Oakridge is well-known as the mountain biking capital of the northwest and the Center of Oregon Recreation. The breath-taking views of lush forests, along riverbanks and ridges of the mountain, catch the mountain bikers’ eyes and heart, which marks it as the capital of mountain biking.

 Its located at the east of Westfir on Oregon Route 58 and about 40 miles (64 km) east of Eugene and 150 miles (240 km) southeast Portland. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 3,416. Moreover, this city is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. Oakridge is also an ideal getaway for adventurers because of its pristine cascade mountain and offers world-class trails, hiking, water sports, fishing, festivals, and winter sports.

Adventures that Oakridge Offers

  • Waldo Lake.  Waldo Lake is one of Oregon’s largest lakes and one of the purest lakes globally. Perhaps, it is the recreation gem of the cascade’s mountain. The lake is an ideal location for water activities like swimming, sailing, and canoeing. You can bring your whole family here and enjoy this peaceful scenery. You can go camping, hiking, biking, and boating. 
  •  Salt Creek Falls.   One of the largest  waterfalls in Oregon is the Salt Creek Falls. You can also bring your family here for nature-viewing, hiking, and picnicking. They also provide a trail with interpretative signages that offer a short hike with multiple  vantage points along the canyon rim.
  •  Aufderheide Scenic Drive.  Moreover, it is very relaxing to drive or walk through the old forest in the Aufderheide Scenic Drive. The  drive consists of paved roads that lead to a scenic forest. If you love road trips, this place is for you. Many spots along the route are  suitable for sightseeing, picnicking, and fishing that you’ll surely enjoy.

           Perhaps, fish-catching on the clear running currents of the Middle and North Forks of the Willamette River or visit the wonderful Willamette Fish Hatchery is also worth a try.

Oakridge’s Cost of Living and Housing

           Oakridge has an average cost of living of 101, which is 15% lower than the Oregon average, but 1 % higher than the national average with 100. However, the cost of housing in Oakridge is 36% lower than the national average, which sounds great for those who consider moving here. An Oakridge resident’s average income is $39,899 a year.

           In terms of housing, the average cost of a home in Oakridge is $100,700. At the same time, the average cost of rent is just $794.  Compared to Oregon, living in Oakridge is less expensive, considering the average home income and the average expenses of the home ratio.

Oakridge’s Schools

           Oakridge has three public schools: Oakridge Elementary School, Oakridge High School, and Oakridge Junior High School. 

  1. Oakridge Elementary School.  Oakridge Elementary School is a public school with 312 students in grades Kindergarten-6. It has an 18 -1 student-teacher ratio.
  2. Oakridge High School. Oakridge High School, the only high school in the Oakridge School District, serves 148 students in grades 9-12. Perhaps, the school has 70-79% proficiency in reading/language arts. In that case, the school is among the top 20% of public schools in Oregon, for that matter.
  3. Oakridge Junior High School .  Lastly, the Oakridge Junior High School gives services to grades 7 to 8. They have 88 students, and the student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The school has 20-24% proficiency in math and 40-44% in reading/language arts.

           There is no available university in Oakridge. However, just a few miles away from Oakridge, Oregon has prestigious universities like the  University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Northwest Christian University.

           These are just a few of what it is like and expect as you move to Oakridge city. For sure, you will have more great things to discover as you and your family settle in the beautiful  Oakridge city. With the outstanding community, low cost of living, and employment opportunities that Oakridge can offer, it can be one of the answers to your chosen lifestyle