8 Best Places To Live In The Pacific Northwest In 2025
The Pacific Northwest (PNW), spanning Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, is one of the most desirable regions to call home in 2025. From the Pacific Coast to snow-capped peaks, the area offers a wide range of environments and lifestyles. Whether you're drawn to dynamic urban hubs or quieter towns rich in nature, the region balances scenic beauty with economic opportunity.
This guide highlights cities and towns that stand out for their quality of life, factoring in cost of living, job markets, education, healthcare access, safety, community, and outdoor recreation. From lakeside retreats to tech-forward metros, here are some of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest right now.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is the seat for Deschutes County at the heart of Central Oregon, with lower-than-average precipitation in the state. Growing from only 20K in 1990, Bend's current population is roughly 105,000 and increasing. Boasting a median household income of $88,792, the local biotech industry and co-working ops appeal to career-minded individuals. The increased demand for single-family homes reflects its popularity among remote workers. With a poverty rate of 9.5%, Bend's median house price of $734K is worth the perks.
Many move to Bend for the outdoors, on the border of Deschutes National Forest. Families with kids enjoy excellent schools and year-round recreation. Hike through the Oregon Badlands Wilderness and ski on Mount Bachelor. The family-friendly feel and equally unmatched brewery culture make it easy to unwind in your favorite way. There is a great riverfront culture, with bike trails and paddling along the Deschutes River, next to restaurants and live music venues. Downtown Bend flaunts a diverse culinary scene, unique shops, and fun events.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Almost four times more populous than in 1980, Coeur is the kind of place you visit and dream of staying. Offering a household income of $70,845 with a poverty rate of 8%, the main industries include agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Boasting a thriving healthcare and growing tech scene, there are jobs at major hospitals and in aerospace. The education system is within the state's top three. At the median house price of $559K, some 58,000 residents today find the higher cost of living worth the eye-catching cityscape.
Full of natural beauty, Coeur d’Alene epitomizes Idaho's lakeside living on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Stretching for over 25 miles, public beaches, and all-season trails make it easy to stay active year-round, with boat launches and fishing areas. The vibrant downtown is the hub of lakeside culture and creativity. Families enjoy outings to city parks like McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill. From the Centennial Trail to hiking and biking through the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, Silver Mountain Resort is just 36 miles east.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Nearing 70,000 in population, Idaho Falls has more than doubled in size since the 1960s. The seat of Bonneville County in eastern Idaho offers a median household income of nearly $70,000, with a poverty rate of 12%. Being tucked away in eastern Idaho at the heart of the Rocky Mountains, its position in the Rockies makes it a standout for those who prioritize access to the outdoors. With Snake River through the heart, it is under an hour to Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Idaho Falls is known for its GIFT On-Demand, a convenient and affordable rideshare program geared to older adults.
Despite being more remote, Idaho Falls can offer so much for families and singles, like the median price to own of $380K. It is a younger city with a median age of 33.5 years. Boasting a strong job market, including health care, travel, and business, the reputable Mountain View Hospital and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center draw healthcare workers. Idaho State University has educational opportunities and supporting staff. In addition to recreation from the doorstep, Yellowstone‘s west entrance and Grand Teton National Park are within a couple of hours.
Roseburg, Oregon
Among the PNW's large urban centers, Roseburg's population is nearing just 24,000. Offering a median household income of almost $53,000, with a poverty rate of 21.9%, the ultimate attraction factor is cheaper-than-the-state's cost of living, with a mix of newer homes, historic estates, and riverfront properties. The median house price of $350K varies among neighborhoods, like the popular Hucrest, which would be somewhat higher, while Melrose is considered upscale.
With the South Umpqua River traversing through, Umpqua Valley is defined by rolling vineyards, a mild climate, and outdoor recreation. The 600-acre Wildlife Safari draws families with animals from around the world, plus a 4.5-mile drive-thru loop. From town greens to scenic highways following the river north to south, residents enjoy outdoor activities from the doorstep, like hiking, rafting, and indulgent wine tastings. Whistlers Bend Park is on the northern outskirts along the highway, leading to a number of waterfalls, while the coast is about 1.5 hours away for a weekend on the beach.
