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Travel + Leisure names the 2025 top 10 best places to live in Oregon
Travel + Leisure compiled a 2025 list of the 10 best places to live in Oregon, highlighting towns and cities that combine affordability, charm, and opportunity.
If you’re thinking about moving to Oregon but need some advice on which towns give you the most for your dollar, Travel + Leisure has you covered.
The lifestyle and travel magazine compiled a 2025 list of the 10 best places to live in Oregon, using market data and advice from real estate professionals.
Here’s where the best places are to live in Oregon per Travel + Leisure:
#10 Hillsboro
At No. 10 on the list is Hillsboro, a suburb near the west Portland Metro area and home to tech giant Intel.
Hillsboro has become a popular spot for first-time buyers and retirees, with homes averaging around $538,000.
The town also boasts a strong job market and caters to those who love visiting the farmers’ market on the weekend and supporting the many shops and eateries that call it home.
#9 Portland
Coming in at No. 9 is the Rose City. And is anyone even surprised?
Portland sits at the top of Oregon and may be the state’s most popular city.
It is known for its creative people, green spaces, and outdoorsy spirit. It is home to companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear and offers plenty of career opportunities alongside easy access to rivers, beaches, and mountains.
The city’s average home price in 2025 hovered around $531,000.
#8 Three Rivers
Just south of Bend in Central Oregon, Three Rivers lives up to its name with three rivers (Deschutes, Little Deschutes, and Spring River) flowing right through it.
This unincorporated community is cherished by outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who enjoy boating, bird-watching, and neighborhood gatherings.
With a range of neighborhoods and price points, it’s a versatile option for anyone looking to live in Central Oregon’s natural beauty.
#7 Cedar Mill
Cedar Mill was No. 7 on Travel + Leisure’s list, and while it has the highest average home value on the list at $835,000, that price point may be worth it to some Oregonians for the convenience and community the town offers.
Cedar Mill sits at the edge of Portland, separated by Forest Park, and is known for its farmers’ markets, local shops, a community library, and highly rated schools.
It has the convenience of the city and the charm of small-town living. Families love the safe, friendly vibe, while professionals appreciate the easy commute.
#6 Hood River
Hood River was No. 6 on the list and is a place where outdoor lovers thrive.
The town can be an outdoor adventurer’s dream, with windsurfing, hiking, and fishing a part of daily life. But it’s not just about the adrenaline.
Hood River has a thriving farm-to-table scene, boutique shops, and a welcoming downtown. It also has highly rated schools and breathtaking scenery that offers both beauty and belonging.
#5 Roseburg
At No. 5 on the list, Roseburg lies at the heart of Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. The town offers a little bit of everything: outdoor adventure, wine country, and neighborhoods that range from historic estates to riverfront properties.
With the Oregon coast just under two hours away, you can hike, raft, sip wine, or dip your toes in the ocean—all in a weekend.
#4 Newberg
Newberg, found just 25 miles south of Portland, came in at No. 4 on the list.
The small town is surrounded by rolling vineyards and a charming downtown full of restaurants and tasting rooms.
Travel + Leisure’s real estate experts compared Newberg to buying in Sonoma decades ago—an investment in both lifestyle and property value.
With starter homes often under $500,000, Newberg blends small-town charm with wine-country glamour while still being close to the big city.
#3 Salem
Salem, No. 3 on the list and Oregon’s capital, can be the perfect fit for folks who want the Pacific Northwest lifestyle without Portland’s price tag.
With an average home cost nearly 20% lower than Portland, Salem feels like a sweet spot for affordability and access.
The city is also full of cultural gems—from the historic Elsinore Theatre to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art—and is surrounded by multiple wineries and waterfall trails.
#2 Bend
In the No. 2 spot on Travel + Leisure’s list is the Central Oregon town of Bend.
Bend can be called an outdoor lover’s paradise. Mt. Bachelor offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding slopes in the Pacific Northwest, and the Deschutes River attracts whitewater rafters and paddleboarders alike.
Bend also offers endless hiking options through pine forests, and the surrounding lakes bring fishing enthusiasts from all across the country.
Add in excellent schools, a buzzing craft beer scene, and a strong job market, and it’s easy to see why Bend continues to grow.
Homes average around $733,000, but for Bendites, the lifestyle is worth the price.
#1 La Grande
La Grande was named the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure’s list.
Tucked away in Eastern Oregon, La Grande is the kind of town that sneaks up on you—in the best way.
The town’s historic district, classic homes, and generous lot sizes, with home values averaging $277,988, are just part of why real estate experts call it a “hidden gem.”
With the Blue Mountains right in your backyard, along with the town’s tight-knit community and affordability, La Grande can be a very fulfilling place to live in Oregon.
