Best Place to Live in Oregon? Top Picks for You

Did you know that approximately 25,000 people moved to Oregon between 2020 and 2021? That’s right! The state’s appeal as a place to live has been growing, attracting individuals seeking a balance between natural beauty and vibrant urban centers. If you’re considering a move to Oregon, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best places to live. Portland, Oregon’s priciest city, offers a bustling arts and culture scene, an array of dining options, and easy access to the great outdoors. For those looking for a more relaxed pace of life, consider the quaint town of Bend, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and charming downtown area. No matter where you choose to settle in Oregon, you’re sure to find a sense of community and an abundance of natural beauty.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, there are several factors to consider, such as affordability, job market, safety, and access to amenities. Oregon offers a range of options, from bike-friendly cities to outdoor paradises, ensuring that you can find a place that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Read on to discover the best cities and towns in Oregon that are known for their livability and appeal.

Key Takeaways:

• Oregon has seen a significant influx of people relocating to the state.
• The best places to live in Oregon offer a combination of natural beauty and vibrant urban centers.
• Affordability, job opportunities, safety, and access to amenities are important factors to consider when choosing a place to live.
• Corvallis is a bike-friendly city with excellent job opportunities.
• Portland offers a thriving job market and easy access to nature.

Corvallis – The Most Bike-Friendly City with Excellent Job Opportunities and Natural Beauty

Corvallis, home to Oregon State University, is widely recognized as one of the best places to live in Oregon. With its bike-friendly infrastructure and abundant job opportunities, Corvallis offers a winning combination of affordability, job market, safety, and wellness.

With a population of approximately 60,000, Corvallis provides a calm and relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling cities. The city boasts a low unemployment rate, thanks to major employers like Oregon State University and Hewlett-Packard. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a young professional, or a seasoned expert, you’ll find a range of career options in Corvallis.

Corvallis is not only a great place to work but also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley, the city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. The picturesque vineyards in the region are a treat for wine lovers, making Corvallis an excellent destination for both work and leisure.

When it comes to wellness, Corvallis prioritizes the well-being of its residents. With well-maintained parks, walking trails, and access to healthcare facilities, the city promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. The community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation has also earned it recognition as one of Oregon’s most eco-friendly cities.

Affordability in Corvallis

In terms of affordability, Corvallis is a standout among Oregon’s top cities. The cost of living is reasonable, with affordable housing options available, particularly for renters. The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer a range of housing styles and sizes to suit different preferences and budgets.

Job Market and Economic Opportunities

The job market in Corvallis is robust and diverse, offering opportunities across various industries. Oregon State University and Hewlett-Packard are major employers in the area, driving technological advancements and research. The presence of these renowned institutions creates a dynamic and innovative job market, attracting talent from diverse fields.

Safety and Well-being

Corvallis prioritizes safety, providing residents with a peaceful and secure environment. The city has a low crime rate, allowing individuals and families to feel safe while enjoying all that Corvallis has to offer. Additionally, the community’s emphasis on wellness and sustainability contributes to the overall well-being of its residents.

Key Factors	Corvallis
Affordability	✓
Job Market	✓
Safety	✓
Well-being	✓
Outdoor Recreation	✓

Portland – A Vibrant City with a Thriving Job Market and Access to Natural Beauty

Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis that offers a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Known for its craft breweries, bike-friendly streets, and lively music scene, Portland has a culture that embraces creativity and individuality. Whether you’re exploring the downtown art galleries, browsing the local boutiques, or enjoying a delicious meal at one of the city’s renowned food carts, there’s always something exciting happening in Portland.

But it’s not just the vibrant culture that makes Portland an attractive place to live. The city is also home to major businesses like Intel, Nike, U.S. Bank, and Boeing, offering a thriving job market with ample career opportunities. This makes Portland a great choice for those looking to advance their careers and build a successful professional life.

