Small Towns in Oregon to Call Home

Florence

Let’s explore some of the most charming small towns in Oregon, perfect for calling home. 

Jacksonville

Located just five miles outside of Medford, Jacksonville boasts a population of just over 3,000 and offers a wealth of outdoor recreation options. Known for its wineries and inviting antique shops, the small town of Jacksonville is rich in charm and history. The Forest Park Trails provide excellent hiking opportunities offering stunning elevated views of the area. 

Real estate in this community is moderately competitive. In May, Redfin reported a median home sale price of $743,750, reflecting a 36.7% year-over-year increase, and the average home typically left the market within approximately 35 days. While 12.5% of properties sold above the original asking rate, 28.6% saw price reductions. 

Florence

Perched on the Siuslaw River along the Oregon Coast, Florence has a population of just over 9,300. This small town is home to coastal attractions such as the Sea Lion Caves, along with parks and a challenging golf-links course. Locals frequently visit the Florence Farmers Market for waterfront shopping, artisan crafts, and local produce. 

Florence’s real estate market is somewhat competitive, with the median home sale price at $492,950 —a 12.2% year-over-year increase—and 16.7% of homes selling above the initial listing price in May, according to Redfin.   

Florence

Silverton

Nestled within the Willamette Valley, Silverton has a population of just over 10,000. Residents frequently visit Silver Falls State Park for hiking, whale watching, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. The town also features a winery, an art gallery, and the Oregon Crafters Market.  

Silverton’s real estate market is reasonably competitive. Redfin reported a median home sale price of $571,750, showing a year-over-year increase of 10%. While 33.3% of homes were sold above the asking rate in May, 41.7% of properties experienced price drops. The average home typically entered pending status within about 43 days.   

Silver Falls State Park, Silverton | Dan Meyers

Baker City

With a population of just over 3,400, Baker City offers an impressive lineup of history museums, elegant wineries, and an 18-hole championship golf course. The Snake River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, trekking, and hiking, and the Chinese Cemetery on the city’s outskirts provides a fascinating glimpse into Northeast Oregon’s history. 

The local real estate market is somewhat competitive. According to Redfin, the median home sale price was $275,000 in May, and the average home typically entered pending status within about 68 days. The most in-demand homes, however, left the market within approximately 21 days.  

Baker City | Peter Robbins

Astoria

Situated on the Columbia River, Astoria has a population of just over 10,100. The town is known for its historical museums and cultural centers, and the Astoria Riverwalk Trail is popular for trolley rides and maritime sightseeing. Also, Pier 39 features popular eateries, a wine bar, and kayak rentals. 

Astoria’s real estate market is fairly competitive. In May (per Redfin data), there was a 23.5% year-over-year decrease in housing costs, bringing the median sale price down to $388,000. Price drops were seen in 35.6% of homes, 30% were sold above the original asking rates, and the average properties entered pending status within about 26 days.

Astoria | Edmund Devereaux