Jul
18

Discover the Hidden Gems: Top 10 Best Places to Live in Oregon

If you're looking for a new place to call home in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon might just be the perfect destination for you. Known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly communities, and thriving economy, this state has become a popular choice for people from all walks of life.

But with so many great cities and towns to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? That's where we come in. In this article, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best places to live in Oregon.

From charming coastal towns to bustling urban centers, each of these hidden gems has something unique and special to offer. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture buff, there's sure to be a place on this list that will feel like home.

Without further ado, let's dive in and discover the best of what Oregon has to offer.

Criteria for selecting the best places to live in Oregon

Before we dive into the list of the top 10 best places to live in Oregon, it's important to understand the criteria we used to select these cities and towns. We looked at a variety of factors, including:

Affordability

One of the most important considerations for many people when choosing a place to live is affordability. We looked at the cost of living in each city or town, including housing costs, utilities, and other expenses.

Job market

Another important factor is the job market. We looked at the unemployment rate and the availability of jobs in each city or town.

Quality of life

We also considered the overall quality of life in each location. This includes factors like access to healthcare, education, outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities.

Safety

Finally, we looked at the crime rate in each city or town to make sure that our recommendations are safe places to live.

Now that you understand our criteria, let's take a closer look at the top 10 best places to live in Oregon.

Top 10 best places to live in Oregon – overview

Beaverton, Oregon

Are you looking for a new place to call home? Somewhere that offers a great quality of life, a strong sense of community, and plenty of exciting things to see and do? Look no further than Beaverton, Oregon! Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Beaverton is a vibrant and diverse city that is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

From its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to its thriving arts and culture scene, there is something here for everyone. And with a strong economy, excellent schools, and a welcoming community, it's no wonder that Beaverton is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after places to live in the region.

Find affordable storage in Beaverton.

Bend, Oregon

Bend is a picturesque mountain town located in central Oregon. With a population of just over 100,000 people, Bend has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a larger city. The city has a thriving economy with a low unemployment rate, making it a great place to find a job. Bend is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. And with over 300 days of sunshine per year, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Corvallis, Oregon

Corvallis is a college town located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Home to Oregon State University, the city has a vibrant and youthful energy. The downtown area is filled with trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes, and the city is known for its commitment to sustainability. Corvallis has a strong job market and a low cost of living, making it an affordable option for young professionals and families.

Portland, Oregon

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and is known for its quirky culture and progressive values. The city is home to a thriving arts and music scene, as well as a diverse culinary landscape. Portland has a strong job market and a high quality of life, with access to healthcare, education, and outdoor recreation. However, the city's popularity has driven up housing costs in recent years, making it a less affordable option for some.

Find affordable storage in Portland.

Tigard, Oregon

If you're looking for a peaceful and family-friendly community to call home, Tigard, Oregon should be on your radar. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, this charming city offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundance of parks and recreational opportunities, Tigard is the ideal place to raise a family.

From exploring the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to visiting the historic John Tigard House Museum, there's always something fun and educational for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, with its proximity to Portland's vibrant cultural scene and the stunning natural beauty of the Oregon Coast, Tigard truly offers the best of both worlds. So, if you're ready to experience the joys of family life in one of the most welcoming and picturesque communities in the country, Tigard is the place for you.

Find affordable storage in Tigard.

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is another college town located in the southern Willamette Valley. Home to the University of Oregon, the city has a laid-back and friendly vibe. Eugene is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and is home to several local farms and farmers' markets. The city has a low cost of living and a strong job market, making it a great option for young professionals and families.

Gresham, Oregon

Nestled in the heart of Oregon, Gresham is a city that offers the perfect blend of urban and suburban living. With its vibrant downtown area, diverse cultural scene, and easy access to the great outdoors, Gresham has become a sought-after destination for those looking for a high quality of life. While it's only a short drive away from Portland, Gresham has its own unique character and charm. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree looking to settle down, Gresham has something to offer everyone.

Find affordable storage in Gresham.

Ashland, Oregon

Ashland is a small town located in southern Oregon, just a few miles from the California border. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Ashland also has a strong food culture, with a variety of local restaurants and cafes. The town has a low cost of living and a high quality of life, making it a popular destination for retirees.

Hood River, Oregon

Hood River is a small town located in the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, and hiking. Hood River also has a growing food and beverage industry, with a variety of local breweries and wineries. The town has a low cost of living and a growing job market, making it a great option for young professionals and families.

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Lake Oswego is a suburban city located just south of Portland. The city is known for its beautiful homes and high quality of life. Lake Oswego has a strong job market and a low crime rate, making it a safe and desirable place to live. The city is also home to a number of parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the 400-acre Oswego Lake.

Find affordable storage in Lake Oswego.

Sisters, Oregon

Sisters is a small town located in central Oregon, just a short drive from Bend. The town is known for its western charm and stunning natural beauty, including the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Sisters has a low cost of living and a growing job market, making it a great option for young professionals and families. The town also has a strong arts and culture scene, with several local festivals and events throughout the year.

Milwaukie, Oregon

Milwaukie may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of hip and trendy places to live, but that's all about to change. This charming city just south of Portland is quickly becoming a hot spot for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. With its proximity to the city, affordable housing, and thriving local businesses,

Milwaukie offers endless possibilities for those looking for a new place to call home. But that's not all. Milwaukie is also home to numerous parks and outdoor recreational activities, making it the perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. And let's not forget about the food scene. From classic diners to trendy gastropubs,

Milwaukie has something to satisfy every palate. So why not give Milwaukie a chance? With its welcoming community, affordable living, and endless possibilities, this up-and-coming city might just be the perfect place for you to start your next adventure.

Find affordable storage in Milwaukie.

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is a small coastal town located in the northwest corner of Oregon. The town is known for its historic architecture and maritime heritage. Astoria has a growing arts and culture scene, with several local galleries and museums. The town also has a low cost of living and a strong job market, making it a great option for those looking for a slower pace of life.

Newberg, Oregon

Newberg is a small town located in the heart of Oregon's wine country. The town is known for its vineyards and tasting rooms, as well as its charming downtown area. Newberg has a low cost of living and a strong job market, making it a great option for those looking to work in the wine industry. The town is also home to George Fox University, making it a great option for students and young professionals.

Find affordable storage near Newberg.

Conclusion

Oregon is home to a variety of great cities and towns, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, a vibrant arts and culture scene, or an affordable place to call home, there's sure to be a place on this list that will meet your needs.

If you're considering a move to the Pacific Northwest, be sure to check out these hidden gems and discover the best of what Oregon has to offer.

By: Lee Preston
Lee is the Director of Marketing and Promotion for EZstorit.com. When she is not working with our storage facilities partners, she is writing about topics that affect our daily lives.