Living in Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
Is Oregon a Good Place to Live?
If you're wondering, "is Oregon a good place to live?" Well, you're in luck! Oregon is a unique state with a lot to offer its residents. From the stunning mountain ranges, evergreen forests, and breathtaking beaches to its lively cities and charming towns, Oregon living has something for everyone.
So read on to explore what living in Oregon looks like. Or, if you're interested in a particular city, click the "Cities" tab on the menu bar, and you'll see the almost 70 cities we have available. With all the great information available, we will paint a good picture of what living in Oregon looks like and help you figure out where the best place in Oregon to live is for you! And we'll hopefully answer the question, "is Oregon a good place to live?"
Jump Ahead to:
1. What is Living in Oregon like?
2. The Moving to Oregon Team
3. A Brief History of Oregon
4. Regions in Oregon
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Living in the Portland Metro Area
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Living at the Oregon Coast
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Living in Mt Hood & The Columbia River Gorge
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Living in the Willamette Valley
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Living in Central Oregon
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Living in Eastern Oregon
5. Top Businesses and Employers in Oregon
6. Top Destinations, Attractions and Events in Oregon
7. Pros and Cons of Moving to and Living in Oregon
8. FAQs About Moving to and Living in Oregon
9. Moving to and Living in Oregon Summary and Other Resources

What is Living in Oregon Like?
Situated in the Northwest corner of the United States sits the amazing state of Oregon. With a population of around 4.25 million, as of this writing, Oregon is the 27th most populous state in the US and the ninth largest state in total land mass. Oregon is known for its natural beauty and having a tremendous amount of outdoor recreation. For those living in Oregon, some of the driving factors of the economy and jobs are manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
Oregon has a diverse landscape with a mild climate, including six state forests, 50 named mountain ranges, and five national parks, including the famous Crater Lake National Park. The state stretches along the Pacific coast, providing some of the most beautiful views on the west coast.
Moving to and living in Oregon would be an excellent choice if you're into the outdoors. Wherever you're located throughout the state, outdoor activities are abundant and at your fingertips. Camping, skiing, hiking, and fishing are not far from you at any time living in Oregon. If you love the outdoors, then living in Oregon is for you!
Many people move to Oregon to further their education. Many colleges and universities call Oregon home. Portland Community College, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Mt Hood Community College, and the University of Oregon are among the biggest.
Whether you move to Oregon to retire, raise a family, or want a change of scenery, living in Oregon has something to offer anybody. The hard part is figuring out the best place in Oregon to live!
The Moving to Oregon Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge and connections throughout Oregon will be of great value as you navigate this challenging real estate market.
Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. Together our Moving to Beaverton Team can help you make moving to or within Beaverton, Oregon, a reality!
To get added to Listing Alert and get alerted when a home matching your criteria comes live on the market CLICK HERE. Need to sell a home before moving? CLICK HERE to sign up and receive a free market analysis to see what your home is worth.
A Brief History of Oregon
Oregon is a state with a rich history that stretches back centuries. Some of the first inhabitants of Oregon were Native American tribes, who lived off the land and survived by hunting and gathering. In the early 1800s, settlers began to move westward in search of new opportunities, and many passed through Oregon on the famous Oregon Trail.
Over time, more and more people made Oregon their home, and it eventually became a state in 1859. Since then, Oregon has continued to grow and evolve, making it one of the most unique and exciting states in the country.
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Portland Metro Area
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Oregon Coast
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Mt Hood & The Columbia River Gorge
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Willamette Valley
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Southern Oregon
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Central Oregon
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Eastern Oregon
Regions in Oregon
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Living in the Portland Metro Area
The Portland Metro Area comprises several suburban cities and is known for its diverse population. The average temperature ranges from 80 degrees and little rain in the summer to 40 degrees, pretty wet but with little snow in the winter. There are numerous art galleries and museums in the Portland Metro area, as well as various restaurants and bars. Sports teams in the area include the Portland Trailblazers, Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns, and Hillsboro Hops. The Portland Metro area is close to Mt Hood and the Oregon Coast. If you're living in Oregon and want action, the Portland Metro area is the place to be and is probably the best place in Oregon to live for you.
The suburbs of Portland Metro are also home to several large corporations, employing many residents throughout the area. In addition, the Portland Metro area is home to several colleges and universities, as well as highly rated public schools, making it a great place to live for students and young professionals.
The Portland Metro Area is a great place to live if you are considering moving to Oregon.

