The 10 Best Places To Live In Oregon For 2026

Source: Wikipedia User Esprqii | CC BY-SA 3.0

$141,549 median income · $882,925 median home · #1 best place in Oregon

Located in Washington County, Oregon

Median income +71% vs OR

$141,549

OR $83k

Median home value +77% vs OR

$882,925

OR $499k

Unemployment -37% vs OR

3.4%

OR 5.4%

If Oregon had a best city ‘Walk of Fame,” Lake Oswego would already have a spot front and center as this place in Clackamas County continues to be the #1 best place to live in Oregon year after year.

Lake Oswego’s multiple intriguing features such as a lake in the middle of the town (hence the name), its cost of living, and low crime rate, have made this place the envy of anyone who doesn’t currently live here–at least this is what the city’s 40,381 residents are saying…..

So, when we crunched the city’s SnackAbility numbers, we were not surprised to find that the people who live here make a combined household income of $141,549/year. And, folks, you will need this type of cash if you want to be able to afford the #1 highest median home price in the state. However, with the 11th lowest unemployment rate at 3.4% should put your mind and your wallet at ease. You will also sleep well at night knowing that Lake Oswego is one of the safest places in the state.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Wikipedia User Tesint at English Wikipedia | GFDL

$146,507 median income · $777,229 median home · #2 best place in Oregon

Located in Clackamas County, Oregon

Median income +76% vs OR

$146,507

OR $83k

Median home value +56% vs OR

$777,229

OR $499k

Unemployment -20% vs OR

4.3%

OR 5.4%

Go ahead, check out the rest of Oregon, but the 2nd best place to live in the state, West Linn, knows that when you’re done traveling The Beaver State’s concrete rivers you will choose to settle down inside its city limits. How does West Linn know? Well, it has consistently been putting up some of the best numbers in the state for safety and education. In fact, it scored a perfect 10/10 on our Snackbility Scale.

West Linn is definitely not one of the cheapest places in the state, but economic trends tell us that if you want a place with a low crime rate (we’re talking 63% below the national average safe) and great schools (Bolton Middle School and West Linn High School are both National Blue Ribbon Schools) your cost of living is going to be quite a bit more. Like, the 2nd highest median home price in the state at $777,229 more. And, if keeping up with the “West Linn Joneses” is your shtick, just know that you’re going to have to make at least $146,507/year.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Public domain

$109,966 median income · $633,005 median home · #3 best place in Oregon

Located in Washington County, Oregon

Median income +32% vs OR

$109,966

OR $83k

Median home value +27% vs OR

$633,005

OR $499k

Unemployment -35% vs OR

3.5%

OR 5.4%

This Sherwood might not be protected by Robin Hood, but it does have one of the lowest crime rates in Oregon: and this, folks, is one of the reasons it’s the 3rd best place to live in The Beaver State. This, and so much more.

Sherwood scored low in only two categories on our SnackAbility scale–diversity and commute times. On the flipside, Sherwood’s high marks in jobs, housing, education, and amenities definitely make up for slightly longer commute times from one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest to anywhere in the United States. We’re pretty sure when you strip down the numbers and realize that the median home price in Sherwood is only $633,005 and that the combined household income here is upwards of $109,966/year, an extra couple of minutes to PortlandPortland will feel like a walk in the park.

Speaking of parks, did we mention that this is one of the best places in Oregon for families? Yes, not only is Sherwood a short distance from the Pacific Coast, it has 15 parks inside its city limits–picture yourself biking Pioneer Park or taking the family dog to play at the Sherwood Dog Park. In terms of education, Sherwood has one of the highest graduation rates and one of the greatest percentages of students in the state who go to college.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Wikipedia User NoeHill | GFDL

$86,058 median income · $418,192 median home · #4 best place in Oregon

Located in Jackson County, Oregon

Median income +4% vs OR

$86,058

OR $83k

Median home value -16% vs OR

$418,192

OR $499k

Unemployment -43% vs OR

3.1%

OR 5.4%

Central Point is a hidden gem in Jackson County, Oregon, near Oregon Highway 99 and Interstate 5. As the 4th best place to live in Oregon, it offers a high quality of life with an affordable price tag.

Central Point is close to Rogue Valley, with its hiking trails and scenic views, while also being home to the Jackson County Fair, an annual event in July that brings the community together. You can indulge in world-class cheeses at Rogue Creamery or expand your knowledge at the Crater Rock Museum.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Wikipedia User Cacophony | CC BY-SA 3.0

$96,394 median income · $732,650 median home · #5 best place in Oregon

Located in Deschutes County, Oregon

Median income +16% vs OR

$96,394

OR $83k

Median home value +47% vs OR

$732,650

OR $499k

Unemployment -31% vs OR

3.7%

OR 5.4%

Bend’s bold startup culture and unbeatable Oregon energy has made it the 5th best place to live in The Beaver State. Some are even going as far to call Bend “A Commuter Town for Silicon Valley” as it’s much cheaper to live here than San Francisco. Incidentally, this influx of people has made Bend one of the fastest growing cities in the state.

