The ten Finest Locations to Stay in Oregon in 2025

When you’re planning on transferring to Oregon, add these cities to your record.

Dwelling to lush landscapes, famend coastlines, and plentiful recreation alternatives, Oregon has all of it. The state can usually be cut up into two sections, divided by the Cascade Mountains: Western Oregon and Jap Oregon. The Columbia River and its well-known Gorge defines the state’s northern border with Washington. Oregon and Washington have related climates, topographies, and cultures, so residents relocating from one to the opposite is pretty widespread.

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 situated right here. The area has a light, marine local weather and sees fairly a little bit of rain.

East of the Cascades is Jap Oregon, which is situated on the Columbia Plateau and is way drier than Western Oregon. Bend, Hermiston, and Pendleton name this space dwelling, with the Blue Mountains, Wallowa Mountains, and Alvord Desert standard locations. The area sees hotter summers and colder, snowy winters.

However which cities within the Beaver State are the very best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to reside in Oregon, rating them on qualities akin to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.

The perfect locations to reside in Oregon

1. Portland, OR
2. Milwaukie, OR
3. Eugene, OR
4. Salem, OR
5. Tigard, OR
6. Bend, OR
7. Beaverton, OR
8. Medford, OR
9. Gresham, OR
10. Oregon Metropolis, OR

1. Portland, OR

Portland tops our record as the very best place to reside in Oregon. Identified 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. The town can be simply an hour and half from each the coast and Mount Hood, making for unbelievable 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 number of the hottest annual occasions. Portland additionally hosts the most important iteration of the World Bare Bike Journey 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 a protracted 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 sights in Portland embody Forest Park, Powell’s Metropolis of Books, the Portland Saturday Market, and TomMcCall Waterfront Park. The world can be dwelling to dozens of scrumptious globally-inspired eateries, like Soiled Lettuce, Gabbiano’s, and Urdaneta. And maybe most well-known of all are town’s tons of of meals carts (vehicles) serving all method of dishes.

Portland houses on the market | Portland homes for lease | Portland flats for lease

2. Milwaukie, OR

Only a few miles southwest of Portland, Milwaukie is second on our record of the very best locations to reside in Oregon. The town is way slower paced than Portland, providing residents a quiet, inexperienced, suburban really feel whereas nonetheless sustaining a really walkable and bikeable format. It’s additionally very handy to reside in Milwaukie and commute into Portland utilizing the MAX Orange Line. Home and lease costs are a bit increased, although.

Milwaukie is formally referred to as the Dogwood Metropolis of the West for the numerous dogwood timber that bloom each spring. Actually, town comes collectively yearly on Might twenty first to have fun each its incorporation and its beautiful blooming timber. This love of nature is mirrored within the dozens of beautiful parks, trails, and viewpoints that dot the realm. Sellwood Park, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Backyard, and the Springwater Hall Path are beloved pure sights. 

Milwaukie can be a metropolis that embraces the previous and new. Downtown, fashionable bars and eating places like Ovation Bistro & Bar and Decibel Sound & Drink sit adjoining to Milwaukie Bowl, a basic cinema and bowling alley. The historic Oaks Amusement Park can be simply three miles north alongside the Willamette.

Milwaukie houses on the market | Milwaukie homes for lease | Milwaukie flats for lease

3. Eugene, OR

Eugene is available in because the third-best place to reside in Oregon. Two hours south of Portland and adjoining to Springfield alongside the Willamette River, Eugene is dwelling to the College of Oregon (UO), and is the birthplace of Nike. The town additionally boasts ample out of doors recreation, native retailers and markets, and historic structure. 

Unsurprisingly, Eugene is obsessive about operating – it’s referred to as TrackTown USA – and holds the annual Prefontaine Traditional at UO’s Hayward Discipline. Quite a lot of Olympic athletes additionally prepare in Eugene.

Just like Portland, Eugene is equidistant from the Oregon coast and Cascade mountains – nearly two hours by automotive every approach. Plus, it presents 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 standard choices. 

Importantly, Eugene has grown significantly previously a number of years. It was a reasonably small, inexpensive, and eclectic faculty city, however as extra folks moved to the realm and the college grew bigger, housing, leases, and the normal price of dwelling grew alongside it. Nonetheless, Eugene remains to be way more inexpensive than different Northwest cities like Portland and Seattle.

Eugene houses on the market | Eugene homes for lease | Eugene flats for lease

4. Salem, OR

Subsequent on our record 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 town dwelling and even presents internships on the capitol constructing for these interested by native authorities. 

Salem has a status for being pretty quiet in comparison with Portland and Eugene, but it surely has quite a bit 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 presents an all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch. Commuting to different cities can be pretty straightforward: simply hop on the Amtrak prepare and you may get to Portland and even Seattle inside just a few hours. 

Outside recreation is one other main advantage of dwelling 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 without doubt one of the largest parks within the space and presents 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 by April, with late spring and early fall offering essentially the most fulfilling 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.

Salem houses on the market | Salem homes for lease | Salem flats for lease

5. Tigard, OR

Tigard is available in at quantity 5 on our record of the very best locations to reside in Oregon. Simply south of Beaverton, Tigard is a suburb of Portland and a well-liked spot for individuals who take pleasure in a barely slower tempo of life. Nonetheless, town nonetheless boasts loads of vigorous 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 folks with disabilities. For an extended outing, Fanno Creek Path is without doubt one of the hottest routes for runners and walkers, connecting Tigard with neighboring suburbs Beaverton and Tualatin, and even extending to Portland. 

