Finding a home that meets your needs without breaking the bank can be a serious challenge. State-wide, Oregon has a median home value of $336,700. When you add in maintenance costs and property taxes, it can be difficult for many to buy and own a home.
That's why we've compiled a list of affordable cities in Oregon to help you find a new place to live. All of these places are more affordable than average, meaning you can get more bang for your buck.
Looking for the most affordable places in Oregon is a start, but you'll save even more money by working with a great agent.
The top Oregon real estate agents know the local market and where to find pockets of more affordable homes. They can also help negotiate a better price when you do find your dream home.
At Clever Real Estate, we can match you with agents in any area you're interested in — even multiple areas at the same time. You can interview as many agents as you like until you find the perfect place to call home — all at no cost or obligation to you.
Most affordable cities in Oregon
Whether you're looking for a quiet small town or a trendy suburban neighborhood, it's possible to locate pockets of affordability throughout Oregon.
Here are our top picks for Oregon residents on a budget:
1. Hermiston
Hermiston is the largest city in Eastern Oregon. While many people dream of living along the coast, you won’t give up access to the water or outdoor activities in Hermiston. It’s located just seven miles south of the Columbia River and has numerous public parks within the city’s borders. I-82 and 1-84 intersect in the city and it’s easy to get around.
Median home values are $205,800, and rose 12.0% last year. Median household income is $50,694. Blue collar trades such as forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing thrive in Hermiston, but you can also find well-paying jobs in information technology, utilities and construction.
2. North Bend
North Bend is another Oregon city where residents enjoy water access. Coos Bay, an S-shaped water inlet and estuary, surrounds the city on three sides. It’s a half hour drive to Shore Acres State Park and the ocean.
Median home values are $217,900, a rise of 5.7% last year. Median household income is $47,574 and many of the jobs are found in healthcare and retail, accommodation and food services.
Even after you've found a more affordable place to live in Oregon, moving there can be expensive. By working with a Clever Partner Agent, you'll have an expert in your corner who can help you win at negotiations.
Having a Clever agent that knows how to get you a discount on your sale price or stack up buyer concessions in your favor can help you save thousands. All of our agents are top rated and come from well-known brokerages like Century 21 or Keller Williams, meaning you'll be getting a quality agent you can trust to score you a deal.
» SAVE: Learn more about finding your perfect agent with Clever!
3. Umatilla
The city of Umatilla is located right along the Columbia River. Its weather is typical of the Pacific Northwest, with temps never dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit all year but rarely getting above 77 degrees.
Median home values are $154,200. They rose 11.6% last year and are expected to grow another 6.2% in 2019. Median household income is $38,796. While low, this explains why housing is so affordable. The largest industries will take you outdoors to work in agriculture, forestry, or fishing. There are also manufacturing and public administration jobs available.
There is little crime, and your chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 160 in Umatilla.
4. Baker City
Baker City is the county seat, and is located high up in the desert. It has an abundance of historical buildings from the Gold Rush era, breweries, and plenty of hiking and camping in the nearby Elkhorn Mountains. A paved pathway through the city runs along the Powder River and is great for walking and cycling.
Median household income in Baker City is $42,006, which makes the median home value of $121,600 quite affordable. There are 389,000 jobs in the city and employment is strong in the health care and social assistance, manufacturing and retail trade industries.
Baker City has a median crime level for Oregon, but the crime rate has been dropping rapidly. To make sure you buy in a safer neighborhood, work with a local realtor who has deep knowledge of local trends.
5. Springfield
Springfield is the home of Northwest College-Eugene and has plenty of riverfront access, recreational areas and parks. It’s also located next door to Eugene, Oregon, so you could take advantage of Springfield’s low cost of living and commute to Eugene for work.
Median property values are $175,000 and the median household income is $41,700. Top industries include construction and manufacturing, wholesale and retail, and education.
The benefits of a great real estate agent
If you're just researching affordable places to live, you might wonder why you need a real estate agent. They're the ones that help you once you've already decided on a house, right?
Not necessarily. The truth is, it's never too early to start looking for an agent. In fact, talking to a realtor early on in the process can help you narrow down your options much faster than doing research on your own.
A real estate agent's job is to know everything about their local area. They'll find the best deals in desirable neighborhoods — and might just help you snag your dream home for an affordable price. Let a Clever agent help you discover your options today!
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
Frequently asked questions about affordable places to live in Oregon
How can I save money when buying a home in Oregon?
In addition to shopping in some of the most affordable areas, you'll want to work with an experienced real estate agent. They can find you hidden gems at low price points. A good agent can also negotiate like a pro to get you a lower sale price and more buyer incentives. You may also be able to take advantage of home buyer rebates.
How do I know how much I can afford to buy in Oregon?
We recommend using the 28/36 rule to know how much house you can afford. This means your housing expenses shouldn't exceed 28% of your income, and all of your total debt shouldn't exceed 36%. Learn more about how to calculate your home buying budget.
