If you are thinking Moved to OregonWhen you think of Oregon, bustling cities like Portland and Salem might come to mind, but the state has so much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, Oregon’s small towns are perfect for those looking to experience life in a quieter place. In this Redfin article, we explore eight charming small towns in Oregon, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to live there.
1. Silverton, Oregon
Average sales price: $484,000
Homes for Sale in Silverton | Apartments for Rent in Silverton
Silverton is a town located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. One of the biggest attractions of Silverton is Oregon GardenThis beautiful 80-acre botanical garden invites locals and visitors to enjoy peaceful strolls through themed gardens. Silverton is also the gateway to Silver Falls State Park, known for its beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls. Every summer, Silverton hosts the Homer Davenport Community Festival, a fun-filled event celebrating the town’s traditions with a parade, live music and a carnival.
2. Florence, Oregon
Average sales price: $451,000
Homes for Sale in Florence | Apartment for rent in Florence
Florence is located along the Oregon coast, specifically where the Siuslaw River flows into the Pacific Ocean. Known for the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, Florence is a popular stop for travelers seeking coastal charm and natural wonders. The historic Old Town district, with its waterfront views and unique shops, is a popular spot for strolling, dining and sea lion watching. Florence is also home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy off-roading, hiking and sandboarding.
3. Sandy, Oregon
Average sales price: $460,000
Homes for Sale in Sandy | Apartments for Rent in Sandy
Located just minutes from Mount Hood, Sandy is a popular home base for skiers, snowboarders and hikers looking to explore Oregon’s highest peak. Sandy Mountain Festival This community-uniting event features live music, food stalls and craft displays by local artisans. Downtown Sandy is home to charming shops and cafes and the Sandy Historical Society Museum, which showcases the region’s pioneer history. With easy access to outdoor recreation and a friendly small-town atmosphere, Sandy is an ideal place to experience the beauty of Oregon’s mountains.
4. Lincoln City, Oregon
Average sales price: $580,000
Homes for Sale in Lincoln City | Apartments for Rent in Lincoln City
Lincoln City is a seaside town located along Oregon’s dramatic coastline. The town is famous for its Finders Keepers event, where local glass artisans hide colorful glass floats along the beach for visitors to find and take home. Kite flying is also popular, and the annual Lincoln City Kite Festival attracts enthusiasts who light up the sky with colorful kites. For a relaxing afternoon, locals head to Chinook Winds Casino Resort or explore nearby Devil’s Lake, where boating and kayaking are popular.
5. Cottage Grove, Oregon
Average sales price: $380,000
Homes for Sale in Cottage Grove | Apartments for Rent in Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is also known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon” and is home to six historic covered bridges. The town has a strong connection to the film industry, Animal House and Stay with me Numerous movies have been filmed here, and locals and tourists often hike the nearby Low River Trail, a scenic bike path that runs along lakes and forests. Cottage Grove also hosts the annual Bohemia Mining Days festival, which celebrates the town’s gold mining history with a parade, live music, historical reenactments, and more.
6. Pendleton, Oregon
Average sales price: $297,000
Homes for Sale in Pendleton | Apartments for Rent in Pendleton
Pendleton is a town with a rich cowboy culture. The annual Pendleton Roundup is the largest rodeo in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience the pinnacle of rodeo athletics. Besides the rodeo, Pendleton is also known for the Pendleton Woolen Mills. These mills have been producing high-quality wool products since the early 1900s. A fun way to explore the town’s history is to visit the Pendleton Woolen Mills. Pendleton Underground Tour. The tour offers a glimpse into the hidden tunnels beneath the city, once home to taverns and gambling dens.
7. Prineville, Oregon
Average sales price: $430,000
Homes for Sale in Prineville | Apartments for Rent in Prineville
Located near the Ochoco Mountains, Prineville is a gateway for hikers and mountain bikers looking to explore nearby trails. Fun fact: Prineville is home to two huge Facebook data centers, contributing to the town’s unlikely connection to modern technology. One of Oregon’s oldest rodeos, the annual Crooked River Roundup brings the community together each summer with rodeo events, horse racing and plenty of Western vibes. A mix of natural beauty and deep-rooted traditions, Prineville is where the Old West meets modern innovation.
8. Molalla, Oregon
Average sales price: $455,000
Homes for Sale in Molalla | Apartments for Rent in Molalla
The Willamette Valley town of Molalla is deeply rooted in Oregon’s agricultural and forestry history. The town’s biggest attraction is the Molalla Buccleuch, a professional rodeo held each July that celebrates the region’s western heritage with rodeo events, parades and fireworks. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Molalla River State Park, where visitors can hike, fish and camp along the scenic river. The town’s close-knit community is also reflected in local events such as the Apple Festival, where locals enjoy fresh, locally grown produce.
Methodology: Data for median home sales price and average monthly rent can be found at Redfin Data Centres.
