The Cheapest Places to Live in Oregon and Why You Need to Move There;-If you’re a broke college kid or recent grad, the thought of living in a more expensive city probably isn’t appealing. While most people would be put off by the smaller population and slower pace of life that living in a small town usually means, it can actually be a great thing for your bank account. Small towns often mean cheaper housing, cheaper groceries, cheaper gas prices and other costs of living (including internet!). For many young adults trying to get their feet planted firmly on the ground after graduation, this is an ideal situation. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in Oregon that fit these criteria. This article will explore some of the cheapest places to live in Oregon and why you need to move there if you want to save some money without giving up too much on quality of life. Read on for our tips!
1.Bend, Oregon
Bend is located in central Oregon, halfway between the state’s two biggest cities of Portland and Salem. Like many other towns on this list, Bend has a reputation for being a great place for outdoorsy types to live. With access to hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, fishing and more, Bend is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Bend is also a great place for people who are interested in the growing tech sector in the state. The city is home to a growing startup scene, as well as the state’s main university, Oregon State. All of this combines to make Bend a great place to live, with a decent cost of living to boot. Bend’s cost of living is moderate in most categories, particularly housing. The median home value is $278,000, but the average rent is only $959. Utilities are a bit pricier, but overall, Bend is a great place to live if you want to experience an outdoor mecca without breaking the bank.
2.Corvallis, Oregon
Northwest of Portland is Corvallis, the home of Oregon State University. The city is a great place for college students to live, but it is also popular with young professionals and families. If you like the small town vibe of a place like Bend, but the larger city life of Portland, Corvallis is a great compromise. It’s big enough to have most of the amenities of a big city, but small enough to feel like home. Corvallis’s cost of living is slightly higher than the state average, but the overall value you get for your money is still high. The median home value is $298,000, while the average rent is $1,060. Utilities are a little higher, but overall Corvallis is still a great deal.
3.Eugene, Oregon
The home of the Ducks, Eugene is a bustling college city that is great for young adults. The city has a reputation for being a place where people are passionate about the issues of the day, including the environment. At the same time, Eugene also has a thriving economy, meaning that if you want to get a job after college, you can. Eugene is a slightly more expensive place to live than the state average, but overall it is still a great deal. The median home value is $370,000 and the average rent is $1,100. Utilities are a little higher, but overall Eugene is still a great place to live. Eugene has a great music and arts scene and is a vibrant place to live. If you’re a recent grad who wants to go to school in a place full of like-minded people and is excited by activism, Eugene is a great choice.
4.Hillsboro, Oregon
If you’re looking to live in the Portland metro area but not in the heart of the city, Hillsboro is a great place to consider. With a population of around 80,000, Hillsboro is a mid-sized city with the amenities of a big city but without the high costs. Hillsboro is a great place for people in all stages of life, from families to retirees. One of the cheapest places to live in Oregon, housing in Hillsboro is very affordable, with a median home value of $253,000 and an average rent of $846.
5.Pendleton, Oregon
Pendleton is a charming old city in eastern Oregon that is a great place to live if you like the outdoors. With access to beautiful hiking trails and rugged desert landscapes, Pendleton makes a great home for people who like the outdoors. Pendleton also has a great cultural scene and a strong economy, meaning that it is a good place to settle down, whether you’re just out of college or thinking of retiring. Pendleton is slightly more expensive than the state average, but overall, it is still a good deal. The median home value is $284,000 and the average rent is $941.
Portland, Oregon
The biggest city in Oregon and the third biggest in the Pacific Northwest. Portland is a great place for young adults and retirees alike. Portland has a reputation for being a very environmentally conscious city, as well as a hub for creativity. With a thriving economy, Portland is a great place to look for work after graduation or to retire if you’re itching to get out of the workforce. Portland is fairly affordable, but it isn’t the cheapest place to live in Oregon, so keep that in mind when deciding if it’s the right place for you.
6.Salem, Oregon
Salem is the state capital, but it is a bit smaller than Portland and a great place to live if you want something a little smaller. Salem is on the southern edge of the Portland metro area, making it a good choice if you want the city vibe but don’t want to have to deal with the high cost of living that usually comes with it. Salem is another city in Oregon that has a reputation for being environmentally conscious. It is also a hub for health care professionals, with a large number of medical research facilities. All of this means that Salem is a great place for retirees, but it also has a lot to offer people who are still in their working years.
Conclusion
Oregon is a great state for college graduates who are looking for a place to settle down after school. It has all the beauty of a coastal state and the culture of a big city. Best of all, it also has some of the cheapest places to live in the country. If you’re a broke college kid or recent grad, consider making the move to Oregon. You won’t regret it! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
