Whether you’re looking to relocate, retire, or just find a change of pace, these 14 rural towns in Oregon are wonderful alternatives to the hustle and bustle of city life. Oregon has lots of wonderful tiny towns for those of us who prefer the quiet, peace and serenity of the simple life; communities tucked away in the forest, by the beach, or in the countryside. Here are 14 small towns in Oregon with less than 1,000 residents:
14. Halfway
This small town in Baker County is absolutely lovely. With less than 300 residents, it is mostly a farming community.
13. Garibaldi
Garibaldi is a beautiful coastal town in Tillamook County with less than 800 residents. The town's motto is "Oregon's Authentic Fishing Village".
12. Summer Lake
Who wouldn't want to live in a place called Summer Lake? This unincorporated community in Lake County is home to 500 residents. Close to Winter Ridge and Fremont–Winema National Forests, Summer Lake is a phenomenal place for bird watching. Above is a photo of the Harris School, built in 1890.
11. Paisley
The wonderful town of Paisley is located in Lake County. With a population of 243, this tiny town has a school, a theater, and access to fishing, hiking, swimming, hang gliding, and more.
10. Powers
Located in Coos County, this 700 resident town is beside the South Fork Coquille River.
9. Gardiner
Gardiner is an unincorporated community located in Douglas County. With a population of only 248, this lovely small town is full of history. Here's a photo of Gardiner's Historic District.
8. Nesika Beach
This small oceanside community in Curry County has a population of less than 500 residents. Here's a photo of Nesika Beach Store.
7. Cloverdale
Cloverdale is a small community in Tillamook County with a population of less than 250 residents.
6. Prairie City
Prairie City, located in Grant County in the John Day River valley, has 909 residents. Here's a photo of this charming town's downtown.
5. Dufur
Dufur is a farming community in Wasco County. Here's a photo of the local Balch Hotel.
4. Maupin
Maupin is located on the Deschutes River in Wasco County, and is great for lovers of outdoor activities like fishing and rafting.
3. Echo
Echo is a 700 resident town in Umatilla County. This little town is full of history, and the original Oregon Trail passed just south of it. Here is a photo of the Bank of Echo, which was converted into the Echo Historical Museum.
2. Mosier
Mosier is a lovely small town in Wasco County with a population of 433. Surrounded by orchards and near Hood River, Mosier is a wonderful little town.
1. Yachats
Yachats is an amazing small town right on the ocean in Lincoln County with a population of 690. Yachats was chosen as one of the "Ten Coolest Small Towns of the U.S.A." by Budget Travel. Here's a view of Yachats from the beautiful cape Perpetua.
Have you been to or lived in any of these towns? What are some other great tiny towns? Let us know in the comments.
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