Best Places to Live in Oregon in 2025

Do you dream of moving to a destination that offers a perfect blend of urban living and natural beauty? Then look no farther than Oregon, also known as the Beaver State. Oregon features some of the best natural spaces in the country, a growing economy, numerous thriving art scenes, and a temperate climate, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

Apartment renters who plan on putting down roots here will find plenty of great areas to choose from when looking for budget-friendly apartment rentals; and whether you’re searching for a quiet mountain town or a fast-paced city lifestyle, Oregon is sure to have something that perfectly fits your needs. So read on as we bring you the 10 best places to live in Oregon!

10 Best Places to Live in Oregon

How We Chose the Best Places in Oregon

What constitutes the "best" city or town can vary widely. We made our selections based on economic opportunities, rent prices (presenting a mix of both high-end and affordable areas), overall desirability and trendiness of a location, transit scores/location, and features of a neighborhood that make it either appealing or outstanding.

Also, a note about data: All of the rental data included here comes from the current listings on our website. Where possible, we've included averages, and if averages aren’t available, we defer to starting rents. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

1. Portland

• Population: 635,067
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,711
• Median household income: $78,476
• Walk score: 67
• Transit score: 49
• Bike score: 83

Portland is not just one of the best places in Oregon, but arguably one of the best cities in the United States. From its trendy neighborhoods filled to the brim with quirky local shops to its unparalleled bike culture to its unique temperate climate and incredible schools, Portland offers everything you could want in a city. Stroll through the Pearl District's cobblestone streets and iconic bookstores or the Alberta Arts District’s galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that keep residents busy all weekend long.

The climate is one reason why Portland is so popular as the area stays temperate year-round. It's a haven for outdoor adventurers as well, as the city features 12,591 acres of public parkland and open space for relaxing and exploring. And while it's famous for its boutique stores and small businesses, the city also has several major employers including Nike, Adidas, and Wells Fargo, contributing to a thriving job market.

Also, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation, 22,647 workers commute by bike. That helps keep cost of living in Portland low in otherwise expensive city.

Read up on everything you need to know before moving to Portland.

2. Eugene

• Population: 177,923
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,291
• Median household income: $55,776
• Walk score: 95
• Transit score: 56
• Bike score: 100

Nature lovers flock to Eugene, Oregon, for its stunning views of the Willamette Valley and endless opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and cycling to explore its landscape and rivers. Soak up the great outdoors at Hendricks Park for 80 acres’ worth of walking trails and an expansive Rhododendron Garden, or explore the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and the Fifth Street Public Market for boutiques and pubs. Like Portland, Eugene's coastal climate ensures that temperatures rarely dip below the 40s or get above the mid-80s.

Considering the cost of living in Oregon can get high, especially in more populated cities like Portland, Eugene is one of the cheaper places to live on our list. Furthermore, Eugene offers a decent job market for skilled professionals, with employers like the University of Oregon, the Eugene School District, and PeaceHealth Medical Group.

3. Salem

• Population: 175,472
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,297
• Median household income: $62,185
• Walk score: 66
• Transit score: 37
• Bike score: 76

Settle into the state capital of Salem, one of the Oregon towns celebrated for its agricultural epicenter with stunning orchards, grapes, and vegetables along rolling terrain. Salem is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon to call home. Salem has a more small-town feel, though you can still join the cultural scene with classic cinema and live theater at the local Elsinore Theatre, acres of lush gardens and parks, and the Willamette Valley Vineyards, which aren't far away. In addition, day trips to the Oregon coast, gallery hopping, and hitting the vintage boutiques are popular Salem pastimes.

Regarding employment, education and health services are popular choices, and many residents work at the public school district, Salem Health, Willamette University, and Chemeketa Community College.

4. Corvallis

• Population: 60,956
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,040
• Median household income: $58,315
• Walk score: 47
• Transit score: 29
• Bike score: 85

Corvallis, another city located in the Willamette Valey, is home to Oregon State University. The city attracts students, higher education professionals, and tech workers as well. Corvallis offers a growing job market, with major employers like OSU, HP Inc., and Kforce.

Living in Corvallis is like living in a national park with mountain views, dense forests, and many Audubon-approved birding spots. Beyond the great outdoors, the area is also home to six microbreweries and over a dozen wineries. Make sure to pack up produce from the Corvallis Farmers Market and head over to the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife watching and hiking.

5. Bend

• Population: 103,254
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,617
• Median household income: $74,253
• Walk score: 32
• Transit score: 19
• Bike score: 53

Many people come to Bend for the first time as tourists, but decide to stay for its prime snowboarding, rock climbing, and Cascade Range views. The Deschutes River stretches through the city's center, where you can see people rafting or navigating SUP boards during the summer months. While the Bend, Oregon, population is smaller than Portland, it is still among the biggest cities in Oregon.