One of the biggest draws of living in Portland is the city’s access to natural beauty. Residents can enjoy easy trips to the stunning Pacific coastline and explore the picturesque landscapes of nearby natural parks. In fact, Portland ranks high on The Trust for Public Land’s list of cities with the best access to green spaces, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other recreational activities.

While the cost of housing in Portland may be higher compared to other cities in Oregon, the city’s dynamic job market and abundance of amenities more than make up for it. Whether you’re looking for a trendy apartment in the heart of the city or a cozy house in a quiet neighborhood, Portland offers a range of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets.

If you value a balance of big-city energy and access to natural beauty, Portland is the place for you. With its thriving job market, vibrant culture, and stunning surroundings, this city promises a high quality of life and endless opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Wellness in Portland: Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle

In addition to its vibrant culture and job opportunities, Portland also prioritizes wellness and offers a wealth of resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The city is home to numerous fitness studios, yoga centers, and wellness retreats, allowing residents to stay active and prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

Portland’s commitment to healthy living extends beyond exercise. The city is known for its diverse and sustainable food scene, with an abundance of farmers markets, organic grocery stores, and farm-to-table restaurants. With an emphasis on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, Portland residents can indulge in a wide range of healthy and delicious culinary options.

The city also boasts an extensive network of parks and recreational areas, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront or exploring the extensive trail system in Forest Park, you’ll find that Portland offers numerous ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

When it comes to wellness, Portland offers a supportive and inclusive community that encourages individuals to prioritize their health and well-being. With its commitment to physical activity, healthy eating, and access to nature, Portland truly embraces a holistic approach to wellness.

Bend/Redmond – Outdoor Paradise with Remote Work-Friendly Environment

Bend and Redmond are two cities in Oregon that offer an outdoor paradise and a remote work-friendly environment, making them ideal places to live in Oregon. Located in the high desert region, Bend has become a popular destination for remote workers due to its stunning natural surroundings and recreational opportunities.

Bend is surrounded by majestic mountains, picturesque lakes, and breathtaking hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and fishing. The city is also home to Oregon State University’s Cascades Campus, providing educational opportunities for residents.

Meanwhile, neighboring Redmond offers a more affordable housing market compared to Bend. It also provides convenient access to an airport, making travel easier for residents. Redmond embraces the same laid-back, outdoor-oriented lifestyle as Bend, with its own unique charm and community spirit.

Whether you prefer Bend’s bustling outdoor scene or Redmond’s affordability and convenience, both cities offer a high quality of life surrounded by nature. With their remote work-friendly environment, you can enjoy the best of both worlds while living in Oregon.

City	Affordability	Job Market	Safety	Wellness
Bend	✅	✅	✅	✅
Redmond	✅✅	✅	✅	✅

Conclusion

Oregon offers a variety of appealing places to live, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re looking for a bike-friendly city like Corvallis, a vibrant and culturally rich urban center like Portland, or an outdoor paradise like Bend/Redmond, you’ll find something that suits your preferences in Oregon.

Notable cities like Salem and Eugene also provide affordable living options and access to amenities and cultural attractions. When choosing a place to live in Oregon, consider factors such as affordability, job market, safety, and proximity to outdoor activities. With its natural beauty and livable cities, Oregon is certainly a top destination for those seeking an ideal place to call home.

With a wide range of options available, from the best cities in Oregon to the top-rated towns, Oregon’s most livable cities have something to offer everyone. So whether you’re searching for the best neighborhoods in Oregon, affordable cities, safe places to live, or simply want to explore the beauty of the state, Oregon has it all. When considering Oregon living options, you’ll find a variety of landscapes, from coastal towns to bustling urban areas and serene rural communities. Each city and town in Oregon offers its own unique charm and amenities, making it easy to find the perfect place to call home in the Beaver State. Whether you’re drawn to the art scene, outdoor activities, or a strong sense of community, you’ll find your ideal living environment among Oregon’s diverse options.