Best places to live in Oregon
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Oregon
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Oregon using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Bend
- Population: 93,917
- Median home value: $384,800 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,276 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $65,662
- Top public schools: Summit High School (A-), Realms Middle School (A-), Highland Magnet School at Kenwood (A-)
- Top private schools: Trinity Lutheran School (A-), Seven Peaks School (A+), Eastmont Community School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 60990 Bachelor View Rd, Bend ($4.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $384,800 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,276 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $65,662
- Top public schools: Summit High School (A-), Realms Middle School (A-), Highland Magnet School at Kenwood (A-)
- Top private schools: Trinity Lutheran School (A-), Seven Peaks School (A+), Eastmont Community School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 60990 Bachelor View Rd, Bend ($4.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#24. Jacksonville
- Population: 2,884
- Median home value: $427,400 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,147 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $72,986
- Top public schools: Jacksonville Elementary School (A-), South Medford High School (B+), McLoughlin Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 635 N Oregon St, Jacksonville ($3.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $427,400 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,147 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $72,986
- Top public schools: Jacksonville Elementary School (A-), South Medford High School (B+), McLoughlin Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 635 N Oregon St, Jacksonville ($3.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#23. Hood River
- Population: 7,715
- Median home value: $354,700 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,142 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $60,542
- Top public schools: Westside Elementary School (A-), May Street Elementary School (A-), Hood River Valley High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian School (B+), Bright Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4470 Booth Hill Rd, Hood River ($3.0 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $354,700 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,142 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $60,542
- Top public schools: Westside Elementary School (A-), May Street Elementary School (A-), Hood River Valley High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian School (B+), Bright Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4470 Booth Hill Rd, Hood River ($3.0 million, 2 bedrooms)
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#22. Hillsboro
- Population: 106,543
- Median home value: $342,500 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,275
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Matthew Catholic School (unavailable), Tualatin Valley Junior Academy (unavailable), Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22380 NW Meier Rd, Hillsboro ($6.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $342,500 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,453 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,275
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Matthew Catholic School (unavailable), Tualatin Valley Junior Academy (unavailable), Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22380 NW Meier Rd, Hillsboro ($6.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. Wilsonville
- Population: 24,073
- Median home value: $425,900 (45% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $72,312
- Top public schools: Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A), Sherwood Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 24825 SW Newland Pl, Wilsonville ($2.3 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $425,900 (45% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $72,312
- Top public schools: Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A), Sherwood Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 24825 SW Newland Pl, Wilsonville ($2.3 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Tualatin
- Population: 27,527
- Median home value: $419,400 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,335 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $85,772
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian Elementary & Middle School (unavailable), The Children's Hour Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Tualatin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5835 SW Blackberry Ln, Tualatin ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $419,400 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,335 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $85,772
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A), Wilsonville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian Elementary & Middle School (unavailable), The Children's Hour Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Tualatin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5835 SW Blackberry Ln, Tualatin ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#19. Philomath
- Population: 4,929
- Median home value: $244,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $899 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $72,564
- Top public schools: Philomath High School (A-), Philomath Middle School (B+), Philomath Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Philomath Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 37060 Kings Valley Hwy, Philomath ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $244,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $899 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $72,564
- Top public schools: Philomath High School (A-), Philomath Middle School (B+), Philomath Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Philomath Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 37060 Kings Valley Hwy, Philomath ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. Durham
- Population: 1,941
- Median home value: $573,600 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $89,286
- Top public schools: Twality Middle School (A-), Tigard High School (A-), MITCH Charter School (A-)
- Pictured: 17439 SW Rivendell Dr, Portland ($725,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $573,600 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $89,286
- Top public schools: Twality Middle School (A-), Tigard High School (A-), MITCH Charter School (A-)
- Pictured: 17439 SW Rivendell Dr, Portland ($725,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Tigard
- Population: 53,312
- Median home value: $408,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $79,809
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Lake Grove Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Westside Christian High School (A), Islamic School of Muslim Educational Trust (MET) (A), St. Anthony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7566 SW Cedarcrest St, Portland ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $408,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $79,809
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Lake Grove Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Westside Christian High School (A), Islamic School of Muslim Educational Trust (MET) (A), St. Anthony School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7566 SW Cedarcrest St, Portland ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#16. Sherwood
- Population: 19,625
- Median home value: $405,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,485 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $103,512
- Top public schools: Sherwood Charter School (A), Laurel Ridge Middle School (A), Middleton Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis School (A), St. Paul Lutheran School (unavailable), Smockville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 28303 SW Baker Rd, Sherwood ($4.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $405,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,485 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $103,512
- Top public schools: Sherwood Charter School (A), Laurel Ridge Middle School (A), Middleton Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis School (A), St. Paul Lutheran School (unavailable), Smockville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 28303 SW Baker Rd, Sherwood ($4.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Rockcreek
- Population: 9,893
- Median home value: $429,100 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $87,022
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Little Stars Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17934 NW Park View Blvd, Portland ($899,900, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $429,100 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $87,022
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Little Stars Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17934 NW Park View Blvd, Portland ($899,900, 8 bedrooms)
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#14. Beaverton
- Population: 97,861
- Median home value: $376,500 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $71,806
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Jesuit High School (A+), Valley Catholic School (A+), St. Stephen's Academy (A)
- Pictured: 3950 SW Laurelwood Ave, Portland ($1.9 million, 12 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $376,500 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $71,806
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Jesuit High School (A+), Valley Catholic School (A+), St. Stephen's Academy (A)
- Pictured: 3950 SW Laurelwood Ave, Portland ($1.9 million, 12 bedrooms)
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#13. Portland
- Population: 645,291
- Median home value: $412,000 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $71,005
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Northwest Academy (A+), St. Mary's Academy (A+), Central Catholic High School (A)
