There are a lot of reasons to love Oregon: from scenic coastlines along the Pacific, mountains that reach into the sky, gorgeous sunsets, thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, and pristine lakes and rivers, it's easy to see why people are looking for the best places to live in Oregon. From Oregon's high desert regions in the east full of hot springs and wildlife, to the lush forested areas along the coast, from big cities to small remote towns, there are a lot of choices for great spots to settle down in Oregon. Here's our list of top 10 best cities to live in, in Oregon.
The 10 Best Places To Live In Oregon
Everyone has their own opinion and criteria for the best place to live. Some prefer the quiet solitude of a small community, others prefer to live in a big city with a lot of shopping. Some may be looking to move to Oregon's high desert where there's 300 days of sunshine a year, while others want to live with an ocean view. There are a few things many people want to compare when looking for a new place to live however, like cost of living, population, quality of educational institutions and things to do nearby. You'll be able to compare all of those things with our list of 10 best places to live in Oregon.
What are the best places to live in Oregon?
- Hillsboro
- Bend
- Sherwood
- West Linn
- Medford
- Wilsonville
- Lincoln City
- Scappoose
- Tualatin
- Milwaukie
Read below to see how these cities compare to each other, and remember that they're surrounded by other small towns that you may also want to research. Housing in Oregon is higher than the national average, but it's generally more affordable than in other major West Coast areas like San Francisco or Seattle.
1. Hillsboro Oregon
Hillsboro in Washington County is ranked in the top 16% of best places to live in the world and the 3rd most livable city in Oregon. This city, which is 20 miles from Portland (a 30-minute drive) is big enough to have a wide variety of shopping and outdoor activities without feeling overcrowded. Nearby attractions include the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Shute Park Aquatic Center. Due to the hubs of companies like Nike and Intel, the average household income remains somewhat high.
Hillsboro Population
HHillsboro is home to around 106,633 people: 66% white, 24% Hispanic or Latino, 12% Asian, and 3% Black or African American.
Hillsboro Education
90% of people in Hillsboro over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 40% of people in Hillsboro have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Hillsboro has four main high schools. Glencoe High has a rating of 5/10, Hill High has a rating of 6/10, Liberty High has a rating of 6/10, and Century High has a rating of 7/10. All four of these high schools have between 1,200 and 1,600 students.
The top grade schools in Hillsboro are Quatama (rated 8/10), Jackson (8/10, Paul L Patterson (7/10), W Verne Mckinney (7/10), and Ladd Acres (7/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Hillsboro Oregon
- Pacific University Hillsboro Campus
- Portland Community College Willow Creek Center
- Portland Community College Rock Creek Center
- Pacific University Forest Grove Campus
Hillsboro Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $613,344
- Median Rent - $1,874
- Energy Bill - $157.07
- Median Household Income - $83,000
2. Bend Oregon
Considered by many to be one of the best places for living in Oregon, Bend is located in Oregon's high desert just on the east side of the central Oregon Cascades.
In recent years, this beautiful city has become a very popular place in Central Oregon to move to due to the dozens of nearby lakes, hundreds of miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, many shopping options, and the high desert climate. This is the place to be for outdoor activities, low crime rates, access to the arts, and lovely parks.
Nearby attractions include the High Desert Museum, Shevlin Park, Bend Whitewater Park, Sparks Lake, and Newberry Volcanic National Monument.
Bend Population
Bend has a population of around 102,059 people: 91% white, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.8% Asian.
Bend Education
95% of people in Bend over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 45% of people in Bend have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Bend Senior High has a rating of 6/10, Summit High rates 5/10, and Mountain View Senior High rates 4/10 (below average). The four main high schools in Bend all have between 1,390 students to 1,740 students.
The top grade schools in Bend are Highland School At Kenwood Elementary (9/10), Pine Ridge (9/10), Lava Ridge (8/10), Tumalo Community School (8/10), and High Lakes (7/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Bend Oregon
- Phagans Central Oregon Beauty College
- Oregon State University Cascades
- Cascade Culinary Institute
- Central Oregon Community College
- Central Oregon Community College Redmond Campus
Bend Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $775,000
- Average Rent - $1,836
- Energy Bill - $104
- Median Household Income - $67,973
3. Sherwood Oregon
Sherwood is a little city with big charm and is in a great spot because it's only 35 minutes from Portland, 17 minutes from Newberg and all of its wineries, and 16 minutes from Wilsonville. There are so many options close by for shopping and activities. Nearby attractions include multiple vineyards, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Langer's Entertainment Center, Sleighbells Gift Shop (you can't go wrong with a year-round Christmas store), and the Sherwood Ice Arena. Living in this Willamette Valley town yields you a very low crime rate and great access to parks and the great outdoors.
Sherwood Population
Sherwood is home to around 20,254 people: 87% white, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Asian.