Popular cities in the Portland Metro include:
Beaverton Gresham Hillsboro Milwaukie Lake Oswego Oregon City Portland Tualatin
Living at the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its soaring cliffs, crashing waves, and sandy beaches, it's easy to see why. The coastline stretches for over 300 miles, from the state's border with California all the way to its northern most point.
Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, whether you're looking for a place to relax or an adventure. There are also many towns and villages dotting the coast, each with its own unique character.
Whether you’re interested in living at or moving to the Northern Oregon Coast, the Central Oregon Coast, or the Southern Oregon Coast, tourism is a big driver of the Oregon Coast economy. Beautiful views and an excess of recreational activities are all around.
Moving to Oregon and living at the Oregon coast is a very popular idea among people looking to move to Oregon. Though beautiful the cloudy skies and rain are often an issue for those moving to the area. If you can deal with the weather, you might find the Oregon Coast the best place to live in Oregon.
Popular cities on the Northern Oregon Coast region include:
Astoria Gearhart Seaside Cannon Beach Tillamook
Popular cities on the Central Oregon Coast include:
Popular cities on the Southern Oregon Coast include:
For information on the cost of living on the Oregon Coast and fourteen of the largest towns on the Oregon Coast, check out my blog post "The REAL Cost of Living on the Oregon Coast."
Living at Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge
Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are two of Oregon's most popular tourist destinations among outdoor enthusiasts. Mt. Hood is home to the nation's longest ski season, and the Columbia River Gorge is renowned for its abundance of agriculture. The mild climate and abundant rainfall make Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to skiing and fishing. If the idea of living in Oregon, and moving to the Columbia River Gorge or Mt. Hood has struck you, the biggest issue might be employment. A lot of the employment in these areas is seasonal and in tourism.
If you're moving to Oregon for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are tough to beat and you might find it to be the best place in Oregon to live.
Popular cities in Mt. Hood & The Columbia River Gorge include:
Living in the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is the heart of Oregon, and it's an exciting place to explore. This beautiful region is home to many world-class wineries, as well as rushing waterfalls and stunning mountain views.
The climate in the area is Mediterranean-type, which means that it enjoys mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. This mild climate makes it a great place to grow grapes, and the wines produced in this region are truly exceptional. If you're looking at moving to Oregon and finding a place to relax and enjoy some of the best that living in Oregon has to offer, the Willamette Valley is definitely worth a visit and you might find it to be the best area in Oregon to live.
Popular cities in Willamette Valley include:
Newberg McMinnville Dundee Wilsonville Canby Salem Corvallis Eugene
Living in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon is a beautiful region located south of Lane County. Among Oregon residents, the area is known for its independent spirit, and there are many great festivals and events held throughout the year. The region is also home to some of the most beautiful and wild rivers in the country, as well as stunningly colorful landscapes.
Throughout the year, temperatures here typically range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. But what makes Southern Oregon so special is the local character and the people who make up this wonderful region.
If you want to live in Oregon, Southern Oregon deserves a look. It's certainly a great area of Oregon to live.

Popular cities in Southern Oregon include:
Ashland Grants Pass Jacksonville Klamath Falls Medford Roseburg
Living in Central Oregon
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If you have been searching for a place to call home that offers expansive forests and plenty of small- to mid-sized towns to explore, living in Central Oregon should be at the top of your list. The region's steady economy and abundance of job opportunities make living in Central Oregon and attractive option, while its expansive natural beauty is sure to please everyone in the family. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys taking in the beauty of nature, Central Oregon is sure to have something for you if you're thinking of moving to Oregon. A lot of people moving to Oregon or within Oregon are choosing Central Oregon. It is a very popular place in Oregon to live.
Popular cities in Central Oregon include:
Living in Eastern Oregon
When people think of living in Oregon, they often picture the stunning coastal views or the bustling city of Portland. However, there is much more to this state than meets the eye. In fact, Eastern Oregon is a very different place altogether. This region is known for the gorgeous Blue Mountains, Hells Canyon, developed agriculture, and friendly family-oriented communities.
If what you are on the lookout for is a place to get away from it all and enjoy some stunning natural beauty, you might find that Eastern Oregon is one of the best places in Oregon to live. And if you're interested in learning more about Oregon's history and culture, there are plenty of museums and historical sites to explore in this region as well. If you're thinking of moving to Oregon, Eastern Oregon deserves a long look.
Popular cities in Eastern Oregon include: