7 Best Places To Call Home In Oregon In 2025
Oregon has become a popular place to live due to its diverse landscapes, thriving job market, and vibrant art and culinary scene. People who enjoy the outdoors are often drawn to its unique topography, from the coastline to the mountains and the high desert. The state is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US, and Mt. Hood, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The Columbia Gorge, which borders the far northwestern part of the state, holds lush landscapes, while Hells Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States, offers a taste of the desert.
Besides outdoor adventure, people are often drawn to live here because of the ideology around protecting the environment. Oregon is the first state to ban non-reusable bottles and is one of the most bike-friendly states in the country. The eco-friendly mindset is even noticeable from an economic development standpoint, with sustainability leading as one of the top up-and-coming industries. From communities on the rugged coastline to those tucked away among the majestic mountain ranges, discover the seven best places to call home in Oregon in 2025.
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls has a high desert climate and sits 4,000 feet above sea level. Situated about 17 miles north of the California border, the town is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape and is referred to as the gateway to Crater Lake National Park. That said, the region attracts adventurers who enjoy being outside. Residents can hike nearby at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge or kayak Upper Klamath Lake.
The community has a vibrant downtown with modern features and preserved historical character. Families can enjoy learning about the rich Native American and pioneering history at the Klamath County Museum and Baldwin Hotel Museum.
Top industries here include agriculture, tech, and healthcare, providing a stable economy. Klamath Falls is home to the Oregon Institute of Technology, which specializes in engineering and applied sciences, and contributes to the town’s reputation for high educational standards. The median home sale price for Klamath Falls in July 2025 is listed at $375,000. The national median home list price in July 2025 is $439,450.
Reedsport
Reedsport is a low-key, peaceful coastal town with mild weather. It is surrounded by unique topography, with forests, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean right at its doorstep. The city is located next to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and rests on the banks of the Umpqua River, making it an ideal place to live for outdoor enthusiasts.
The town is a latter point on the Umpqua River Scenic Byway, also called the highway of waterfalls. Dozens of marked trailheads lead to stunning waterfalls such as Toketee Falls. Campgrounds and boat launches are scattered throughout the byway, making it convenient for families to escape on the weekends.
Reedsport has a family-friendly atmosphere and is home to the Umpqua Discovery Center, an interactive museum that explains the area's history. Southwestern Oregon Community College is the nearest college. Renewable energy and small business development help fuel the economy here. The median home list price in July 2025 is $357,000.
Baker City
Referred to as the base camp of eastern Oregon, Baker City is near the Snake River, which is straddled by Hells Canyon. The region attracts rock climbers, whitewater kayakers, and hikers who set out to explore the vast landscape.
Baker City is teeming with small-town charm and a strong sense of community, and the residents take pride in preserving its culture. A section of the Oregon Trail passes through Baker City, which families can learn about at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Another popular spot nearby is Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area, a historic gold dredging site that was in production during the mining boom. The town also hosts several events throughout the year for local entertainment, such as the Miners’ Jubilee, a celebration of the region's gold mining heritage.
Emerging industries in the region include renewable energy, technology, and creative industries. Eastern Oregon University is less than an hour away in the nearby town of La Grande. The median home list price in Bakery City in July 2025 is slightly under $375,000.
Ashland
Located in Southern Oregon, Ashland has become a popular place for remote workers to move to. The town sits where the Siskiyou Mountains meet the Cascade Range, providing ample adventure year-round. Mount Ashland Ski Resort is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, while Pilot Rock is popular for hiking in the summer.
Despite its remote setting, Ashland has a lively downtown, offering a balanced lifestyle that combines outdoor serenity with community events. There's a vibrant theatre community. Ashland hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and is also home to the Oregon Cabaret Theatre. To see the local artwork, Ashland Art Works showcases paintings, woodworks, and ceramics from regional makers.
Healthcare, tourism, and education are the top industries here. Ashland is one of the most beautiful college towns in Oregon and is home to Southern Oregon University, which is known for its environmental programs. Regarding the cost of living, the median home listing price in July 2025 is $737,000.
Florence
Located on the Central Oregon coast at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, Florence is a cute historic coastal town with Victorian-style shops and galleries. People are often drawn to the dramatic coastal backdrop and the unique blend of beach and river life the area offers.
It's a family-friendly town. Parents can take their kids to the Sea Lion Caves, the nation's largest natural basalt rock sea cave. You can also hike to Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Oregon. Free tours are offered, and the lightkeeper's house has been transformed into a bed and breakfast for a local weekend escape. The lookout also provides access to Heceta Beach.
Major industries include healthcare and education. The region is home to Lane Community College Florence Center. Further, Florence is about an hour's drive from Eugene, home to the University of Oregon. The median home list price in July 2025 for Florence is $534,000.
Grants Pass
Grants Pass is located in Southern Oregon along the Rogue River and is known for its charming downtown, which has been designated as a national historic district. There are numerous antique shops to browse through, and during the weekends, the Grant Pass Growers' Market takes place, where locals gather to socialize and shop for their weekly produce.
The liveliness of downtown is balanced by the peace and tranquility the public lands provide surrounding Grants Pass in every direction. On weekends, locals unwind along the wild and scenic Rogue River, famous for its rapids that make for thrilling whitewater rafting. Further, the community is near the heart of Oregon’s wine country. Couples can enjoy the Applegate Wine Trail, a route surrounded by hillsides and backdrops of the Siskiyou Mountains. It features 19 family wineries known for merlots, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay.
There’s a focus on small business development in Grants Pass, which has made it a popular place for entrepreneurs. It’s home to Rogue Community College, which offers many career technical education courses. The median home sale list price in Grants Pass in July 2025 is $480,000.
Astoria
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is a darling town with hilly streets, colorful architecture, and a thriving art scene. Because of the Victorian and Craftsman homes surrounded by hillsides, it's often described as a little San Francisco. Residents can hop aboard the Astoria Riverfront Trolley to enjoy the picturesque views.
Astoria is teeming with cultural heritage. There are strong historical ties to the Lewis and Clark Trail, which people can learn about at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Another popular spot is the Astoria Column, which offers expansive views of the Columbia River and coastline.
Astoria is home to Clatsop Community College. As far as industry goes, the town has always had a historical connection to fishing, which continues to be a driving industry here. However, new and hip businesses are emerging, including craft breweries, which have attracted residents and tourists alike. There's also a strong real estate market for developers and a high rental demand. The median home list price in Astoria for July 2025 is $545,300.
From Reedsport along the Umpqua River to the dramatic coastal beauty in Florence, the small communities in Oregon offer natural beauty around every corner. In Grants Pass, residents can taste the state’s wine country or enjoy lazy river days along the Rogue River. Ashland offers a vibrant arts culture with a thriving theatre scene. These little communities hold unique cultural heritage; some were once stopping points on the Oregon Trail. With no general sales tax and remote locations, the small towns of Oregon tend to be more affordable than metropolitan areas. As people seek more peace and tranquility, these seven small towns of Oregon are leaving a lasting impression in 2025.
