Central Oregon: A One-of-a-Kind Option for Home Buyers

Oregon has several unique areas that attract visitors and buyers throughout the year, including the coastal settings and major metropolises of the west and the thick forests and rugged landscapes of the east. But the scenic beauty of Central Oregon shouldn’t be overlooked by home buyers and tourists.

Central Oregon is a region defined by its stunning scenery, consisting of the Cascade Range and Ochoco Mountains, as well as the roaring waters of the Columbia River. It has appealing towns to explore and many recreational opportunities to enjoy. Let’s dive into the aspects that make this region of Oregon one of the most appealing destinations for buyers and visitors.

Central Oregon’s unmatched natural beauty is a significant defining aspect that contributes to its appeal. Steeped in mountains, this region has many unspoiled natural areas ideal for exploring. It boasts a diverse landscape with so much to see, from breathtaking valley views, flowing rivers, and thick evergreen forests, to deserts and lakes. 

There are several renowned nature destinations in Central Oregon. The state’s only national park, Crater Lake, encompasses the gorgeous deep-blue lake and its surrounding mountains and forests. This lake occupies a crater that was the result of an ancient volcano’s explosion ages ago. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument houses Painted Hills, one of three units within this park. This must-see destination is a geologic phenomenon of stunning hills streaked with reds, yellows, blacks, and browns. 

These natural settings make it a hotspot for those who love outdoor adventure. The beauty of the area and the diverse environment provide residents with boundless ways to experience the great outdoors. In the summer, there are countless ideal areas for hiking, boating, fishing, and some of the best white water rafting in the country. There are also more than 30 golf courses across Central Oregon, including some incredible highly-rated public options.

In the winter, the mountainous terrain makes it popular for adrenaline junkies. Mount Bachelor, Hoodoo, and Willamette Pass are three ski areas that offer some of the premier skiing and snowboarding options in the country. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are all highly popular in Central Oregon’s wintery conditions. 

Central Oregon may not have the massive cities that some seek out, however, many charming small and medium-sized cities offer cultural attractions and excellent lifestyles. Bend, the largest city in the area with around 100,000 residents, is along the Deschutes River and is framed by the Cascade Mountains. It has a superb farm-to-table food scene, popular museums, and nearby natural attractions.

Outside of Bend are many other appealing options across this region. Redmond is a city that is popular among nature lovers, comprising sprawling public parks and trails throughout the community. Sunriver is a community with a resort-like feel, famed for its golf courses, nearby ski areas, and delicious dining options. Lakeview is a historical town settled in the 1800s near the California border, with a pleasant downtown area and scenic nearby places to visit, such as Goose Lake. 

Oregon is one of the more expensive states in the country, and Central Oregon certainly isn’t cheap for buyers. But compared to other regions of the state, such as the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon has options that are significantly more accessible to buyers. 

Redmond, for example, is one of the biggest cities in the region and a thriving hub for nature and outdoor fun. According to Redfin, the median sales price of a home in Redmond was around $427,500 in December 2022. This is drastically lower than home prices in Oregon’s big cities, such as Portland.