Arlington, OR

Set right on the banks of the Columbia River in north-central Oregon, Arlington is a peaceful, tight-knit town surrounded by golden wheat country and open skies. It started in the late 1800s as a riverfront shipping stop for livestock, and it still serves as a handy crossroads today. Interstate 84 runs right past town along the water, while Highway 19 heads south into the rolling hills, giving residents simple travel routes and front-row access to Lake Umatilla.

ATTRJoe Mabel / CC BY 3.0

Arlington has a unique backstory. When the John Day Dam flooded the original riverfront in the 1960s, residents relocated the entire town to higher ground. Today, the community features shady waterfront parks, a public marina, and easy access to boating, fishing, and wind sports on the river. Supported by agriculture, wind energy, and regional employers, Arlington is a laid-back option for anyone looking for affordable small-town living with wide-open views.