7 Most Neighborly Towns In Oregon

With nearly one-third of Oregon’s residents living in rural areas, the state’s small towns have developed an extremely close-knit spirit. These communities, often relying on one another for support, thrive in ways that often rival larger cities. Annual Shakespeare festivals, U-pick berry farms, and contemporary art museums are just a few of the activities that connect these small communities' residents. Looking to experience this friendly, welcoming atmosphere? These seven towns will show you the warmth and kindness that rural Oregon has to offer.

Canby

Canby is surrounded by fertile farmland, flower meadows, and fall festivals, resulting in a friendly farming community and small-town atmosphere. Each year, Swan Island Dahlias hosts the Dahlia Festival, celebrating the Dahlia season. Visitors can explore nearly 50 acres of blooms, with over 375 varieties to admire, and even pick fresh-cut flowers to take home. The festival also features food trucks, live music, workshops, and a farmers market, adding to the lively atmosphere. The following month, the Clackamas County Fairgrounds hosts Fobtoberfest, the town’s Oktoberfest celebration that features lots of German food, German beers, music, and fun. Looking to pick fresh fruit and berries? Morning Shade Farm, a U-pick berry farm, offers seasonal harvesting for blueberries, blackberries, grapes, Asian pears, Italian plums, and more.

Lake Oswego

While Lake Oswego thrives along its picturesque lake, it also earns recognition for its dynamic events and concerts, resulting in a strong sense of community. Every Saturday, from May through October, the town hosts a townwide farmers market, which sells local cheeses, meats, seafood, produce, nuts, artisan baked goods, crafts, and more. There is also usually live music for a portion of the morning to liven the market’s spirit. The town comes together again in the summer for the Summer Concerts, a series of free live music performances. Attendees are encouraged to bring low sand chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the music on the lawn. Visitors can also reserve a tour with the Willamette Shore Trolley, a vintage trolley that will take them through an iconic tunnel and some of Lake Oswego’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

Cottage Grove

Bikers will instantly feel welcome in Cottage Grove, one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in the state. Row River Trail is one of the most popular biking routes, starting near downtown in Trailhead Park and winding visitors through the town’s eastern countryside. Along the route, they can appreciate three covered bridges and a five-mile stretch along the beautiful Dorena Lake. In the warmer months, residents often gather at Cottage Grove Lake, set amidst gently rolling hills that offer places to swim, picnic, camp, fish, and boat. Consider stopping by Jack Sprats for dinner in the historic district, this cozy restaurant offers classic American dishes and frequently hosts live music.

Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach attracts tourists not only with its sandy beaches, whale watching, and fishing but also with its eccentric shops. Flamingo Jim’s is a classic shop in town for gifts, packed with clothing, souvenirs, and trinkets. Every Saturday, children under 12 can stop by The Little Crow for a free Hot Wheels car. Oregon Du Drops offers another quirky gift: lightbulbs filled with water, each reflecting a drop of water. The International Police Museum is an interesting attraction as well, featuring uniforms, weapons, and tools used by police forces worldwide, curated with help from the collection of retired police chief Ed Wortman. In May or June each year, the Rockaway Beach community comes together for the Rockaway Beach Oregon Kite Festival, consisting of kite flying, a kite contest, live music, and food.

Ashland

Ranked as one of the top 100 small art towns in the country, Ashland has an extremely active arts community. Taking place from around February through November of each year, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of the town’s most significant cultural attractions. Throughout the festival season, the town hosts 10 Shakespeare plays, performed on three different stages. The festival also offers talks, classes, and interactive discussions to get the community involved in the theater scene. Continuing the art tour, visitors can spend an afternoon at the Schneider Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum with exhibits from around the country. Beyond the town's lively art scene, outdoor activities are a popular way for residents to connect. Kayaking on the Upper Klamath or Rogue Rivers and hiking the trails near Grouse Gap Shelter are frequent pastimes.

Mosier

Mosier is situated along Oregon’s East Gorge Food Trail, promising an inviting and flavorful food scene. Each summer, Evans Fruit Company opens its doors to offer fresh U-pick cherries and peaches to visitors. At Analemma Wines, travelers can sip on a glass of Pinot Noir or Mencia on the vineyard’s terrace while enjoying views of the Mosier Valley. The vineyard also offers U-pick cherry and lavender experiences! Those who visit Mosier in the summer can attend the town’s Mosier Fest. During this festival, travelers can enjoy jazz, local bands, handcrafted goods, food, cider, and wines while celebrating the arrival of summer.

McMinnville

McMinnville has a lively shopping district that can entertain visitors all weekend long. Those looking for some locally made and gourmet food products can stop by Bellevue Country Store, a quaint store with a neighborly atmosphere. For a freshly baked and warm pie, stop by Blue Raeven Pies, a local bakery. At McMinnville Antiques Mall, shoppers can browse more than 50 vendors selling vintage items. Looking for a laidback meal and drink? Blue Moon Lounge is a popular gathering spot, one of the county’s longest continually operated bars. On the weekends, locals often visit Ed Grenfell Park, home to grassy fields, Baker Creek, picnic areas, and barbecue pits.

Why These Oregon Towns Feel Like Home

Although you might only be a visitor, the people of these towns will make you feel right at home. In addition to their laid-back parks and biking trails, welcoming family farmers, bakery owners, and local musicians are just a few of the people who will be waiting to greet you. So Take a weekend trip and experience the genuine community spirit that thrives in these seven towns!