Summary
Oregon, characterized by its diverse population and geographical features, is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, bordered by Washington, Idaho, California, and Nevada.
This state caters to individuals with a strong passion for outdoor activities while also providing opportunities for socializing with urban residents. Relocating to Oregon promises a blend of both rural charm and urban excitement.
Although Salem serves as the state capital, Portland stands out as the vibrant cultural hub, celebrated for its progressive and innovative atmosphere. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the high caliber of baristas as Portland houses some of the most skilled professionals in the United States, where competition drives excellence.
When searching for a new residence, essential factors to consider include accessibility to quality public schools, overall cost of living, and the affordability of family-friendly homes. To facilitate your search for a new home in Oregon, we have compiled a list of the 15 best places to live in Oregon. Let us explore these options.
1. Bethany
Source: ridepdx / Flickr
The first community on our list is Bethany, recognized for its exceptional suburban living, picturesque landscapes, fine dining options, and an array of recreational pursuits.
While residing in Bethany, residents can access numerous hiking trails and nature parks, with Bethany Lake Park being particularly well-frequented for walks, biking, and enjoyable picnics.
Individuals contemplating a move to Bethany can select from three distinctive housing collections offered by Taylor Morrison. This inviting town exemplifies premier suburban living with convenient retail options and an engaging lifestyle.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in and around Bethany include:
- Pirate Park
- Forest Park
- Somerset West Swim Center
- Oregon Zoo
- Five Oaks Museum
- Doug Fir Lounge
- Washington Park
- Portland Japanese Garden
2. Northwest Heights
Source: www.portlandoregon.gov
Northwest Heights is situated near downtown Portland and Sunset Corridor, merging natural beauty with urban accessibility. This area, bordering Forest Park, offers stunning views of Tualatin Valley.
While exploring Northwest Heights, you will observe neighborhoods adorned with both traditional and modern homes. It is famously known for its tranquil environment, alongside a selection of top-class restaurants available for residents.
Furthermore, educational institutions in Northwest Heights are part of the Portland School District, which consistently ranks among the best in Oregon. If relocating for employment, enjoy the convenience of a brief fifteen-minute commute to downtown Portland.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the prominent attractions in Northwest Heights include:
- Silver Dollar Pizza & Sports Bar
- International Rose Test Garden
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Providence Park
- Wildwood Adventures
3. Healy Heights
Source: Walklandia / Flickr
Healy Heights is located within the West Hills, southwest of Portland’s central business district. For individuals who prefer urban living yet wish to maintain close proximity to nature, Healy Heights represents a compelling option.
The Marquam Nature Park, which features the well-known Flicker Trails, borders the Healy Heights community, providing an outdoor escape within reach. This area, home to about fifteen hundred residents, exudes a quaint village-like atmosphere.
Although property prices are elevated and might be perceived as exclusive—with home values averaging a quarter of a million—it nonetheless remains a desirable locality for many. Prospective tenants should anticipate rental costs that exceed the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Noteworthy activities in or around Healy Heights encompass:
- Healy Heights Park
- International Rose Test Garden
- Oregon Zoo
- Forest Park
- Powell’s City of Books
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park
4. Arnold Creek
Source: Visitor7 / Wikimedia
Arnold Creek is a quaint neighborhood recognized as one of the best places to reside in Oregon, featuring a modest population of around fifteen hundred residents and a suburban lifestyle.
The majority of residents in Arnold Creek own their homes, with only a small percentage renting. Those moving to Arnold Creek with families will appreciate the exceptional educational system available for children, while also enjoying the area’s rich bird and wildlife presence.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular activities in Arnold Creek include:
- Marshall Park
- Mount Park
- Country-Club South Shore
- Evergreen
- Uplands
- Collins View
5. Southwest Hills
Source: Ahorica / shutterstock
Situated in Southwest Portland, Southwest Hills stands out as another prime location within Oregon. For those contemplating a relocation due to occupational opportunities, the area offers an advantageous commute owing to its closeness to Portland.
