For many nature enthusiasts, Oregon is the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest. From the heights of Mount Hood to the depths of Crater Lake, the Beaver State has some of the most impressive opportunities for outdoor recreation in the country. Whether you’re into big-game hunting, camping, fishing, or hiking, there’s no shortage of parks to visit both inland and along the Pacific Coast. People often dream of moving to an Oregon meadow to retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Why buy land in Oregon?
Timber remains a dominant industry in this state, but there are plenty of other opportunities for Oregon landowners.
For instance, did you know Oregon is home to a mini “Silicon Forest” with tech giants like Intel? Oregon’s sports apparel industry is also one of the most successful in the nation (thanks mainly to companies like Nike and Columbia). Many young professionals in tech, retail, and apparel are moving to bustling urban areas like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. Anyone interested in a rental or residential property investment could take advantage of the influx of new employees, retirees, and travelers.
Outside of the big cities, there are plenty of land opportunities in Oregon for those involved in agriculture. Oregon is a great place to look at for buying farms or ranches. For most of the 20th century, Oregon has been the premier destination for timber production and export, but it also has exceptionally fertile farmland. In addition to wheat and corn, a few crops that grow well in Oregon include hazelnuts, grapes, hemp, rhubarb, and blueberries. If you have experience in the agricultural, livestock, or wine vineyard and orchard sectors, you will find plenty of Oregon land plots with a ton of potential for ranching and farming a crop you are familiar with.
Oregon also has attractive taxes for new landowners. First off, you won’t have to deal with sales tax in this state. The property taxes in Oregon are slightly below the national average at 0.90%. Also, the individual income tax is on a graduated scale ranging from 4.75% to 9.90%. Many people from high-tax states are moving to Oregon to enjoy these comparatively low rates.
How to buy land in Oregon
After identifying why and where you want to search for land for sale in Oregon, you’ll typically work with a local land broker to help you look at listings or you can use an online site that offers multiple land listings and brokers to look at for acquiring a few acres or more in the great state of OR. Your broker will help you understand any unique zoning requirements in Oregon so you understand what’s allowed on your new property. You’ll also need to recruit a builder and a realtor if you’re planning on building a house or barn on your land.
If you’re struggling to find the best real estate opportunity in Oregon, consider looking into available acreage in the following counties:
- Crook County
- Klamath County
- Jefferson County
- Wasco County
- Lincoln County
- Douglas County
- Josephine County
- Jackson County
- Deschutes County
- Grant County
- Tillamook County
- Yamhill County
- Clatsop County
- Columbia County
- Multnomah County
- Linn County
- Hood River County
- Benton County
- Union County
- Baker County
- Polk County
- Sherman County
- Gilliam County
- Harney County
- Lane County
- Wallowa County
- Coos County
- Curry County
The process of buying land in Oregon
Before contacting a land broker or realtor, you should have a clear sense of why you’re buying land in Oregon. Do you want to build a farm, ranch, homestead, or residential home? Are you interested in agriculture, renting properties, or relaxing during your retirement? Having a clear sense of why you want to buy land in Oregon will help you find the ideal land zone for your preferences.
After you’ve identified a few potential areas you’re interested in, it’s best to speak with a professional land broker in Oregon. Your broker will help you pinpoint the perfect property, considering your circumstances and desires.
Throughout this process, you’ll also learn about financing options and special zoning requirements. If you’re building on raw Oregon land, you’ll also find out how electricity and septic drainage work in this area. You’ll also need to request the help of a real estate agent and builder if you’re interested in building on your Oregon land.
What to do after buying land in Oregon
How you use your Oregon land will largely depend on your location. Although much of Oregon is suitable for agriculture, some mountainous regions are better for wildlife recreation, timber, or relaxation. If you buy land near big cities like Portland or Salem, you may be interested in residential property development. Many people also purchase land in Oregon to build rental properties for long-term residents or travelers. Just be sure to review the zoning restrictions in your Oregon county to understand what’s permitted on your land.
The benefits of buying land in Oregon
Oregon has always been an attractive state from an agricultural perspective. Thanks to Oregon’s fertile soil and diverse topography, it’s very easy to grow many crops throughout the state. Oregon is also a great state for those involved in the livestock, fishing, and timber industries.
A few counties that often rank well for agriculture in Oregon include the following:
However, you don’t need to be involved in the agriculture sector to take advantage of Oregon land. Oregon frequently ranks as one of America’s most desirable states for affordability, job availability, and outdoor recreation. Metropolises like Portland have also become epicenters for entertainment and industries like sports apparel, education, and technology. Whether people are buying land in Oregon for pleasure or profit, there are plenty of options to explore in this Pacific Northwest territory.
What is the price of the land?
Oregon’s average price per acre has gone up to roughly $3,000 in 2022. However, these prices can fluctuate greatly depending on what region you’re looking into. Also, just because Oregon’s land has gone up in the past doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to increase in the future.
What is the climate like in Oregon?
Most of Oregon has a semi-Mediterranean climate with warm and pleasant summers and wet and overcast winters. The closer you get to the Oregon coast, the more likely you’ll experience drier and cooler conditions. Typically, you’ll experience high temperatures in the 80°F range during the summer and lows in the teens during the winter.
What is the soil like in Oregon?
Oregon is one of the most geologically complex states in the nation, but the most common soil type is “Jory soil.” Interestingly, this soil is the result of explosive volcanic activity in Oregon’s past. Geologists point out that Oregon’s Jory soil has exceptionally high concentrations of minerals like iron, which makes it well-suited for many agricultural products. Although much of Oregon’s soil is excellent for agriculture, it’s best to order a professional soil inspection before buying land so you know what will grow in your new land plot.
What is the wildlife like in Oregon?
Oregon’s best-known park is Crater Land National Park, but there are plenty of protected camping and hiking regions both inland and along the coast. Wildlife enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities during the year for big-game hunting, including elk, deer, black bears, and Pronghorn antelope. There is plenty of wilderness left in OR for nature lovers as well as hunters to enjoy. Oregon is also home to rare species like bighorn sheep, cougars, and Rocky Mountain goats. Those interested in fishing will find easy access to species like salmon, redband trout, steelhead, and halibut in the state’s pristine lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastline.
What kind of land is available in Oregon?
Oregon’s soaring scenery and fertile pasture land result from centuries of volcanic and tectonic activity. Today, most geologists agree Oregon has eight distinct regions, each with slightly different topographies. Oregon has plenty of plateaus, canyons, and snow-capped mountain peaks. There are also meadows and pastureland ideal for those interested in agriculture. Plus, since Oregon is on the western edge of the USA, you’ll find plenty of sandy coastlines to explore. No matter your geological preference, Oregon has a setting to satisfy your senses.