Best places to raise a family in Oregon
Written by:
April 20, 2021
Arina P Habich // Shutterstock
Best places to raise a family in Oregon
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Oregon using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Metzger
- Population: 3,886
- Median home value: $376,000 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $53,998
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 9119 SW Washington Dr, Tigard ($479,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $376,000 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $53,998
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 9119 SW Washington Dr, Tigard ($479,000, 3 bedrooms)
#24. Aloha
- Population: 54,287
- Median home value: $325,600 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,386 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $78,148
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Faith Bible Christian School (A-), Valor Christian School International (A-), KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7867 SW Bayberry Dr, Aloha ($775,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $325,600 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,386 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $78,148
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Faith Bible Christian School (A-), Valor Christian School International (A-), KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7867 SW Bayberry Dr, Aloha ($775,000, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Hillsboro
- Population: 106,543
- Median home value: $342,500 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,275
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Matthew Catholic School (unavailable), Tualatin Valley Junior Academy (unavailable), Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5718 SE McInnis St, Hillsboro ($1.8 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $342,500 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,275
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Matthew Catholic School (unavailable), Tualatin Valley Junior Academy (unavailable), Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5718 SE McInnis St, Hillsboro ($1.8 million, 3 bedrooms)
#22. Portland
- Population: 645,291
- Median home value: $412,000 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $71,005
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Northwest Academy (A+), St. Mary's Academy (A+), Central Catholic High School (A)
- Pictured: 11175 S Riverwood Rd, Portland ($4.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $412,000 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $71,005
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Northwest Academy (A+), St. Mary's Academy (A+), Central Catholic High School (A)
- Pictured: 11175 S Riverwood Rd, Portland ($4.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#21. Tualatin
- Population: 27,527
- Median home value: $419,400 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,335 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $85,772
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian Elementary & Middle School (unavailable), The Children's Hour Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Tualatin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22300 SW Oak Hill Ln, Tualatin ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $419,400 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,335 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $85,772
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian Elementary & Middle School (unavailable), The Children's Hour Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Tualatin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22300 SW Oak Hill Ln, Tualatin ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Hood River
- Population: 7,715
- Median home value: $354,700 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,142 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $60,542
- Top public schools: Westside Elementary School (A-), May Street Elementary School (A-), Hood River Valley High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian School (B+), Bright Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3510 Avalon Dr, Hood River ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $354,700 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,142 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $60,542
- Top public schools: Westside Elementary School (A-), May Street Elementary School (A-), Hood River Valley High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian School (B+), Bright Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3510 Avalon Dr, Hood River ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#19. Ashland
- Population: 21,056
- Median home value: $441,900 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,085 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $56,315
- Top public schools: Ashland High School (A), Ashland Middle School (A-), John Muir Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Siskiyou School (unavailable), Children's World Bilingual Montessori School (unavailable), Lithia Springs School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1280 Oak St, Ashland ($3.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $441,900 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,085 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $56,315
- Top public schools: Ashland High School (A), Ashland Middle School (A-), John Muir Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Siskiyou School (unavailable), Children's World Bilingual Montessori School (unavailable), Lithia Springs School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1280 Oak St, Ashland ($3.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
#18. Durham
- Population: 1,941
- Median home value: $573,600 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $89,286
- Top public schools: Twality Middle School (A-), Tigard High School (A-), MITCH Charter School (A-)
- Pictured: 17321 SW Brandyshire Ct, Portland ($675,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $573,600 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $89,286
- Top public schools: Twality Middle School (A-), Tigard High School (A-), MITCH Charter School (A-)
- Pictured: 17321 SW Brandyshire Ct, Portland ($675,000, 3 bedrooms)
#17. Tigard
- Population: 53,312
- Median home value: $408,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $79,809
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Lake Grove Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Westside Christian High School (A), Islamic School of Muslim Educational Trust (MET) (A), St. Anthony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13845 SW 158th Ter, Tigard ($999,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $408,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $79,809
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Lake Grove Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Westside Christian High School (A), Islamic School of Muslim Educational Trust (MET) (A), St. Anthony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13845 SW 158th Ter, Tigard ($999,000, 4 bedrooms)
#16. Wilsonville
- Population: 24,073
- Median home value: $425,900 (45% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $72,312
- Top public schools: Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A), Sherwood Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 34040 SW Ladd Hill Rd, Wilsonville ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $425,900 (45% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $72,312
- Top public schools: Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A), Sherwood Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 34040 SW Ladd Hill Rd, Wilsonville ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Beaverton
- Population: 97,861
- Median home value: $376,500 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $71,806
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Jesuit High School (A+), Valley Catholic School (A+), St. Stephen's Academy (A)
- Pictured: 15095 SW Weir Rd, Beaverton ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $376,500 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $71,806
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Jesuit High School (A+), Valley Catholic School (A+), St. Stephen's Academy (A)
- Pictured: 15095 SW Weir Rd, Beaverton ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#14. Corvallis
- Population: 58,028
- Median home value: $330,500 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $52,942
- Top public schools: Hoover Elementary School (A), Corvallis High School (A), Crescent Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ashbrook Independent School (unavailable), Beaver Beginnings (unavailable), Zion Lutheran Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6255 NW Burgundy Dr, Corvallis ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $330,500 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $52,942
- Top public schools: Hoover Elementary School (A), Corvallis High School (A), Crescent Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ashbrook Independent School (unavailable), Beaver Beginnings (unavailable), Zion Lutheran Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6255 NW Burgundy Dr, Corvallis ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#13. Philomath
- Population: 4,929
- Median home value: $244,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $899 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $72,564