Sherwood Education
97% of people in Sherwood over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 51% of people in Sherwood have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Sherwood High has a rating of 9/10 and has around 1,684 students.
The top grade schools in Sherwood are Middleton Elementary (9/10), Sherwood Charter (8/10), Edy Ridge (8/10), Archer Glen (7/10) and J Clyde Hopkins (7/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Sherwood Oregon
- Northwest College Tualatin Campus – Beauty School
- Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Campus
- Portland Community College Newberg Campus
- George Fox University Newberg Campus
Sherwood Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $638,604
- Median Rent - $1,951
- Energy Bill - $154.07
- Median Household Income - $107,537
4. West Linn Oregon
West Linn is a small town with a low crime rate known as the city of hills, trees, and rivers. Some of the best things you can do living here are outdoors, but if you want to get to the big city to do some shopping, Portland is only 30 minutes away. Nearby attractions include the Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park, Oregon City Golf Club, Canemah Bluff Nature Park, Mary S. Young Park, Camassia Nature Preserve, and access to wineries.
West Linn Population
West Linn has a population of around 27,103 people: 86% white, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 5% Asian, and 2% Black or African American.
West Linn Education
97% of people in West Linn over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 62% of people in West Linn have a Bachelor's degree or higher. West Linn High has a rating of 9/10 and has around 1,860 students.
The top elementary schools in West Linn are Stafford Primary (10/10), Three Rivers Charter (10/10), Cedaroak Park (9/10), Sunset Primary (7/10), and Trillium Creek (7/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby West Linn Oregon
- Clackamas Community College
- Portland Community College Sylvania Campus
- Lewis And Clark College
- Portland State University
West Linn Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $786,408
- Median Rent - $2,402
- Energy Bill - $154.07
- Median Household Income - $119,415
5. Medford Oregon
Medford is the ‘big city' of Southern Oregon but in the country. Medford has multiple shopping centers including indoor and outdoor shopping malls, a cinema, and access to many nearby parks and wineries to explore.
It's cheaper to live in Medford than in nearby Ashland and Jacksonville, but just as beautiful.
Nearby attractions include visiting the old mining town of Jacksonville, the Britt Fest, visiting Lithia Park in Ashland, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, hiking Pilot Rock in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, rafting the Rogue River, and hiking upper and lower Table Rock, which tower over Medford.
Medford Population
Medford has a population of around 86,367 people: 87% white, 16% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, 1% Black or African American, and 2% Native American.
Medford Education
89% of people in Medford over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 26% of people in Medford have a Bachelor's degree or higher. North Medford High has a rating of 7/10, Logos Public Charter has a rating of 6/10, and South Medford High has a rating of 5/10. These three high schools all have between 970 – 1,780 students.
The top elementary schools in Medford are Jefferson (8/10), Griffin Creek (7/10), Hoover (7/10), Oak Grove (7/10), and Roosevelt (7/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Medford Oregon
- Rogue Community College Table Rock Campus
- Pacific Bible College
- Rogue Community College Riverside Campus
- Southern Oregon University
Medford Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $429,500
- Median Rent - $1,295
- Energy Bill - $100
- Median Household Income - $54,243
6. Wilsonville Oregon
Wilsonville sits on the north bank of the Willamette River which means easy access if you have a boat or like to go kayaking. Because Portland is only a 30-minute drive, many people live in the town of Wilsonville (it also has a low crime rate) and work in Portland. Nearby attractions include Bullwinkle's Fun Center, Memorial Park, multiple vineyards, and Kohl Creek Golf Course.
Wilsonville Population
Wilsonville has a population of around 26,519 people: 80% white, 13% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, and 2% Black or African American.
Wilsonville Education
96% of people in Wilsonville over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 45% of people in Wilsonville have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Wilsonville High has a rating of 7/10 and has around 1,220 students.
The top elementary schools in Wilsonville are Boeckman Creek Primary (7/10), and Boones Ferry Primary (5/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Wilsonville Oregon
- Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Campus
- Oregon Institute Of Technology Portland Metro Campus (many degrees here still require students to attend the main campus in Klamath Falls Oregon for certain terms).
Wilsonville Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $673,200
- Median Rent - $2,056
- Energy Bill - $154.07
- Median Household Income - $72,541
7. Lincoln City Oregon
Lincoln City was voted one of the best beaches in the United States. This pretty little town is located right on the Pacific coast and has homes up and down the shoreline, as well as on the shores of Devil's Lake which is inside city limits. You'll love the area for the low crime rate and if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
Nearby attractions include the artisan glass float drops that happen year-round called Finder's Keepers, the Lincoln City Kite Festival, The Pines Dine Food Truck Village, axe throwing at Scout Northwest, hiking trails such as the trail to God's Thumb, shopping at cute coastal shops and buying fresh saltwater taffy, eating freshly caught local seafood, visiting Drift Creek Falls, and adventures at the aerial park at Salishan Coastal Lodge.
