Most homes for sale in Oregon will be either along its ruggedly scenic Pacific coastline or along its Willamette Valley, some 65 miles inland. The valley's narrow stretch has been agricultural heaven for thousands of years and remains a wonderful place to call home. Ever since the first settlers made their way along the Oregon Trail and down into the valley in 1846, the majority of the population has lived here.

Starting your search for homes for sale in Oregon in the valley is therefore a logical choice, especially if you want to live in or near its five major cities--Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Salem, or Eugene. The Pacific coast, after all, is less than an hour away no matter where you are. Portland, the largest of the cities (population 540,000) and the best known, lies on the Columbia River with Mount Hood's majestic 11,239 feet often within sight.

Some 50 miles south is Salem (population 140,000), the state capital and a charming place. You're in the heart of the valley region here. Winters overall are cool and wet, and the summers warm and dry--temperature range from about 38° to 70° Fahrenheit. It's a delightful stretch, along which you'll find all of Oregon's vineyards and many of its covered bridges. The valley "ends" about 65 miles farther south, along Route 5 near Eugene (population 140,000).

Lots of Homes for Sale in Oregon

Federal census data note a state population of about 3.5 million and put the number of homes at nearly 1.5 million. The median house value of $152,000--these are all 2000 figures--is above the national $119,600. Your first step is to narrow your focus on where in this beautiful stretch of coastline, volcanic mountain ranges, and heavily forested hills you want to live. You'll be pleased to learn that homes for sale in Oregon are in fact very affordable.