Homeowners and aspiring homeowners looking to the Pacific Northwest for their forever home have plenty of amazing cities to choose from. The most obvious choices are Portland and Seattle, but there is so much more to see. Oregon and Washington offer some of the most beautiful natural spots in the US, with brilliant schools and ample job opportunities. Why would you limit yourself to the tourist traps?
If you’re still having trouble deciding, take a look at our guide to the best places to live in Oregon and Washington.
Bellingham, Washington
With the very reasonable median house and rent rates, its cool temperatures, and a wealth of winter sports to take advantage of, Bellingham is a very attractive option for people looking for a change.
Bellingham offers prime camping spots, ski resorts and natural beauty around every corner. Sitting at the base of Mount Baker, it is a quick hour-long drive away from Vancouver, making trips into Canada an ease.
Go snowmobiling in the Larrabee State Park, after setting up your tent, then follow it up with a slow-crafted bourbon, gin, or whiskey at the Chuckanut Bay Distillery. Visit the Whatcom Museum for all the art and history of the Pacific Northwest or browse the chic local stores with an ice cream from Mallard Ice Cream.
Hillsboro, Oregon
Hillsboro is the best of both worlds, offering the smalltown and nature-loving experience just a half-hour’s drive from the bustling city of Portland. Found in the middle of the Silicon Forest, Hillsboro offers the quiet and natural environment just a quick drive away from Nike, Intel, and Kaiser Permanente.
If all that travelling doesn’t keep you occupied, you can go hiking along the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, or picnic and bird watch at Orenco Woods Nature Park.
Take advantage of the superior products of the Helvetia Vineyards and Winery or take a tour. Sports fans can watch the Hillsboro Hops and parents can take the kids to uncover gems in the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals.
Bend, Oregon
Prospective homeowners should take a look at Bend for a small-town nature-lover’s haven. Living in Oregon isn’t going to be cheap, however, with the quality of the homes available reflected in their higher than average house prices. So, it’s important that Oregon locals invest in homeowners insurance to be sure that their beautiful homes stay protected. Since homeowners insurance is partly determined by the value of your home, you can find ways to lower the cost by shopping around for different deals and making sure you don’t over-insure by using a contents insurance calculator to determine the value of the items in your home. Additionally, it’s important to remember that when insuring the building, you set the costs of how much it’ll take to rebuild, not the market cost.
However, this high price is leveled out by Oregon’s lower than average cost of health care, with high quality, as well as lower than average monthly utilities and average grocery prices.
Considered one of Oregon’s sunniest cities, Bend is a hub of outdoor activities that range from hiking trails to water sports, and winter sports in between
With a crime rate that is lower than 48% of the country, Oregon makes for a family-friendly city that will have the little ones out and about living a healthy lifestyle encouraged by the environment around them. Teach them to ski on the 6th largest ski area, Mount Bachelor, or take a hike along the Tumalo Mountain Trail which takes you along some of the most scenic and most accessible sights in Oregon.
If nature isn’t so much your thing, beer enthusiasts can visit one of the many microbreweries available, since Oregon hosts the most per capita in the nation. Or head to the Sun Mountain Fun Centre for everything from go-karting to bowling, and mini-golfing and more.
Richland, Washington
Despite what its name suggests, the median purchase price of a home in Richland is fairly reasonable, considering the superior crime rate of 43% safer than the rest of the US and its views of the Columbia River winding its way through the town.
Situated in the Pacific Northwest sunbelt, Richland sees less rainfall and mild winters, allowing the locals to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on their doorstep. There are loads of trails to hike on Badger Mountain, and beautiful views to absorb by heading to the Riverview Natural Reserve.
Attend a star party at the LIGO Hanford Observatory or learn about the history of the town at the REACH Museum, then head into town for a fried chicken and waffle sandwich at LU LU Craft Bar and Kitchen and an IPA beer.
Salem, Oregon
There will be no witch hunts in this Salem, on the other coastal end of the country. The capital of Oregon in fact offers a quaint little town full of friendly people, affordable living, and higher education at Willamette University.
Placed just an hour’s drive from both Portland and the Pacific Coast, you will have a quick commute from city life and job opportunities as well as road trips to the beach.
You can jump on the Willamette Queen riverboat for a brunch opportunity with a difference or visit the Bush’s Pasture Park to bask in the meadows. Grab a cold brew or chai latte at the IKE BOX and eat Koreon classics at Happy Bibimbap House.
