(Submitted by Lisa Roberts.)
One of 36 counties in Oregon, Umatilla County offers several fantastic places to live. In terms of cost of living, education options, diversity, crime rates, real estate, spectacular nature, and general contentment with life, several towns rank pretty well. Thus, if you are contemplating relocating to Oregon but are struggling to decide where exactly, we have compiled a list of the best places to live in Umatilla County. Keep on reading to find out more.
Hermiston – where life is sweet
The slogan of the city pretty much says it all. Hermiston is the largest city in Umatilla County, and its officials strive to live up to the slogan by continually improving the quality of life there. Besides being sweet, life here is also pretty affordable.
Hermiston’s community is growing, and there is a lot of construction. So, it sounds pretty promising in terms of housing. Although, if you decide to make this city your home, you may have to put up with some dust and increased traffic. But that’s the price of living in an up-and-coming community that keeps expanding its selection of amenities and resources. Also, it’s pretty encouraging to know that the city officials are not simply facilitating mindless urban sprawl. New parking options have been added so you won’t have to bang your head onto the wheel every time you head downtown.
Moreover, Hermiston appears quite attractive to businesses, which keep investing in the area. And the city is planning to introduce more recreation options for its residents. We are talking about both indoor recreation facilities and outdoor field spaces, and an improved trail system.
An excellent place for families
Although the biggest in the County, Hermiston is still a small town with a suburban feel. It is an excellent place for families. The median property price in Hermiston is $156,500. Additionally, this town can boast a good education system and very low crime rates. The only aspect in which Hermiston doesn’t excel is diversity since it ranks below national and state averages. Still, all things considered, it deserves a spot on the list of best places to live in Umatilla County.
So, if you like what you have read so far, you may be tempted to type in Verified Movers in your browser and start looking for a moving company that will suit your need. But, hold your horses. Umatilla County has more to offer.
Pendleton – where the Old West is still alive
The county seat of Umatilla County, Pendleton, is a small town with a suburban feel that has consistently been attracting new residents. Remnants of the Old West can be observed in entire Eastern Oregon, with its ghost towns and gold dredges. However, Pendleton keeps this Old West spirit alive. So, if you wish to try one of the largest and most incredible rodeos, this is where you go. And if you have a thing for cowboy boots, in Pendleton, they are always in vogue. And that is not all. What keeps the western culture alive and well in this town are the buzzing saloons and boardwalk sidewalks.
If you are a foodie accustomed to fine dining and fancy restaurants, well, sorry to disappoint – Pendleton is a place for burgers and stakes and, of course, whiskey. Although, there are a few places that try to keep it current. For example, the Prodigal Son Brewery offers a wide selection of beer, naturally, but also some standard dishes with a modern twist.
You will be happy to learn that this diverse town ranks pretty well in terms of education, and crime rates are nothing to worry about. So, if you have kids, this may be the place for you. Pendelton is also very affordable, with the cost of living lower than the national average and many other towns in the state. And the median property price is $155,100.
Finally, if you are a business owner or are thinking about starting a company, this is one of the best places to start a business in Oregon.
Umatilla – a friendly, animal-loving community
Another small town with a population of 7114 that hasn’t seen much population growth in the last several years. However, Umatilla still attracts a consistent number of new residents who decide to move here. So, there has to be a good reason for it. Perhaps it’s the affordable property prices, with the median home value of $117,200. Or it could be the overall high livability score and low crime rates. It may also be an excellent school district and affordable cost of living.
The population of Umatilla is pretty young, as the median age is around 34. Also, it is a very diverse town that ranks higher than both national and state levels in this respect. The vibe here is sparse suburban, and it offers its residents many coffee shops and numerous parks. It is another fantastic place for families.
Although you cannot give Umatilla the epithet of being the most exciting place to live on the planet, it is still a place where you can easily feel at home. People are friendly, and if you are an animal lover, you will be happy to learn that many of its residents have dogs. Also, you will avoid the hustle and bustle of a big city but still be only half an hour away from everything a major city has to offer.
Milton-Freewater – a cozy little town
Let’s quickly go over the technicalities. You have probably already recognized a common pattern among the towns that have made it to the list of best places to live in Umatilla County. Milton-Freewater, too, checks all the boxes in terms of affordability, low crime rates, school districts, and diversity.
As for the vibe of this small suburban town, you can expect a lot of coziness. Lots of mom-and-pop shops scatter the main street. There are also many wineries. If you have kids, you will enjoy lots of family events. Also, while this is a small town, a much bigger city, Walla Walla, is only nine miles away.
Milton-Freewater is a place where everyone knows everyone and the people are friendly and welcoming. If you want to be a part of such a community and live a calm life surrounded by beautiful nature, relocating here would not be a mistake. While moving out of state would require some tips and preparation, successful relocation to another state is not mission impossible. Such an endeavor doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially with a reliable moving crew at your side.
Have you decided which of the best places to live in Umatilla County is for you?
This concludes our list of best places to live in Umatilla County. As you could have seen, the entire county is pretty affordable and safe to live in. Also, a solid education system and affordable housing make all of the towns we have mentioned desirable options. So, if you are tired of big city life and have been dreaming of a more peaceful lifestyle with all amenities that major cities have to offer just a short drive away, none of our picks will disappoint you.