- Pictured: 9912 NW Wind Ridge Dr, Portland ($7.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $412,000 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $71,005
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Northwest Academy (A+), St. Mary's Academy (A+), Central Catholic High School (A)
- Pictured: 9912 NW Wind Ridge Dr, Portland ($7.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. Stafford
- Population: 1,733
- Median home value: $927,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,145 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $125,938
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Arbor School of Arts & Sciences (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18783 Stafford Rd, Lake Oswego ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $927,400 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,145 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $125,938
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Arbor School of Arts & Sciences (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18783 Stafford Rd, Lake Oswego ($2.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#11. Happy Valley
- Population: 20,971
- Median home value: $508,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,598 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $125,676
- Top public schools: Happy Valley Middle School (A-), Scouters Mountain Elementary School (A-), Spring Mountain Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Valley View Day School (unavailable), Sunnyside Montessori House of Children (unavailable), The Goddard School - Clackamas (Happy Valley) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9633 SE City View Dr, Happy Valley ($3.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $508,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,598 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $125,676
- Top public schools: Happy Valley Middle School (A-), Scouters Mountain Elementary School (A-), Spring Mountain Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Valley View Day School (unavailable), Sunnyside Montessori House of Children (unavailable), The Goddard School - Clackamas (Happy Valley) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9633 SE City View Dr, Happy Valley ($3.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Corvallis
- Population: 58,028
- Median home value: $330,500 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $52,942
- Top public schools: Hoover Elementary School (A), Corvallis High School (A), Crescent Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ashbrook Independent School (unavailable), Beaver Beginnings (unavailable), Zion Lutheran Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1920 NW McDougal Cir, Corvallis ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $330,500 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $52,942
- Top public schools: Hoover Elementary School (A), Corvallis High School (A), Crescent Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ashbrook Independent School (unavailable), Beaver Beginnings (unavailable), Zion Lutheran Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1920 NW McDougal Cir, Corvallis ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Ashland
- Population: 21,056
- Median home value: $441,900 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,085 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $56,315
- Top public schools: Ashland High School (A), Ashland Middle School (A-), John Muir Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Siskiyou School (unavailable), Children's World Bilingual Montessori School (unavailable), Lithia Springs School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2700 N Valley View Rd, Ashland ($6.0 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $441,900 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,085 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $56,315
- Top public schools: Ashland High School (A), Ashland Middle School (A-), John Muir Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Siskiyou School (unavailable), Children's World Bilingual Montessori School (unavailable), Lithia Springs School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2700 N Valley View Rd, Ashland ($6.0 million, 2 bedrooms)
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#8. West Slope
- Population: 6,913
- Median home value: $530,800 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $77,105
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Happy Hollow Children's Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8570 SW White Pine Ln, Portland ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $530,800 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,170 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $77,105
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Happy Hollow Children's Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8570 SW White Pine Ln, Portland ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. Raleigh Hills
- Population: 6,146
- Median home value: $674,600 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,162 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,745
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 7175 SW Dogwood Pl, Portland ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $674,600 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,162 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $82,745
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 7175 SW Dogwood Pl, Portland ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Lake Oswego
- Population: 39,127
- Median home value: $637,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $108,927
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Lake Oswego Senior High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of the Lake School (A), International Leadership Academy (unavailable), West Hills Montessori School - Lake Oswego Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1500 Northshore Rd, Lake Oswego ($11.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $637,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $108,927
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Lake Oswego Senior High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of the Lake School (A), International Leadership Academy (unavailable), West Hills Montessori School - Lake Oswego Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1500 Northshore Rd, Lake Oswego ($11.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. West Linn
- Population: 26,656
- Median home value: $493,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,588 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $111,042
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbia Academy (unavailable), Cascade Summit Montessori (unavailable), West Linn KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 24152 SW Petes Mountain Rd, West Linn ($6.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $493,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,588 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $111,042
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+), Three Rivers Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbia Academy (unavailable), Cascade Summit Montessori (unavailable), West Linn KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 24152 SW Petes Mountain Rd, West Linn ($6.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#4. Oak Hills
- Population: 12,308
- Median home value: $452,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,410 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $96,323
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Pictured: 14520 NW Oakhills Dr, Beaverton ($715,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $452,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,410 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $96,323
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Pictured: 14520 NW Oakhills Dr, Beaverton ($715,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#3. Cedar Hills
- Population: 8,912
- Median home value: $415,700 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,213 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $81,453
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11975 SW Belvidere Pl, Portland ($1.8 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $415,700 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,213 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $81,453
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11975 SW Belvidere Pl, Portland ($1.8 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#2. Cedar Mill
- Population: 17,659
- Median home value: $598,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,382 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $145,057
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Pius X. School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14260 NW Linmere Ln, Portland ($1.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $598,500 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,382 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $145,057
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Hope Chinese Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Pius X. School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14260 NW Linmere Ln, Portland ($1.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#1. Bethany
- Population: 26,501
- Median home value: $557,300 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,682 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $135,800
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Goodtime Chinese School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5390 NW Roanoke Ln, Portland ($4.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $557,300 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,682 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $135,800
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Goodtime Chinese School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori School (unavailable), Bethany Village Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5390 NW Roanoke Ln, Portland ($4.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