Parks are in all places as properly. Greenway Park, Summerlake Metropolis Park, and Dirksen Nature Park are standard spots. And simply exterior town, the Tualatin River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Tryon Creek State Pure Space present potentialities for longer outings. 

Commuting to Portland could also be a problem although, as the primary freeway (Pacific Freeway) usually will get extremely crowded throughout rush hour. Freeway 217 possible received’t assist both. There are many direct bus routes from Tigard to Portland, however no prepare service. The marginally increased price of dwelling additionally pushes it down in rankings.

Tigard houses on the market | Tigard homes for lease | Tigard flats for lease

6. Bend, OR

The one metropolis on our record 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 identified for its four-season recreation, small-town really feel, and historic downtown. 

Throughout the metropolis, it feels as if you’re already within the wilderness; native and regional parks and trails are woven into the material of town. The Deschutes River Path, Shevlin Park, Larkspur Path, and the Pilot Butte Path are nice spots. 

Bend can be only a quick drive away from Mount Bachelor, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters mountains, and the Deschutes Nationwide Forest, all of that are good for summer time and winter recreation. Snowboarding, mountain climbing, climbing, biking, and operating are all standard choices.

Bend’s local weather is markedly totally different from Western Oregon; it’s primarily dry and sunny, with reasonably heat days and funky nights. The town sits at 3,623 ft in elevation simply east of the Cascade Mountains, and is technically thought of a excessive desert. This implies temperatures can fluctuate extensively from day to nighttime, and particularly between seasons. Summers are normally dry and pretty sizzling, whereas winters may be chilly and snowy. Temperatures are usually average, although. 

One rising concern in regards to the space is the wildfire and air high quality danger throughout the summer time and early fall. In recent times, Bend has seen a number of weeks of unhealthy air high quality as a consequence of wildfire smoke. When you’re contemplating transferring to the realm, ensure you perceive preserve good indoor air high quality.

Bend houses on the market | Bend homes for lease | Bend flats for lease 

7. Beaverton, OR

Beaverton is the seventh metropolis on our record of the very best locations to reside in Oregon. Tucked between the West Hills and Tualatin Valley farmlands, Beaverton accommodates big-city facilities whereas sustaining its rural and suburban allure. Plus, it’s solely seven miles from Downtown Portland and is alongside the MAX Purple Line, that means easy accessibility into town. Beaverton is understood for being dwelling to the Nike and Intel headquarters.

Beaverton is an extremely fertile, inexperienced, and clear place to reside. Infrastructure is properly maintained, bike lanes are in all places, 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 standard spots. 

An essential side to remember is that Beaverton has pushed its city boundaries out fairly a bit previously decade, which has led to a variety of adjustments to native farms and agriculture. Many beloved U-Decide farms and native markets have been became new housing developments and colleges. Beaverton only recently (unofficially) handed 100,000 residents, in spite of everything, and 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 might be standard amongst locals, like Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Raptor Ridge Vineyard. The Beaverton Farmers Market can be a beloved Saturday custom working year-round.

Beaverton houses on the market | Beaverton homes for lease | Beaverton flats for lease

8. Medford, OR

Situated in Southwestern Oregon, simply 31 miles north of the California Border, Medford is the eighth metropolis on our record of the very best locations to reside in Oregon. The town is within the Rogue Valley south of the Willamette Valley, which suggests there’s 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. When you would relatively 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 might also be a welcome bonus. The town is in a rain shadow between the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountains, that means its local weather is extra akin to Jap Oregon than you’ll anticipate. Medford sees half as a lot precipitation as Portland and Eugene (~18 inches vs. ~40 inches), with most of it coming throughout the cool winter months. Summers are sizzling and dry. Fog and temperature inversions within the winter can even play a big function in day by day life by limiting visibility and air high quality pretty considerably.

Medford houses on the market | Medford homes for lease | Medford flats for lease

9. Gresham, OR

Gresham is a far-eastern suburb of Portland (in what’s referred to as East County) and is identified for its number of facilities, suburban really feel, and proximity to vibrant pure magnificence. Gresham covers a pretty big space and accommodates all the things from a vigorous downtown, to riverside marinas, to rural farmland. The town is commonly lumped along with close by Troutdale.

Outside recreation is a large a part of life in Gresham. A number of the hottest out of doors spots are the Powell Butte Nature Park, Major 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 reside 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 a lot of the day, each day. Driving throughout rush hour can take fairly some time, although. Actually, the Portland space has the Tenth-worst rush-hour site visitors within the nation. The area is frequently working to enhance its navigability, although.

Gresham houses on the market | Gresham homes for lease | Gresham flats for lease

10. Oregon Metropolis, OR

Oregon Metropolis rounds out our record because the tenth-best place to reside in Oregon. A far southern suburb of Portland, Oregon Metropolis is understood 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 almost equivalent to Portland, although.

Historical past is without doubt one of the finest components of dwelling in Oregon Metropolis. Within the middle of town are the Willamette Falls, the positioning of the nation’s first long-distance electrical line and a significant 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 town separated by a bluff. The McLoughlin Home, Museum of the Oregon Territory, and Finish of the Oregon Path Interpretive Middle are close by as properly.

Whereas Oregon Metropolis is small, it’s nonetheless dwelling to loads of good meals and breweries. Some standard spots embody Canard, Oregon Metropolis Brewing Firm, Tony’s Fish Market, and Mi Famiglia Pizzeria.

Oregon Metropolis houses on the market | Oregon Metropolis homes for lease | Oregon Metropolis flats for lease

Methodology

Redfin’s Finest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to reside. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors house, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or better have been thought of for our Oregon record. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.

Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.