Apartments for Rent in Oregon

Oregon

Oregon is a Pacific Coast enclave of liberal cities mingled with conservative logging towns that offers incredible diversity in industry and political beliefs. Lumber is a major contributor to the economy from logging to paper production, although stricter regulations have causes a slight decline in recent years. Fortunately, the state also have rich soil that produces peppermint, berries, hazelnuts, hops, apples and a variety of grass seeds for export. This same soil has made Oregon third in the country for wineries.

Apartments for rent in Oregon are most plentiful along the Pacific Coast, where the major cities are located. These cities are home to industrial and high tech giants such as Nike, Intel and Genentech and earning the area the nickname "Silicon Forest." Portland is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, although Salem and Eugene are also gaining population each year as well.

Outdoor Attractions

Oregon encompasses deserts, mountain ranges, volcanoes and hot springs, making it one of the most geologically diverse states in the U.S. Anyone who enjoys relaxing combined with nature will love the hot springs resorts, beautiful rainforests of the coast and the many spas and resorts. Crater Lake National Park is one the country’s most unique scenic parks, with enormous volcanic craters dotting a forested landscape against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

The Pacific Coast is a scenic delight, with sandy beaches intermingled with rugged, rocky cliff lines that feature stunning waterfalls and picturesque light houses and Victorian towns. The cool rainforests of the northwest are also a large tourist draw.

Colleges and Universities

The Oregon University System has seven campuses and in recent years has increased financial aid assistance in an effort to keep more college students in state. The community college system has seventeen schools, many with a technology focus in order to provide qualified graduates to the increasingly important technology sector. There are also several private colleges, including a few religiously affiliated schools.

Real Estate and Housing

As is the case in most coastal states, Oregon rents are above the national average. Apartments here average about 15% above the national average, with a high cost of living also to contend with. However, if you are looking to rent in one of Oregon's cities, you can take heart because salaries in these cities are also above the national average. You also won't find many apartments that aren’t a short drive from some of the most beautiful scenery and best recreational opportunities in the country.

If you're looking for apartments in eastern Oregon, however, you may have a more difficult time. This is area is largely desert, leading into central farmlands. The closer you move to the west coast, the better your apartment choices are in Oregon.