Oregon has always been known for its natural beauty. From the trees to the mountains to the lakes, this state is a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventurers. Because of the nice weather year-round, residents like to take advantage of the national parks, gardens and the Oregon coast. With plenty of outdoor water activities and sports like kayaking, skiing, swimming, camping and more, this is the perfect state to live in for the active family or young adult.

Take advantage of the many wineries and breweries in the state, particularly Oregon’s Wine Country. Take road trips through the gorgeous forests or get active at one of the 255 state parks. If you’re a sports fan, college football culture and the NBA games run deep. There’s so much to explore and do in the cities and outer regions of the state.

One of the best things about living in Oregon, besides the gorgeous nature and views, is the low cost of living, especially for a state on the west coast. The average home price in Oregon is around $480,428, making the housing market slightly competitive.

Oregon is home to over four million people, and while this state is less diverse than others, there’s so much for families and residents to enjoy. Here are the best places to live in Oregon.

Portland, Oregon

Portland is the largest city in Oregon with over 635,000 residents. Offering an abundance of outdoor activities, large city amenities and a thriving job market, people are flocking to Portland for great jobs and even better views. Just a few short hours from Vancouver and Seattle, Portland is perched right in the perfect area. The cost of living in this city is slightly higher than in other Oregon cities, with the typical home price around $525,000. Of course, living in a larger city comes with a higher price, but also access to more amenities and activities.

• Population: 635,067
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $525,000
• Walkability: Moderate to High

For Black Families: As Oregon’s largest city, Portland is slightly more diverse than other parts of Oregon. Around five percent of Black residents enjoy Portland’s outdoor activities, scenic nature views and large city amenities.

For Young Professionals: A large city always tends to draw in young professionals, especially those who work in specific sectors. As students graduate from the University of Oregon, some students flock to the city for job opportunities. There’s no shortage of opportunities in tech, computers & electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, government and finance in this city.

Eugene, Oregon

If you want to live in Oregon’s second-largest city, right where the University of Oregon is located, Eugene might be one of the best places to live in Oregon for you. Eugene has plenty of large city amenities with a small-town feel. Home to world-class sports facilities, Mount Pisgah, a vibrant arts and culture scene, more than 177,000 residents live in this thriving city. The average home price in this area is $504,500, slightly less than the average price in Portland.

• Population: 177,923
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $504,500
• Walkability: Moderate to High

For Black Families: Because Oregon is slightly lacking in diversity, only 1.5 percent of Black residents live in Eugene. While this may be an important factor for some, Eugene is a very community-based city with a lot of outdoor activities that families love participating in.

For Young Professionals: Home to the University of Oregon, there are plenty of job opportunities in the area for graduates and young professionals. Major industries in this area include education, healthcare, tech, renewable energy, food and beverage production and hospitality and tourism. The average rent in Eugene is around $1,700, of course depending on the specific area and type of unit.

Salem, Oregon

Oregon’s third-largest city is Salem, the state’s capital. This city is still slightly large with a small-town vibe to it. From wineries to outdoor activities to parks and a wide range of restaurants, Salem offers beautiful neighborhoods that attract families and singles. Because this city is smaller, the cost of living is less compared to other Oregon cities. The average home price in this area is around $432,000 in a buyer’s market, meaning that prices tend to be lower and homes sell at a steady rate.

• Population: 177,497
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price:
• Walkability: Low to Moderate

For Black Families: With around 1.5 percent of Black residents in the area, Salem is one of the best places to live in Oregon for the outdoor family. Families can enjoy the numerous parks, green spaces, art and museums to enjoy.

For Young Professionals: With major industries such as tech, healthcare, government and education, young professionals can thrive in these sectors and enjoy everything that Salem has to offer. The average rent in Salem is around $1400, so it’s great for those wanting to live in Oregon on a budget.

Gresham, Oregon

If you want to live in a smaller Oregon city, Gresham is one of the best places to live in Oregon. Surrounded by natural beauty, there are so many rivers, parks and pathways to explore in Gresham. The great thing about this area is that because it’s smaller, the cost of living is lower compared to other Oregon cities. In their competitive housing market, the average home price is around $475,000. This small city is also just a 30-minute drive to Portland, so for those working in the city, it’s an easy commute and costs less.

• Population: 111,621
• Public School Rating:
• Average Home Price: $475,000
• Walkability: Low

For Black Families: For families looking for a small-town feel outside of a major city, Gresham is a great suburban area for raising families. While slightly less diverse than Portland (around 3.7 percent of Black residents, this area provides the comfort of living in a community, surrounded by amenities and outdoor activities.

For Young Professionals: Just outside of Portland is Gresham, a convenient area for young professionals to live. If you’re looking to work or spend your weekends in the city, without paying the city housing fees, Gresham is a great second option.