Salem, Oregon
Growing exponentially since the 1960s, Salem is home to roughly 178,000 at the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The state capital is a younger city, with a median age of 35.7 years. The median household income is almost $72,000, while the poverty rate is 14.7%. The surrounding lush vineyards and scenic farmlands give it a more intimate appeal. Nearing $430,000 for median house value, its somewhat competitive housing market is still roughly 20% lower than Portland’s. Find your perfect home in a family-friendly neighborhood.
Salem is home to Amtrak for transportation, while South Salem Primary Care is a highly rated medical facility. The Willamette River winds through, with kayaking and fishing from the doorstep. The river shores are perfect for trailing, biking, running, or walking your dog, while the coast is under an hour west for a weekend escape. Drop by the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, part of Willamette University. The state's top-rated private university is also the oldest university in the West. The historic Elsinore Theatre presents live music, comedy, and theater.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has had its ups and downs, but focusing on prosperity has kept it historically desirable to settle. The average household income of $122,000 and poverty rate of 11% are boastworthy for the city's parameters. Having passed 200K at the turn of the 20th century, Emerald City on Puget Sound is home to over 760,000. Between the lush city parks and Lake Washington at the backdoor, Seattle is one of the US's greenest cities. Seattle has an excellent public transportation system, including light rail and ferries, and it is one of the nation's largest airports with around-the-world destinations.
Although it is a steep $872K to own in the capital city, suburbs like Kirkland are twice that. The city's major employers are Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks. Spend your free time browsing the Seattle Art Museum or hiking in the Cascades, both ideal for a date. Take it all in along the beautiful waterfront, plus iconic landmarks like the Chittenden Locks and 5th Avenue Theatre. In addition to thriving arts, world-class museums, and diverse cuisine, proximity to both Mount Rainier National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest extends into limitless outdoor ventures.
Spokane, Washington
Home to 229,500, Spokane is Washington's second-largest city. It offers an average household income of $65,745 and a poverty rate of 14.6%. At $383.6K for median home value, it is an affordable alternative to Seattle in the far east of the state. With a river running right through downtown, the city's motto is "Near Nature, Near Perfect," with characterful neighborhoods and abundant green space for family outings, like biking trails, golf courses, and Indian Canyon Mystic Falls, a nearby hike. Spokane Public Schools is among the state's largest school districts.
Home to Gonzaga University and Whitworth, the vibrant downtown highlights diversity with a great dining scene, plus breweries and wineries accentuating local ingredients. Cultural opportunities range from local galleries to the notable Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and performance venues. Between the city amenities and landscapes like basalt columns and mountain lakes, Spokane's economy is on the rise, with ample jobs in aircraft and aircraft parts manufacturing and support activities for air transportation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Boise, Idaho
Boise, the adventurous capital of the state, has a 2025 population of 235,000. The median household income is $81,308, higher than the state's mid-$70,000, thus the price to own at $492K seems acceptable, while the poverty rate is 10.6%. Many move for the booming economy, with opportunities in the growing tech scene and a strong tourism base. Its proximity to the Boise River and Rocky Mountains provides an outlet for hiking, rafting, and skiing. In addition to the bus network Valley Regional Transit, the city encourages cycling through a bike-share program.
Boise may not be the safest, but recreation at the doorstep and great year-round weather outweigh the safety concerns for many reluctant to move. In addition to an excellent school system, kids learn to appreciate the outdoors from an early age. Boise State Broncos exemplify sportsmanship, with fervent support by both residents and visitors at college games. Events like Jaialdi, “The World’s Largest Celebration of Basque Culture,” reveal the city as a hub of Basque culture, including the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, plus markets along the Basque Block.
Making an Informed Choice for Your Pacific Northwest Home
Choosing your next place to live can be a harrowing chore or an enjoyable experience. Idaho has recently passed the 2M mark as the least populous in the region and one of the least dense in the US. Oregon's population, nearing 4.3 million, offers a balance of city vibrancy and coastal serenity. Rosenburg residents enjoy affordable housing in a lush valley with wineries and waterfalls.
Visiting these towns and cities is definitely an adventure. Washington's nearly 8M make it the liveliest state, yet exemplary of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Seattle is globally recognized for its innovation, natural surroundings, and cultural depth, with high median income and low poverty. Whether you're planning to raise a family, start a career, or grow in your respective field, these towns and cities offer the right environment to grow your career, raise a family, or simply enjoy a higher quality of life.
