15 Oregon Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

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When it comes to purchasing property, Oregon is typically noticed for its beautiful scenery, quirky towns, and Pacific Northwest style. Not every city in the Beaver State is a good investment, though. Oregon’s housing market is quirky and, although there are pockets of incredible opportunity, there are also pitfalls. They range from high crime to economic woes to being just overpriced with little long term value.

If you’re looking to make an investment, you should think beyond the Instagram picture perfect facades and get into the nitty gritty, so you know which cities to avoid to save you time, money and a lot of headaches.

Hermiston

Watermelons have made Hermiston famous, but the housing market there is not as sweet. It is less appealing to property investors because the city is remote and has sluggish economic growth. For many buyers, the costs do not make the benefits worth it, particularly in terms of long term value.

Coos Bay

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Coos Bay is well known for its waterfront views and small town vibes but don’t let appearances fool you. For years the city has struggled economically, reliant on such industries as fishing and forestry, which are not as stable as they once were. The job market seems to have little to do with housing prices around here, and people wonder if it’s worth the risk to buy a home here.

Woodburn

Since the city is relatively small, with a strong agricultural presence, it has not been able to keep up with the economic development of the modern world. It’s a city with little in the way of jobs, housing prices are relatively high, and its location doesn’t bring the same appeal as nearby urban areas. Woodburn may not be the place for you if you’re looking for a charming city with investment potential.

Bend

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Retirees and remote workers have made Bend a hot spot, but its skyrocketing home prices have been a concern for sustainability. With housing costs growing faster than wages, as reported by USAFacts; if you decide to invest in Bend, think again unless you have deep pockets for a saturation market.

Brookings

The coastal beauty of Brookings is well known, but living here comes with its problems. It has a limited job market, an aging population, and stifles economic growth. It’s a great spot for a vacation home, but investing in permanent property might leave you struggling with stagnant property values.

Pendleton

While Pendleton is famous for its rodeo culture, does its housing market follow suit? Not so much. The city’s economic development has been slow and in some areas, it seems to have stalled. Pendleton’s remoteness also makes it less attractive to people looking for easy access to bigger job markets or amenities. The cowboy charm might attract you, but you may want to think about the financial reality.

Springfield

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Due to the neighboring Eugene, Springfield often gets overlooked. It’s less attractive to property investors because of high crime rates and weak economic opportunities. The city has some charm, but those in search of stable housing market will want to keep looking elsewhere.

Ontario

While Ontario might have lower property prices than other cities in Oregon, that comes at a price. Economic development has been slow and the city has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. Though you might get some money upfront buying property here, the long term prospects are not exactly promising.

Grants Pass

Grants Pass is known for its proximity to the Rogue River, and outdoor activities. Yet there are big problems bubbling under the hood — crime is on the rise and the city’s infrastructure can’t handle its swelling population. Grants Pass has one of the highest property crime rates in Oregon, according to a report from the FBI. If safety and long term stability are top of your checklist, this is probably not your best bet.

Newport

Property buyers must tread carefully, because Newport has ocean views and a robust fishing industry. For a city its size, the housing market can be unexpectedly competitive, and the prices don’t always match up with the job market or the amenities on hand. Waking up to the sound of waves might be tempting, but you could end up paying more than it’s worth.

Medford

But the real estate market in Medford, a hub for Southern Oregon, is complicated. The city is risky for potential buyers, with soaring home prices and a homelessness issue that has proven hard to control. Stagnation in some of the neighborhoods has caused many locals to complain about a lack of affordable housing options. Think twice about making Medford your next investment destination.

Astoria

With historic buildings, views of the Columbia River, Astoria might look like something you’d expect to see on a postcard, but the property market here is no walk in the park. The economic situation of the city is struggling with consistent growth and the job market is limited. This is a situation where housing prices can look significantly higher than the opportunities they present. Buying here is as charming as it is, but you could end up with buyer’s remorse if you’re looking for strong investment returns.

Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls is a beautiful place with some very unflattering issues. Water rights controversies are often a problem in the city and they can impact agriculture and other industries. The job market is less than ideal, and on top of that, there are less than ideal conditions for homeowners to build equity over time.

Eugene

Eugene fans abound, but for prospective property buyers, it’s not cut and dried. As the city’s housing market has become increasingly expensive, many middle income buyers have been priced out. Throw in a growing population and a lack of available housing, and you’re sure to be overpaying. With the university’s presence driving some demand, the competition can make Eugene feel like that isn’t an opportunity so much as it is a headache.

Roseburg

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While it might be surrounded by lush greenery, Roseburg’s housing market doesn’t engender similar affection. For years, the city has suffered economic stagnation, and the infrastructure does not support growth. Roseburg probably won’t deliver if you’re looking for a place with rising property values.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.