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Buying Oregon Real Estate

If considering a move to Oregon, you should take some time to review the following information on demographics, crime statistics, population, schools, and other important facts about Oregon real estate.

Oregon Population

The population of Oregon is concentrated in the Willamette Valley, which runs from Portland (Oregon’s largest city) in the north, through Salem (Oregon’s capital) and Corvalis (home of Oregon State University), to Eugene (home of the University of Oregon). Near the geographic center of the state is Bend, OR, the largest city in central Oregon.

The estimated 2006 population of Oregon is 3,700,758, reflecting a jump of approximately 279,000 since the 2000 census. Clearly Oregon has grown during this decade. This is reflected in the Oregon real estate statistics as well. In 2005, there were 1,558,421 housing units, a 7.8% increase from 2000.

Oregon Economy

The economy of Oregon is diverse. The large sectors are agriculture, forestry, technology, salmon-fishing industry, tourism and micro-breweries. Intel is the state’s largest private employer. Several well-known companies are headquartered in Oregon, including Nike, Inc. (Beaverton, OR), Harry and David Operations Corp. (Medford, OR), and Lithia Motors (Medford, OR).

Oregon Tourism and Recreation

Oregon's evergreen mountain forests, waterfalls, pristine lakes (including Crater Lake National Park), and scenic beaches draw visitors year round. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, held in Ashland, OR is a tourist draw which complements the southern region of the state's scenic beauty and opportunity for outdoor activities. Oregon offers many outdoor recreational options. Hike or bike one of Oregon's thousands of trails. Explore 13 national forests, over 200 state parks and nearly 400 miles of the Pacific Coast Trail. Camp at more than 350 national forest and state park campgrounds. Surf or kite board Hood River. Oregon is also home to hundreds of flowing rivers—including the storied Columbia, Rogue and Willamette—packed with salmon, steelhead and trout.

If you enjoy Pacific coast views and ample outdoor recreation, than considering buying Oregon real estate may be the right move for you.