- Top public schools: Philomath High School (A-), Philomath Middle School (B+), Philomath Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Philomath Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1677 Mc Bee Rd, Philomath ($685,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $244,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $899 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $72,564
- Top public schools: Philomath High School (A-), Philomath Middle School (B+), Philomath Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Philomath Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1677 Mc Bee Rd, Philomath ($685,000, 3 bedrooms)
#12. Sherwood
- Population: 19,625
- Median home value: $405,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,485 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $103,512
- Top public schools: Sherwood Charter School (A), Laurel Ridge Middle School (A), Middleton Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis School (A), St. Paul Lutheran School (unavailable), Smockville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 35600 NE Wild Horse Mountain Rd, Sherwood ($2.2 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $405,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,485 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $103,512
- Top public schools: Sherwood Charter School (A), Laurel Ridge Middle School (A), Middleton Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis School (A), St. Paul Lutheran School (unavailable), Smockville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 35600 NE Wild Horse Mountain Rd, Sherwood ($2.2 million, 2 bedrooms)
#11. Happy Valley
- Population: 20,971
- Median home value: $508,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,598 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $125,676
- Top public schools: Happy Valley Middle School (A-), Scouters Mountain Elementary School (A-), Spring Mountain Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Valley View Day School (unavailable), Sunnyside Montessori House of Children (unavailable), The Goddard School - Clackamas (Happy Valley) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17444 SE Vogel Rd, Damascus ($2.9 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $508,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,598 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $125,676
- Top public schools: Happy Valley Middle School (A-), Scouters Mountain Elementary School (A-), Spring Mountain Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Valley View Day School (unavailable), Sunnyside Montessori House of Children (unavailable), The Goddard School - Clackamas (Happy Valley) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17444 SE Vogel Rd, Damascus ($2.9 million, 2 bedrooms)
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#10. Rockcreek
- Population: 9,893
- Median home value: $429,100 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $87,022
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Little Stars Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18885 NW Astoria Dr, Portland ($700,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $429,100 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $87,022
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Little Stars Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18885 NW Astoria Dr, Portland ($700,000, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Raleigh Hills
- Population: 6,146
- Median home value: $674,600 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,162 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,745
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 2925 SW Ridgewood Ave, Portland ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $674,600 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,162 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,745
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 2925 SW Ridgewood Ave, Portland ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#8. West Slope
- Population: 6,913
- Median home value: $530,800 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $77,105
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Happy Hollow Children's Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3450 SW 110th Ave, Beaverton ($975,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $530,800 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $77,105
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Happy Hollow Children's Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3450 SW 110th Ave, Beaverton ($975,000, 4 bedrooms)
#7. Stafford
- Population: 1,733
- Median home value: $927,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,145 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $125,938
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Arbor School of Arts & Sciences (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19460 SW Eastside Rd, Lake Oswego ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $927,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,145 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $125,938
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Arbor School of Arts & Sciences (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19460 SW Eastside Rd, Lake Oswego ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Cedar Hills
- Population: 8,912
- Median home value: $415,700 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,213 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $81,453
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11190 SW Foothill Dr, Portland ($869,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $415,700 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,213 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $81,453
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11190 SW Foothill Dr, Portland ($869,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Lake Oswego
- Population: 39,127
- Median home value: $637,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $108,927
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Lake Oswego Senior High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of the Lake School (A), International Leadership Academy (unavailable), West Hills Montessori School - Lake Oswego Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 584 Ridgeway Rd, Lake Oswego ($4.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $637,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $108,927
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Lake Oswego Senior High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of the Lake School (A), International Leadership Academy (unavailable), West Hills Montessori School - Lake Oswego Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 584 Ridgeway Rd, Lake Oswego ($4.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#4. West Linn
- Population: 26,656
- Median home value: $493,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,588 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $111,042
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbia Academy (unavailable), Cascade Summit Montessori (unavailable), West Linn KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25800 SW Petes Mountain Rd, West Linn ($2.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $493,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,588 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $111,042
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbia Academy (unavailable), Cascade Summit Montessori (unavailable), West Linn KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25800 SW Petes Mountain Rd, West Linn ($2.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
#3. Oak Hills
- Population: 12,308
- Median home value: $452,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,410 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $96,323
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Pictured: 14520 NW Oakhills Dr, Beaverton ($715,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $452,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,410 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $96,323
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Pictured: 14520 NW Oakhills Dr, Beaverton ($715,000, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Cedar Mill
- Population: 17,659
- Median home value: $598,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,382 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $145,057
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Pius X. School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13795 NW Lariat Ct, Portland ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $598,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,382 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $145,057
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Pius X. School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13795 NW Lariat Ct, Portland ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Bethany
- Population: 26,501
- Median home value: $557,300 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,682 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $135,800
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Goodtime Chinese School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12236 NW Fernleaf Ln, Portland ($1.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $557,300 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,682 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $135,800
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Goodtime Chinese School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12236 NW Fernleaf Ln, Portland ($1.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
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