According to a LendingTree study, two Oregon towns, Hood River and Astoria, have been recognized as some of the most expensive places to live in the U. S. for housing, ranking seventh and tenth respectively in terms of median home values. Hood River boasts a median home value of $492,500, while Astoria follows with $407,700. The report analyzed micropolitan areas with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, revealing that six Oregon towns are included in the top 50.

The escalating home prices are attributed to factors such as high demand from affluent buyers, particularly those looking for vacation homes, combined with a limited housing supply. Other notable towns in Oregon mentioned in the study include Prineville and Brookings, which also feature high median home values. This trend highlights a growing concern about housing affordability in smaller towns, which are increasingly becoming more expensive to live in than larger metropolitan areas. The study serves as a reminder of the economic pressures facing many communities across the country. As the housing market evolves, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for potential homebuyers and policymakers alike.