Best Oregon cities in 2024, according to Redfin

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A new list from Redfin ranks the top 10 best cities to live in Oregon -- ranging from big cities to college towns with plenty of outdoor activities and Willamette Valley wineries to explore.

The brokerage company ranked the cities based on affordability, navigability, and number of amenities.

"Home to lush landscapes, renowned coastlines, and abundant recreation opportunities, Oregon has it all," Redfin said.

1. Portland

According to Redfin, Portland is the number one best city to live in.

“Known for its quirky vibes, rainy weather, and massive public parks, Portland has it all,” Redfin said.

The company highlighted Portland's "small town feel and weird, indie culture," with events like the Naked Bike Ride, Pedalpalooza, Rose City Comic Con, and iconic destinations such as Powell's City of Books, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and Saturday Market.

With a population of over 635,000 residents, Portland's median home sale price is over $508,000, and median rent is $1,802, according to Redfin.

“On the whole, Portland is in love with bikes, green spaces, and great cuisine, and has a long history of being on the forefront of social, governmental, and environmental change. Portland’s public transportation is also top-notch,” Redfin said.

2. Milwaukie

Milwaukie was ranked the second-best place to live in Oregon with a population of over 21,000 residents, median home sale price around $527,000, and median rent at $2,218, according to Redfin.

“The city is much slower paced than Portland, offering residents a quiet, green, suburban feel while still maintaining a very walkable and bikeable layout. It’s also very convenient to live in Milwaukie and commute into Portland using the MAX Orange Line. House and rent prices are a bit higher, though,” Redfin said.

Nicknamed the "Dogwood City of the West," Milwaukie offers several natural attractions including Sellwood Park, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and the Springwater Corridor Trail, Redfin noted, adding the city's modern bars in downtown Milwaukie and the historic Oaks Amusement Park are also popular destinations.

3. Eugene

Eugene, Oregon scored the third best-city spot on the list, with a population of over 177,000, median home sale price at $490,000, and median rent at $1,774.

Redfin highlighted Tracktown USA's ample outdoor activities, local shops and markets, historic architecture, and home for the Prefontaine Classic.

“Similar to Portland, Eugene is equidistant from the Oregon coast and Cascade mountains – just about two hours by car each way – and offers plenty of outdoor recreation within city limits as well. The gorgeous Alton Baker Park and Hendricks Park are local hotspots, while dozens of walking and cycling trails and bridges make it easy to get around,” Redfin said, noting the city’s proximity to Willamette Valley wineries.

“Eugene has grown considerably in the past several years. It used to be a fairly small, affordable, and eclectic college town, but as more people moved to the area and the university grew larger, housing, rentals, and the general cost of living grew alongside it. However, Eugene is still more affordable than other Northwest cities like Portland and Seattle,” Redfin said.

4. Salem

Oregon's capital city was ranked fourth on the list, with a population of over 177,000, median home sale price over $432,000, and median rent at $1,461.

“Located between Eugene and Portland along the Willamette River, Salem is in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley and surrounded by gorgeous state parks, forests, and vineyards,” Redfin said. “Salem has a reputation for being fairly quiet compared to Portland and Eugene, but it has a lot going for it.”

5. Tigard

Tigard scored a spot in the top five best cities to live in -- offering a population of over 55,000, median home sale price over $432,000, and median rent at $2,047, according to Redfin.

The Portland suburb offers neighborhoods for those wanting a slower pace of life, the company said -- highlighting the city's parks, and pedestrian and bike-friendly paths. Redfin also noted popular business such as Pizza Caboose, Washington Square Mall, and the Broadway Rose Theatre Company.

Bend, Beaverton, Medford, Gresham, and Oregon City rounded out the top 10 list.