Oregon is one of the best places to buy land for sale in the United States. The state has a lot to offer, from spectacular views and natural beauty to top-tier agriculture and recreational opportunities. The price of land in Oregon can vary significantly, however. The amount you can expect to pay depends on the area and what you intend to do with your property.
The Pacific Northwest is a hot spot for land deals, especially in smaller cities like Portland, Eugene and Bend. But you can find great deals in rural areas, too, especially if you know where to look. The best place to start is by looking at the median price of land in Oregon, which can give you an idea of what you’ll be able to afford.
To determine the best prices, you should consider several factors, including zoning and development restrictions. You should also check out the climate and landscape of the region you are considering. Areas with milder weather tend to be more expensive, while those with a desert-like climate will be less expensive. In addition, land near cities may be more expensive due to the higher cost of housing.
Depending on the type of property you are interested in, it can be helpful to look at the history of land sales and acquisitions in Oregon. For example, you can learn about the 1850 Oregon Land Act, which allowed white settlers to claim 320-acre parcels in the territory, and married couples could get double that. The act was controversial, as it resulted in the displacement of indigenous people from their land.
Some of the most recent Hassle-Free Oregon Land Deals have involved public agencies purchasing agricultural land. In one case, the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District purchased 22 acres of non-EFU-zoned farmland for $8 million in 2011.
If you are looking to build a home on Oregon land, you should familiarize yourself with local zoning regulations. Some Oregon counties have strict requirements, and you will need to work with a builder who understands these rules. You will also want to understand how electricity and septic drainage works in the area, as well as any specific requirements for wetlands and floodplains.
The state’s Department of State Lands is a good resource for finding information on the purchase and sale of land in Oregon. This agency evaluates and sells smaller or difficult-to-manage parcels, and is required to notify adjacent property owners and federal, state and local agencies when evaluating proposals for land sales.
A new 4,000-acre acquisition in Oregon is part of an effort to expand recreational access along the Lower John Day Wild and Scenic River. The Bureau of Land Management closed the deal Aug. 30 with the Western Rivers Conservancy, paying $3.81 million for the McDonald’s Ferry Ranch in Sherman County. The land is downstream of Cottonwood Canyon State Park and spans three miles of the Lower John Day River and Grass Valley Canyon Creek.