As a neighborhood characterized by its reputation for being trendy, it is unsurprising that the median home value exceeds the national average. Nevertheless, many properties boast stunning views of the city skyline, contributing to a competitive housing market.
Entertainment & Activities
Highlighting the best activities in Southwest Hills, one may find:
- Tualatin Hills Nature Park
- Fanno Creek Greenway Trail
- Cinetopia Progress Ridge 14
- Cooper Mountain Vineyards
- Cooper Mountain Nature Park
- Hyland Forest Park
6. Arlington Heights
Source: A.Davey / Flickr
Arlington Heights is a small, friendly suburb of Portland, home to just twenty-eight residents, reinforcing its village-like ambiance. Similar to the previous neighborhoods mentioned, crime levels here remain extremely low, supported by an efficient neighborhood watch system that minimizes disturbances.
Parents will find solace in the fact that there are nineteen outstanding public schools located within the Arlington Heights area, with Lincoln High School frequently highlighted as one of the finest educational institutions in the state.
This suburb also enjoys close proximity to notable attractions such as Washington Park, Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable activities at Arlington Heights include:
- Metropolis Performing Arts Center
- Lake Arlington
- Shalom Memorial Park
- Paragon Arlington Heights Movie Theater
- Gatsbys Sports Club
- Rolling Green Country Club
- CMZ Cinema Arlington Heights
7. Beaumont-Wilshire
Source: www.portlandoregon.gov
Beaumont-Wilshire is located further away from Portland’s core than Arlington Heights and Southwest Hills, with a population slightly exceeding eight thousand residents.
This neighborhood features some stunning townhouses, though it is important to note that home values are above the national average, which continues to make affordability a challenge, particularly for millennials.
Portland’s thriving economy supports the residents of Beaumont-Wilshire remarkably well, as evidenced by a median household income surpassing $100k annually, owing much to the high educational attainment levels, with 32% of residents holding a Master’s degree or higher.
Entertainment & Activities
Enjoyable activities in Beaumont-Wilshire include:
- Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
- Grand Central Bakery
- Jim & Patty’s Coffee
- Wilshire Park
- Beaumont Market
8. Alameda
Source: H.L.I.T. / Flickr
Alameda is a distinctly urban community that provides excellent access to Oregon’s extensive network of hiking trails and pathways. Although home values are relatively high, this can largely be attributed to proximity to Portland’s central business district.
The architecture here comprises spacious townhouses, embodying an appealing vision of suburban living. For under half a million, prospective buyers can find charming family homes amid a landscape filled with natural beauty.
This area is particularly conducive for families, hosting twenty-three schools and with 21% of the population being school-age children, ensuring ample educational opportunities.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Alameda include:
- USS Hornet Museum
- The Hangar 1 Distillery
- Crown Memorial State Beach
- Crab Cover Visitor Center
- Downtown Alameda
- Shoreline Park
9. Bridlemile
Source: www.movingtoportland.net
Located northwest of Healy Heights, Bridlemile is home to over seven thousand residents. Although officially categorized as a suburb of Portland, it holds its own as a notable destination.
Locals frequently patronize Cafe Du Berry and Oak and Olive Restaurant, making it an ideal setting for culinary exploration and neighborly gatherings.
Relative to Alameda, Bridlemile offers a more favorable cost of living, representing the first location on our list where median rent sits below the national average. This aspect positions the area as a favored choice for those pursuing homeownership in the Portland vicinity.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities in or near Bridlemile include:
- Moda Center
- World Forestry Center
- Mill Ends Park
- Jamison Square
- South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal
- Oaks Amusement Park
- Oregon Zoo
10. Grant Park
Source: Visitor7 / Wikimedia
Residents of Grant Park often express a sense of security, remarking that even if they forget to secure their vehicles, they feel at ease—potentially an outcome of the area’s affluent nature or its relatively small population of approximately forty-seven hundred individuals.
