to deal with its hustle and bustle. This quaint town in Washington County offers an eclectic mix of outdoor, shopping, and cultural experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts have the paved Fanno Creek Trail to explore the open spaces, ideal for hikers, runners, and bikers, while theater enthusiasts can catch Broadway-caliber performances at the Broadway Rose Theater Company. With Washington Square being less than 10 minutes from town, shoppers can immerse themselves in exciting retail therapy at this premier shopping mall. The vibrant community maintains close ties through diverse social events and festivals, key among them being the Festival of Balloons. Held every June, it is a fun time for families and friends to come together, socialize, play, and share a hearty laugh. With such proximity to Portland, it is no surprise that the median housing cost is $695,000.

Corvallis

Home to Oregon State University, Corvallis hosts a youthful population that injects a vibrant level of energy into the community. There is an impressive network of green spaces that allow access to biking and hiking trails, including the Willamette Park and Natural Area and the Jackson Frazier Wetland. The Corvallis Farmers’ Market provides an excellent way for newcomers to mingle with community members and establish networks and friendships. Meanwhile, the local dining scene impresses with diverse flavors, from Mexican and European dishes to American fare. A stop at TacoVino allows you to sample the best tacos and tortillas in town.

Located less than an hour from the capital and within driving distance of the Oregon coast, Corvallis strikes a balance between rural feel and big-city experiences. The median housing cost, at $579,500, is a fair deal, considering everything.

Hood River

A haven for outdoor adventurers, Hood River is surrounded by rich natural landscapes that set the stage for diverse recreations. The town lies on the tranquil banks of the Columbia River but gets its name from the nearby Hood River. Families seeking to spend quality time outside often congregate at Hood River Waterfront Park, which offers lovely picnic spots, a cool playground, and small climbing walls. Wine tasting is a culture in Hood River, evident from the multiple wineries in town. If you have a penchant for freshly crafted wines, you can visit Evoke Winery to sample the town’s best offerings.

Hood River also has an interesting history that can be explored at the History Museum of Hood River County, which features engaging exhibits. Those planning to acquire a permanent home in the town should budget for around $792,000.

McMinnville

McMinnville is a historic town in Oregon’s wine country, situated on the serene banks of the Yamhill River. Strolling through the downtown district reveals 20th-century buildings housing wine bars, restaurants, and galleries. McMinnville is perhaps best known for hosting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, which boasts a world-class collection of over 50 aircraft and space vehicles. As a renowned wine-producing region, oenophiles have multiple options to sample some of McMinnville’s best wines, including those from Pike Road Wines and Maysara Winery.

Several family-friendly spots allow for exciting outdoor activities, highlighted by the serene grounds of Joe Dancer Park, which offers access to the Yamhill River. Alternatively, Wings & Waves Waterpark is an ideal option for a day out with the family. With a median home cost of $470,000, McMinnville is among the more affordable options for home ownership in Oregon.

Canby

This small town in Clackamas County offers a suburban atmosphere with delightful green surroundings. Most residents here cultivate their groceries in backyard gardens, earning Canby the nickname “Home of the Good Earth.” This lifestyle affords residents access to several green areas to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Molalla River State Park is among them, offering hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The close-knit community showcases its warmth and harmony during the weekly Canby Farmers Market, bringing together locals while promoting healthy eating and supporting local producers.

Downtown Canby is a vibrant neighborhood with a charming cluster of businesses, making for the perfect hangout spot. Movie lovers can catch the latest films at Canby Cinema 8, while culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a wholesome meal at Jarboe’s Grill. With Portland being less than half an hour’s drive away, Canby’s home costs are understandably above average at $639,900.

Ashland

Ashland is an appealing choice for those who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. This laid-back town in southern Oregon boasts numerous green spaces where residents can engage in a variety of recreational activities. Lithia Park, a favorite among nature lovers, offers a tranquil setting with forested canyons, grassy lawns, and picturesque ponds. Meanwhile, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards provide residents the opportunity to enjoy open spaces and wine tastings simultaneously.

A thriving arts and culture scene features multiple performance venues in Ashland, inviting locals to enjoy live shows at the iconic Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Oregon Cabaret Theater. The median home price here is $612,000, a reasonable cost for the relatively high quality of life offered.

West Linn

West Linn is a prime choice for families considering settling in a suburban environment without sacrificing access to urban essentials such as shopping stores, restaurants, and banks. As part of the Portland metropolitan area, the town strikes a balance between a small-town vibe and contemporary urban comforts. Residents value the eclectic mix of parklands and natural spaces, ensuring plentiful outdoor opportunities. Noteworthy areas include the Camassia Nature Preserve and Mary S. Young Park, which is situated along the picturesque shores of the Willamette River.

While exploring the great outdoors, residents can also sample house-crafted wines at Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery, which offers over ten varieties. Given the town’s proximity to Portland, it's unsurprising that the median cost of homes is a lofty $812,400.

Milwaukie

Safety and a strong sense of community attract home seekers to this charming town in Clackamas County. The hospitality and friendliness of the locals are often on full display during the Milwaukie Farmers Market, where residents buy and sell fresh produce and assorted goods in a family-friendly, festive atmosphere. Despite its rural charm, Milwaukie provides access to various urban amenities, with Portland just a stone’s throw away. You can explore the town’s background at the Milwaukie Museum, which houses an interesting artifact collection inside a 19th-century farmhouse. Families with kids can look forward to wholesome fun at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park, featuring amenities like a climbing wall, swimming pool, and water slides. For a Portland suburb, the average home price of $549,000 seems like a great value.

Sisters

This quintessential small town invites those with an adventurous spirit to explore its sprawling ranches, savor its farm-to-table dining scene, and find solace in its laid-back Western heritage. Set at the foothills of the Cascade Range, it is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, which you can explore with a hike along the Peterson Ridge Mountain Bike Trails. The rocky terrain along the path presents a fun challenge ideal for riders of all skill levels. During winter, all roads in town lead to the Hoodoo Ski Area, which attracts snow sports enthusiasts from around the state.

Sisters' unique cowboy heritage comes to the fore during the annual Sisters Rodeo, a family-friendly spectacle that unites the community to celebrate a long-held tradition with various cowboy games and performances. The median home price in Sisters is $850,000.

Wrapping Up

Oregon offers an excellent range of options for those seeking an ideal place to call home in 2024. From large metropolitan suburbs to scenic small towns, each highlighted area delivers a top-notch quality of life thanks to natural amenities, economic opportunities, and engaged communities. Whether you’ve been a lifelong resident of the state or are planning to move from another part of the country, the places mentioned above should be on your priority list when searching for a place to live in Oregon.