Lincoln City Population
Lincoln City has a population of around 9,979 people: 87% white, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 3% Native American.
Lincoln City Education
90% of people in Lincoln City over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 26% of people in Lincoln City have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Taft High has a rating of 3/10 and has around 477 students.
Colleges In Or Nearby Lincoln City Oregon
Lincoln City Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $617,500
- Fair Market Rent - $1,012
- Energy Bill - $97.44
- Median Household Income - $46,080
8. Scappoose Oregon
Scappoose is a quiet little town in the country, 30 minutes northwest of Portland near Sauvie Island. This little community is a great place to settle, as its surrounded by forests, has access to nature, and is near the Columbia River. Nearby attractions include the Oak Island Nature trail, Warrior Rock Lighthouse Point trail, Wildwood Golf Course, and Wapato Access Greenway State Park. Folks here take great pride in the rich logging history of their town and the low crime rate.
Scappoose Population
Scappoose has a population of around 8,058 people: 92% white, 7% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 1% Native American.
Scappoose Education
91% of people in Scappoose over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 24% of people in Scappoose have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Scappoose High has a rating of 5/10 and has around 729 students.
The top grade school in Scappoose is Grant Watts (5/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Scappoose Oregon
While there are no colleges in Scappoose, there are dozens of colleges around the Portland Metro area (approximately 35 minutes away) to explore.
Scappoose Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $468,336
- Median Rent - $1,431
- Energy Bill - $154.07
- Median Household Income - $79,375
9. Tualatin Oregon
Tualatin is close to the towns of Sherwood, Wilsonville, Tigard, and Beaverton, meaning that whatever you need you'll find close by. Nearby attractions are Escape Space Games, Tualatin Community Park, Tualatin River Greenway Trail, Browns Ferry Park, and The Circuit Bouldering Gym.
Tualatin Population
Tualatin has a population of around 27,537 people: 77% white, 20% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 2% Black or African American.
Tualatin Education
95% of people in Tualatin over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 46% of people in Tualatin have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Tualatin High has a rating of 8/10 and has around 1,974 students.
The top grade schools in Tualatin are MITCH Charter (9/10), Edward Byrom (6/10), and Bridgeport (6/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Tualatin Oregon
Tualatin Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $633,293
- Median Rent - $1,935
- Energy Bill - $154.07
- Median Household Income - $92,454
10. Milwaukie Oregon
Milwaukie is a small city located close to Portland with a small-town feel. This city is home to companies like Bob's Red Mill and Dave's Killer Bread. Nearby attractions include the North Clackamas Aquatic Park, the Statue Of Liberty Replica, tours of Bob's Red Mill factory, Spring Park Natural Area, Oaks Amusement Park, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and Ledding Library.
Milwaukie Population
Milwaukie has a population of around 20,946 people: 87% white, 9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Asian.
Milwaukie Education
95% of people in Milwaukie over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher, and 38% of people in Milwaukie have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Milwaukie Academy Of The Arts has a rating of 7/10, Putnam High has a rating of 5/10, and Milwaukie high has a rating of 3/10 (below average). Each of these schools has between 300-1,173 students.
The top grade schools in Milwaukie are Sojourner (10/10), Ardenwald (7/10), Bilquist (7/10), and Milwaukie Elementary (6/10).
Colleges In Or Nearby Milwaukie Oregon
- Clackamas Community College – Harmony Campus
- Gray Campus, Reed College
Milwaukie Cost Of Living
- Median Home Price - $489,440
- Median Rent - $1,495
- Energy Bill - $154.07
- Median Household Income - $70,037
How expensive is it to live in Oregon?
Oregon is one of the most expensive states in the country to live in. Living costs are much higher than national averages in this Pacific Northwest state, especially in its urban areas like Portland, but also in the small towns.
Oregon came in at #5 for the top 10 most expensive states to live in as of 2022. In fact, that same year, housing prices jumped 18% in Oregon as the Pacific Northwest suffers from housing shortages.
Despite the high cost, as mentioned earlier, the Beaver State is one of the most beautiful places to live in the US and has many attractions. In fact, the town of Joseph was recently named one of the most beautiful towns in the country.
Known for its natural beauty, Oregon is one of the most expensive states in the country to live in. Living costs are much higher than national averages in this Pacific Northwest state, especially in its urban areas.
There is no doubt that Oregon is one of the most expensive states to live in. Oregon came in at #5 for the top 10 most expensive states to live in as of 2022. In fact, that same year, housing prices jumped 18% in Oregon as the Pacific Northwest suffers from with housing shortages. The cost of living in Portland is more than twice as high as in Pittsburgh, which means rents are also skyrocketing.
Which of these sounds like the best place to live in Oregon to you? Let us know in a comment and share your favorite city in Oregon with us!