While it might surprise you, Bend is among the sunniest cities in Oregon, getting over 260 days of no or low cloud coverage. And even though it’s steeped in the state’s natural beauty, you’ll find plenty of breweries, bakeries, and taco stands in Bend. As for work, tourism is strong in this city, with careers in hospitality and related outdoor recreation. However, despite the steady flow of beer, St. Charles Family Care Clinic is the city's largest employer, making Bend an excellent city for healthcare professionals.

6. Beaverton

• Population: 97,053
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,813
• Median household income: $82,380
• Walk score: 52
• Transit score: 35
• Bike score: 67

Beaverton offers the best of both worlds as a suburb of Portland with its low-key urban vibe and a mix of gorgeous residential homes and luxury apartment buildings. The climate is similar to many places in Oregon, including Portland, providing an average of 41 inches of rain and 141 sunny days per year.

Luckily, you don't need to commute to Portland to find cultural opportunities, as Beaverton offers its own entertainment centers, award-winning restaurants, outdoor plays in the warmer months, and multicultural festivals. Beaverton is also home to the famous "Silicon Forest," where high-tech firms pepper the corridor leading to Hillsboro, including Nike, IBM, Shari’s Restaurant, Columbia, and Tektronix. Even if your job isn't based in Beaverton, you may want to consider the move as it's one of the best cities for remote workers.

7. Hillsboro

• Population: 107,299
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,811
• Median household income: $91,540
• Walk score: 44
• Transit score: 37
• Bike score: 72

Hillsboro is a Pacific Northwest gem, home to the oldest and largest winery in the country and nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including Old Scotch Church and Imbrie Farm. Hillsboro gets slightly less rain than Beaverton and Portland, with 39 inches of rain and 142 sunny days yearly.

Nature lovers have plenty to explore in Hillsboro, including the historic Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, a hot spot for locals to hike and enjoy wildlife. Beaverton may have Nike, but Hillsboro also attracts giants like Intel at the other end of “Silicon Forest.” Plus, the city is home to over 13% of Oregon's manufacturing jobs.

8. West Linn

• Population: 26,931
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,765
• Median household income: $124,098
• Walk score: 34
• Transit score: 21
• Bike score: 41

West Linn is a more intimate community in the Portland metropolitan region that still offers plenty of proximity to essentials like banks, grocery stores, and restaurants. However, you’ll find that renters are among the minority within West Linn, and duplex apartment units, single-family homes, townhomes, and units within apartment communities comprise the bulk of rental options on the market.

Overall, West Linn is a great place to live for families who are attracted to the thought of putting down roots in a suburban area with a highly rated school system. However, young professionals or those looking for the diversity and culture of living in a larger, more urban city should consider other options.

9. Lake Oswego

• Population: 40,108
• Median two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,167
• Median household income: $120,585
• Walk score: 37
• Transit score: 23
• Bike score: 47

Located approximately eight miles south of Portland, Lake Oswego offers lake town living near the big city. The vast Oswego Lake, which plays a massive role in residents’ lives, offers endless outdoor adventuring opportunities like boat rides, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. You'll find a lot of tourists there as well, and day trips to Lake Oswego are an important tradition for Portland residents.

Although Lake Oswego is a smaller city, everything you need is within a short drive — from shops to good eats. For families with young children looking for a place to settle down and put down roots, Lake Oswego is one of the best Portland suburbs to consider, thanks to its excellent school system, high safety rating, and many parks.

Find apartments for rent in Lake Oswego.

10. Milwaukie

• Population: 21,375
• Starting two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,625
• Median household income: $73,351
• Walk score: 51
• Transit score: 41
• Bike score: 70

The last place on our list, and another Portland suburb, Milwaukie offers a great opportunity for Portland commuters. The city is steadily improving and growing as a suburb, with a solid public transportation system and new residential buildings popping up left and right. Much like the other cities on this list, it offers its own natural treasures, including Elk Rock Garden and Milwaukie Bay Park.

Regarding affordability, rent prices in Milwaukie are right around the middle. They aren’t cheap, but they’re nowhere near as expensive as units located in the heart of Portland. Not only is Milwaukie one of the best cities to live in Oregon, but it is also one of the safest cities in Oregon.

Find Your New Home in Oregon Today

The best places to live in Oregon all have a few things in common. The outdoors is a wonderland, the microbreweries are plentiful, and the views are glorious. From urban centers to historic towns, Oregon offers something for everyone. If these places seem too pricey for you, consider the cheapest places to live in Oregon!

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