Ever dream of escaping from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and spending some time relaxing in a charming small town in the middle of nowhere? Time seems to slow down in these beautiful, peaceful towns in Oregon. From old-timey mountain communities to impossibly charming seaside villages, these 12 quiet places to live in Oregon offer nothing but peace and easy living to all who visit:

1. Joseph
Joseph, OR 97846, USA
flickr/ Sam Beebe
Nestled into the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains, this artsy town has a population of 1,081 and is surrounded by gorgeous scenery. The town itself is quiet yet welcoming, and it's a great home base for exploring the immense, extensive scenery surrounding it.
2. Nehalem
Nehalem, OR 97131, USA
flickr/ Paul Hamilton
Located in Tillamook County, Nehalem is a wonderful small town (pop 271) rimmed by the beautiful Nehalem River, just a stone's throw from gorgeous beaches.
3. Jacksonville
Jacksonville, OR 97530, USA
flickr/ ryan harvey
The beautiful town of Jacksonville, Oregon, is absolutely unique. A former gold mining boom town, this fascinating place has so many historic buildings (many of which date back to the 19th century) that the entire downtown district has been deemed a National Historic Landmark.
4. Bandon
Bandon, OR 97411, USA
flickr/ m01229
Bandon is a lovely coastal village that is home to just over 3,000 residents and retains a wonderful, rustic charm. Eat fresh-caught seafood, walk along the beach, and breathe in the fresh air in this unique little town.
5. Aurora
Aurora, OR 97002, USA
flickr/ Jasperdo
Located in Marion County, the historic town of Aurora, Oregon, has a population of less than 100. It's full of historic buildings, small-town charm, and beautiful rural scenery.
6. Sisters
Sisters, OR 97759, USA
flickr/ Jonathan
Sisters is an amazingly awesome little town nestled into the foothills of the Three Sisters mountains, and it's full of personality and charm.

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7. Neskowin
Neskowin, OR, USA
flickr/ ryan harvey
Neskowin is a quaint seaside town in Tillamook County that is home to just 169 residents. This lovely town will sweep you off your feet.
8. Winchester Bay
Winchester Bay, OR 97467, USA
flickr/ Andrew Smith
Get away from it all in Winchester Bay, a beautiful community in Douglas County with a population of 382. Stroll along pristine beaches, fish in Lake Marie, and check out the charming shops and restaurants in town.
9. Mosier
Mosier, OR 97040, USA
flickr/ A. F. Litt
Located in the Columbia River Gorge near Hood River, the lovely town of Mosier is simply delightful.
10. Paisley
Paisley, OR 97636, USA
flickr/ Sam Beebe
Located in Lake County, Paisley is a rural, welcoming town with just over 250 residents and is surrounded by expansive natural beauty.
11. Yachats
Yachats, OR, USA
flickr/ Naomi
The gorgeous seaside village of Yachats is located just north of Cape Perpetua in Lincoln County. It's full of incredible seafood restaurants, quaint shops, and of course, amazing coastal scenery.
12. Brownsville
Brownsville, OR 97327, USA
flickr/ Jasperdo
Located in Linn County, the historic town of Brownsville is a great place to explore. Walking down the streets, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time.

Looking for more quiet places to live in Oregon? These little locales in Oregon all offer peak small-town living!

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Quiet places to live in Oregon

Sarah M. | September 12, 2022

What are the best small towns to live in Oregon?

There are certain places that come to mind when it comes to Oregon towns: Portland, of course, along with Salem and Eugene, Bend and Oregon City. And while each of these larger locales offers visitors the full PNW experience, the heart and soul of Oregon really is in its small towns. We put together this list of the best small towns in Oregon; these are charming little locales that capture everything that’s wonderful about the Beaver State — its scenic beauty, amazing restaurants, and unique attractions — plus vibrant downtown districts that are about as charming as it gets. Not only are they amazing spots for a weekend escape, but they're also the kind of small towns in Oregon in which you just might want to put down roots!

In terms of specifics, it really comes down to what you're looking for. If you want an Old West experience, Baker City is adorable. For outdoor enthusiasts, Troutdale is known as the "Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge," and it's an amazing place for anyone who loves nature. If the Oregon Coast is calling your name, small towns like Brookings and Bandon (on the South Oregon Coast, specifically) are absolutely dreamy. In fact, Bandon is one of our all-time favorite small towns in Oregon; this tiny town offers amazing restaurants, stunning vistas, points of interest (hey there, lighthouses!), epic outdoor recreation opportunities, and some of the most charming coastal accommodations around.

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