However, prospective tenants may find rental prices here falling above the national average. This pricing strategy can be justified, considering Grant Park’s central location in Portland’s dynamic commercial sector.
For parents commuting to the city, Grant Park proves advantageous—home to nineteen schools, it provides a robust foundation for children’s education amidst lively recreational opportunities.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions in Grand Park comprise:
- Portland Mini Maker Faire
- Llyod Center Ice Rink
- Laurelhurst Park
- Matt Dishman Community Center & Pool
- Tigard Festival of Balloons
11. South Burlingame
Source: www.youtube.com
Sitting in the far southwest section of Portland, South Burlingame is home to just over five thousand residents.
Being situated further from the vibrant core of Portland allows South Burlingame to provide affordability options for families.
Though home values are slightly above the national average, many properties offer ample space for growth. Notably, for around half a million, one can acquire an impressive five-bedroom family residence on View Point Terrace, complete with three bathrooms.
With twenty public schools spanning elementary to high school in the South Burlingame district, children benefit from some of the country’s most impressive educational offerings.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions in South Burlingame include:
- Boulevard Taphouse
- Moonlight Grill PDX
- The Muddy Rudder Public House
12. Marshall Park
Source: brx0 / Flickr
Portland offers a variety of charming suburbs, and Marshall Park is no exception. It presents a small yet vibrant community where the park’s playground is conveniently accessible for most residents, making it an ideal locale for families.
In contrast to certain urban environments around the globe, Marshall Park boasts a commendable safety record, with a notable absence of violent crime reported in recent years.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions in Marshall Park include:
- Oregon Zoo
- Portland Saturday Market
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
- The Grotto
- Hoyt Arboretum
- OMSI Museum
- Forest Park
13. Hilldale
Source: www.portlandoregon.gov
Located just north of Arlington Heights, the suburb of Hilldale is an excellent option for city professionals seeking proximity to Oregon’s abundant greenery. With Macleay Park to the north and Washington Park to the south, the opportunities for outdoor engagement are plentiful.
While property prices in Hilldale may be viewed as aspirational—averaging around a quarter of a million—they remain accessible to those not requiring excessive space for a growing family; cozier condominiums can be found nearer to the national average price.
Entertainment & Activities
Exemplary activities in or around Hilldale include:
- Oaks Amusement Park
- Cuttle Fish and Corals
- Oregon Zoo
- Washington Park
- George Himes City Park
- Hillsdale City Park
- Gabriel Park
- Hillsdale Farmers Market
14. Collins View
Source: www.portlandonthemarket.com
Residents of Collins View benefit from an impressive selection of twelve distinct Starbucks locations, ensuring access to caffeine is never a challenge. This upscale community enjoys a high average annual income, typically reaching six figures and reflects a well-educated demographic, with 31% of residents holding degrees and 41% possessing Master’s degrees.
For families prioritizing a focused and academic-driven environment for their children, Collins View represents an ideal choice.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Collins View encompass:
- Oregon Zoo
- Washington Park
- Pool House Historical Landmark
- Portland Art Museum
- Portland Saturday Market
15. Markham
Source: www.apartments.com
Concluding our exploration of the 15 best locations to reside in Oregon is Markham, home to approximately four thousand residents. Reports from residents indicate a high level of satisfaction with their living conditions in this area.
Markham ranks as one of the finest neighborhoods in the Portland area for homeownership, with a median property value of $329,601, distinguishing it as one of the most economically accessible options.
Despite its urban classification, properties in Markham feature extensive gardens providing ample shade and privacy. This area truly offers the best of both urban and natural environments.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable activities in Markham encompass:
- Durham Cathedral
- Eno River State Park
- Duke Chapel
- The Carolina Theatre
- Cook Park
- Oriental Museum
- Durham Town Hall
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