Besides strong job opportunities and the state’s 14th best unemployment rate at 3.7%, why are people flocking to Bend? Point blank, Bend has outstanding numbers. The crime rate here is below the state average and below the national average. Basically, Bend is super safe.

And what was once a logging town is now identified as a gateway for many sports, including biking, hiking, and white-water rafting the Deschutes River is also relatively affordable. Homes go for $732,650 here and the Bend’s cost of living is manageable if you make the city’s median income of $96,394/year. Folks, Bend is truly “Living at its best”.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Wikipedia User Finetooth | CC BY-SA 3.0

$83,672 median income · $518,378 median home · #6 best place in Oregon

Located in Benton County, Oregon

Median income +1% vs OR

$83,672

OR $83k

Median home value +4% vs OR

$518,378

OR $499k

Unemployment -41% vs OR

3.2%

OR 5.4%

Located in Benton County, Philomath is a hidden gem that ranks as the number 6 best place to live in the state. Philomath’s affordable living, beautiful surroundings, and nearby attractions make it one of Oregon’s best places to live.

This charming city is known for its low cost of living and affordable real estate. With a median home price of $518,378, Philomath offers you the opportunity to own property at a fraction of the cost compared to other places in Oregon. Philomath is just a short drive away from Corvallis, home to Oregon State University, providing residents with access to cultural events, sports games, and educational opportunities.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Public domain

$100,989 median income · $590,607 median home · #7 best place in Oregon

Located in Clackamas County, Oregon

Median income +22% vs OR

$100,989

OR $83k

Median home value +18% vs OR

$590,607

OR $499k

Unemployment -26% vs OR

4.0%

OR 5.4%

It’s Oregon’s hospitality that draws people to this Pacific Northwest state and it’s places like the 7th best place to live in the state, Canby, that makes them stay. And, folks, you don’t have to look for the silver lining in here because Canby’s median home price is the 10th best in the state. Yes, if you play your cards right, Canby “can-be” your forever home for the median home price of $590,607.

And if you are worried about Canby’s cost of living, don’t be. Matter of fact, there must be something in the soil here because this Canby is known as “Oregon’s Garden Spot” and their motto is “Home of the Good Earth,” so if you have a green thumb, you can cut your grocery cost in half. Other headliners under Canby’s cost of living are health services and utilities.

Jobs and amenities were the other SnackAbility indicators that stood out. We do, however, recommend that you have a plan in place before you uproot your life to Canby as the city’s unemployment rate is the 18th best in the state at 4.0% and the poverty rate is 7.9%.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Wikipedia User Eric Fredericks | CC BY-SA 2.0

$108,984 median income · $523,760 median home · #8 best place in Oregon

Located in Clackamas County, Oregon

Median income +31% vs OR

$108,984

OR $83k

Median home value +5% vs OR

$523,760

OR $499k

Unemployment +11% vs OR

6.0%

OR 5.4%

If you want outdoor access without leaving small-town life, Sandy’s your answer. This Clackamas County community sits right at the edge of the Mt. Hood National Forest, with the Ramona Falls Trail in the Mt. Hood Wilderness practically in your backyard.

Homes here run around $523,760, and a median household income of $108,984 means most families aren’t stretching thin. A poverty rate of just 7.8% puts Sandy among the more economically stable small towns in the state, impressive even for one of the best places to live in Oregon.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Public domain

$108,823 median income · $608,407 median home · #9 best place in Oregon

Located in Washington County, Oregon

Median income +31% vs OR

$108,823

OR $83k

Median home value +22% vs OR

$608,407

OR $499k

Unemployment -13% vs OR

4.7%

OR 5.4%

If it’s time to uproot your family with a little spring cleaning, start with a move to Oregon’s 9th best place to live, Tigard. To be honest, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see CNN call Tigard one of the best places to live in the United States with the consistent numbers it puts up year after year.

Why Tigard, you ask? Well, here’s the latest scoop. For one, it’s pretty safe in here. In fact, if it weren’t for a couple of larceny and property crimes Tigard’s crime rate would be one of the lowest on our list. In terms of Tigard’s cost of living, all major services–including health, groceries, and utilities are in line with the state average except for housing. Yes, Tigard has the 9th highest median home price in the state at $608,407 and the median income here is $108,823/year.

Tigard’s walkable downtown has unique shopping and an extensive list of things to keep you and your family safely entertained for days. So, explore Tigard’s downtown for some daytime fun and hit its nightlife circuit when you’re not busy padding your bank account.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers

Source: Wikipedia User Ian Poellet | CC BY-SA 3.0

$89,318 median income · $497,975 median home · #10 best place in Oregon

Located in Clackamas County, Oregon

Median income +8% vs OR

$89,318

OR $83k

Median home value 0% vs OR

$497,975

OR $499k

Unemployment -13% vs OR

4.7%

OR 5.4%

Molalla is one of those small Oregon towns that quietly earns its spot on any livability list. With a poverty rate of just 4.3%, the 2nd lowest in Oregon, this small Oregon suburb keeps the financial pressure off residents, earning a median income of $89,318.

The young median age of 32 tells the rest of the story. Molalla draws families who want room to breathe without the Portland price tag, and the Molalla River Recreation Corridor gives those families miles of trails and river access right out the back door.

Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers