Lake Oswego 83 Exceptional
Lake Oswego Livability #33 ranked city in Oregon#695 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Lake Oswego

PROS
  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

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What's it like Living in Lake Oswego?

Lake Oswego is a mid-sized city located in the state of Oregon. The city has a population of 39,476 inhabitants. Lake Oswego has a population density of 3,650 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Lake Oswego is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Lake Oswego your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 25 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Lake Oswego could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Oregon if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like amenities, commute, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Lake Oswego and in the areas around Lake Oswego is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Lake Oswego is ranked #650 in the United States and #31 in Oregon. Clearly, Lake Oswego is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Lake Oswego also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Lake Oswego has received high marks for crime (A), education (A+) and housing (B-). The bad news for Lake Oswego, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Lake Oswego shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 80 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Lake Oswego, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Lake Oswego, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 80%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Lake Oswego excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Lake Oswego real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lake Oswego. Median real estate prices in Lake Oswego come in at $659,400, which is 166.7% higher than the Oregon average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lake Oswego, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 26.1% higher than the Oregon average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lake Oswego

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Compare Lake Oswego, OR Livability

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      Lake Oswego transportation information

      Statistic Lake Oswego Oregon National
      Average one way commute25min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.3%71.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.7%10.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.1%4.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%2.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%3.9%2.8%
      Working from home16.3%6.4%4.6%
      Source: The Lake Oswego, OR data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).