Tennessee - The 10 Best Places To Live In 2021 - Family, Job, Retiree

For those who have an avid love for the great outdoors but also like to be able to mingle with city dwellers, Oregon is the place for you. The dense forests and bodies of water that dot the Oregon countryside make it a haven for nature lovers. If you’re looking to make a move, we recommend considering these places.

10. Eugene.

Nestled in the valley and surrounded by mountains, Eugene is one of the healthiest places to live, people here spend plenty of time outside hiking, biking, and climbing. Along with having dreamy forests and nearby peaks to explore, Eugene has a reputation for being a great city for the arts. Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, this city is also known for its excellent primary and secondary education. It offers a "school of choice" policy that allows parents to choose which school they would like their kids to attend and request a transfer at certain times of the year. Another draw for families looking for a safe place to call home is that Eugene is known for having a large variety of safe and friendly neighborhoods.

9. Portland.

Portland is a wonderful city full of art and creativity. For art and music lovers, Portland is the place to be. It offers everything from downtown high-rise living to close-knit neighborhoods with a small community feel. Summer days are sunny and dry, and winter temperatures don't often fall below freezing. If the region does see snow, it's typically gone within a few hours. Portland's average living expenses are higher than the national average, this is in part due to housing costs. Though Oregon's income tax rate is one of the highest in the country, there's no sales tax.

8. Bend.

Bend is surrounded by all kinds of incredible nature and outdoor activities abound. This small city has everything the outdoor enthusiast family dreams of. It has a stellar education system, with a high school graduation rate 10 percent higher than the state average. Bend recently experienced a 6% job increase, making it more accessible for families looking to move to a small Oregon city. The city has experienced a surge in tourism and an increase in population over the last decade. It is also quite affordable when compared to other larger cities, including nearby Portland.

7. Springfield

Springfield is a moderately-sized city with a population of 60,000 inhabitants. Number one for affordability, this city is one of the cheapest places to live in Oregon, it is also highly ranked when it comes to rivers. The cost of living is significantly lower than its neighbor to the west, largely because its housing market isn’t as hot. The median home price for Springfield homes is $170,000, which is 30% lower than the Oregon average. Springfield’s industries are diversified. Healthcare, office, administrative and sales jobs make up a significant portion of Springfield’s employment opportunities.

6. Brookings.

Brookings, a coastal city near the California border, is home to many smaller towns that are often overlooked when it comes to economic activity and top spots for moving. However, if you love the coast and are looking for a great place to start your family, consider the just-right city of Brookings. This city isn't very large at around 6,000people, but it is very friendly. You won't be within reach of any big city amenities like malls, but you will be living in the city with the lowest crime rate inthe state.

5. Sherwood

Sherwood is a quiet city and one of the best suburbs in Oregon. This suburb, while lacking some of the elite amenities of West Linn, makes up for it with significantly lower home prices and a focus on organic living that's filled with fun. Sherwood is one of the safest cities in Oregon with a crime rate 67% lower than the state average. The Portland-area job market is bustling with opportunities for medical personnel, computer & tech industry experts, electricians, and more.

4. Ashland

Situated at the southernmost tip of Oregon’sstunning Rogue Valley, Ashland is just 15 miles from California. It is considered one of the country’s best small art cities. In addition to being a cultural hot spot, This lovely city has mild weather, access to great outdoor activities, a charming downtown, and it's very pedestrian-friendly, making it a popular place to retire. Ashland’s school system consistently earns high national scores for its quality of education. And there is a multitude of jobs available in higher education, tourism, and healthcare.

3. Florence

It's hard to choose between Oregon's many wonderful seaside cities, but when it comes to livability, Florence came in the first place. This city has a cooler climate and offers a myriad of recreational opportunities, miles of hiking trails, lake kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. Florence has a high graduation rate, a stable housing market, a low crime rate. Tourism is important to the economy; the PeaceHarbor Hospital is the main medical services provider. The cost of living is comparable to the state average.

2. Lake Oswego

Located about eight miles south of Portland, Lake Oswego is an affluent suburb. If you’re into lake activities, this is obviously a great city for you. The suburb has some of the best high-end houses in the state, the top-rated school system with a reputation for superb quality at all schools, and access to beautiful river parks and vistas. However, it's also very difficult for families to enter due to high home costs. But there are few better places for your family, look for homes away from the riverside first.

1. Bethany.

When it comes to living in Oregon, Bethany is a great place to live in. This area has the lowest unemployment rate and we estimate the average household earns over $120,000 per year. The schools are continuously improving which is crucial for a student, and the job market seems to be expanding. Bethany is also a safe suburb with a good number of commercial outlets to provide for all who live here. Locals say that they welcome the rapid development in the area and that it has created a successful and satisfied community here.