Attaining a good work-life balance is easier when one lives in a city that is supportive of one's career, while making it possible to have an enjoyable life outside of work. In Oregon, four communities excel in providing the key ingredients for the best work-life balance: Portland, Eugene, Ashland and Salem.
Portland, Oregon, is a city that recognizes the importance of a good work-life balance. According to the latest available figures, the average household income for the Portland metro area stood at $60,248 in 2014. The city helps its residents attain their desired balance by offering amenities that can make combining work with pleasure easier. Portland's general walkability, plentiful green spaces and close proximity to recreational activities make working and living in Portland a real joy.
It is not unusual to see men dressed in business suits fishing for salmon from the Willamette River banks on their lunch hours, or to see groups of men and women getting off their bikes on their way in to their offices, to take advantage of the city-owned, free exercise stations located in many of the city's parks. In 2011, The Portland Parks and Recreation service was presented a gold medal by the National Recreation and Park Association designating it as the best park system in America. This system provides unlimited opportunities for people to add balance to their lives.
The majority of of Portland residents live within four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. NW Portland is made up of model neighborhoods that are just a short distance from the center of the city. Its high-rise condos and historic walk-ups make it a favorite of young professionals, students, and families with young children.
Just minutes from downtown, commuters from Northeast Portland enjoy the neighborhood's close proximity to the Willamette River, where many jog during their lunch hours. The neighborhood is right on the MAX line, which can deliver them to the Rose Quarter or Convention Center for their many sporting events, from hockey to basketball, to local exhibitions and national conventions.
People considering Portland's Southwest side have sixteen neighborhoods which to choose from. Each has a wide range of housing options. They are: Arnold Creek, Ashcreek, Bridlemile, Collins View, Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill, Crestwood, Far Southwest, Hayhurst, Hillsdale, Homestead, Maplewood, Markham, Marshall Park, Multnomah, South Burlingame, and West Portland Park.
Portland's Southeast side is best known for its charming older homes, its independent coffee houses and its funky, offbeat clothing stores. Do not expect a fast pace of life on Portland's Southeast district. Just across the Willamette River from downtown, the district provides thousands of jobs for people living in Portland. It is also home to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and many other learning and recreational amenities.
The average home value in Portland is $351,700.
As noted on the finance site NerdWaller, Eugene, Oregon, with an overall score of 73.82, is ranked number 8 on this year's list of top 10 cities that can help provide a healthy work-life balance. Eugene's slogan designates the city as a great one for the arts and outdoors. Residents in Eugene regularly take the time to go outdoors, and to bike and hike on scenic trails of the lush, Willamette Valley. Workers stroll the downtown areas on their lunch breaks to take advantage of Eugene's many art galleries and museums that are within close proximity.
The University of Oregon and PeaceHealth Medical Group are the top employers in the city of Eugene. On average, Eugene employees work an average of 34 hours a week and have average earnings of $42,288. The average time it takes to commute to work is 17 minutes.
Ashland is a family-friendly community that thrives on a platform of creative culture. The city has a great reputation for having a comparatively low cost of living, and as an outstanding retirement location. Ashland is also host to a younger set that enjoys its excellent opportunities for a balanced lifestyle. The latest statistics showing median household income in Ashland are from the year 2013, with $46,480, compared to Oregon in general, which stood at $50,261.
Mountain ranges appear on the west and south, which provide easy access to skiing, hiking and water sports on one of the area's many lakes and rivers. One of the major qualities inherent in a good life-work balance is the city's experience controlled, well managed growth.
Ashland's economy includes a dynamic tourism sector and higher-than-average dedication to education. A number of green and global businesses reside there, while excellent fiber connectivity has enabled a growth in home businesses. Most of the retail establishments in Ashland are independently owned.
A creative culture fosters nearly 100 restaurants, numerous galleries, music and theatre cultivated by being the home of the 80 year old world-class Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Ashland has retained the charm of its notable Victorian homes, bungalows and Craftsman houses on lovely tree shaded streets that are in close proximity to a flourishing downtown work area with remarkable Lithia Park its its center. The 100 acre park is noted for being one of the most beautiful city parks in the country. Residents enjoy a temperate, four-season climate and an easy pace of life, but can easily access Portland or San Francisco in half a day for a quick dose of urbanity, as desired. Ashland's average home prices stand at $371,900. They are predicted to rise 1.6% over the next 12 months.
When it comes to a satisfactory balance between living an enjoyable life and earning a living, Salem is ideal for the clean air, low-key feel, and a strong sense of community. Centrally located in the gorgeous Willamette Valley, the city is best noted for being Oregon's capital city.
Salem residents enjoy a median household income of $45,564. After work and on their lunch hours, they find balance at the city's many parks, festivals and related events, sports venues, arts and culture, museums, vibrant downtown, wineries, gardens and children's events and activities. It is easy to reach from any direction, and is accessible by all means of public transportation.
Salem is less than an hour's drive from Oregon's largest city, Portland, and, as such, makes an excellent location for commuters. It is also within close proximity to the Pacific coast, the high desert and mountain skiing opportunities. With every iteration of available homes, from single unit condos to large, multi-storied homes, the average home price in Salem is $150,000.
