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Rent to Own Homes in Oregon
Contrast that seaside living environment to Portland, Oregon. This city is filled with microbreweries and pubs, and it’s known as one of the most eco-friendly cities in the country. It rests on the Columbia River and the Willamette River and offers residents a variety of parks, nature paths and vibrant community events. From the zoo to the 400-acre park with a stunning rose garden, this is a city that makes you want to stay outdoors and live healthfully.
Whether you live in the buzz of Portland, the sunshine of the coast, or towards the south in Oregon City, you can’t forget that this state originated as a small slab of land known as Oregon Country many years ago. Over the years, it has developed into a thriving state with a healthy economy and educational base.
In addition to an active lifestyle and beautiful homes near the sand and the mountains, this state gives direct access to Oregon State University, Western Oregon University, Southern Oregon University and a variety of interesting jobs. While the state relies heavily on its natural resources to create a thriving economy, recent years have brought an influx of opportunity in the technology and innovation fields. There are also more manufacturing and service-oriented jobs here now than ever before.
Buying a Home in Oregon?
You will easily find more than 20,000 homes listed on the open market in Oregon at any given time, and the majority of those homes are located in the eastern half of the state. This is the most populous region, and it’s common to find small homes right along the coast selling for less than $200,000. If you want to venture into the western half of the state and live amongst the farms and mountains, you can find more spacious homes with luxury amenities. The majority of homeowners live somewhere in the middle where the homes are affordable and the communities are well developed.
Do you need help securing your down payment or getting accepted for a home loan? You can contact the State of Oregon for access to education and assistance programs. These resources are mostly oriented to the first-time homebuyer, but some of the educational opportunities will benefit anyone interested in investing in a new home in Oregon.
Popular Neighborhoods in Oregon?
If you’re raising a family in Oregon, one of the best cities to live in is Keizer. The local school system boasts a remarkably low student-to-teacher ratio, and there are always family-friendly events happening around town. This is a densely populated area, but that is common for the most popular living areas in this state.
Another heavily populated city that always receives compliments from residents is Oatfield, but with a low vacancy rate it is often difficult to find lower-priced homes for sale in this area. You can expect home prices around $300,000 in a community like Oatfield.
If you need to stay close to Portland for work, look into the nearby city of Sherwood. This is a friendly area with many desirable neighborhoods and a variety of small parks for outdoor recreation. Many locals work at local businesses in town, but the commute to Portland isn’t bad.
Buying vs. Rent to Own Homes?
Rent-to-own homes offer buyers a unique opportunity. Instead of qualifying for a mortgage loan and putting your down payment on the table from the start, you are allowed to move into these homes as a renter. The terms of the agreement can vary from one home to the next, but the basic idea is to live in the home as a renter for a designated period of time before securing a loan to purchase the property. While this is a slower path to home ownership that won’t appeal to everyone, it does give you an advantage if you need some time to secure a mortgage loan with an affordable interest rate.
Cost of Living in Oregon?
The cost of housing in Oregon is nearly 40 percent higher than the national average, and that pulls the overall cost of living up just above the national average. Most residents pay slightly below the national average for utilities, food and other goods, but the higher cost of housing is a big influence on how most residents structure their budget. This doesn’t mean that you can’t find affordable housing in Oregon. It simply means that a home built in this state will likely cost you more than a similar home built in another state. In many cases, even small homes with no surrounding land will sell for at least $100,000.
While the cost of housing in Oregon is quite high, you won’t find many places that can match the physical beauty of this state. This is one of only three states that boast direct access to the Pacific coastline, and you also have the option of heading out west and taking up residence in the mountains. You can live in Portland where a variety of gastropubs and microbreweries dot the landscape or buy a home right on the coastline to enjoy the beaches. This is also a state that is heavily invested in higher education, and you can’t beat the warm winter seasons.
Summary
While the cost of housing in Oregon is quite high, you won’t find many places that can match the physical beauty of this state. This is one of only three states that boast direct access to the Pacific coastline, and you also have the option of heading out west and taking up residence in the mountains. You can live in Portland where a variety of gastropubs and microbreweries dot the landscape or buy a home right on the coastline to enjoy the beaches. This is also a state that is heavily invested in higher education, and you can’t beat the warm winter seasons.