Boardman, OR

Set right along the Columbia River in eastern Oregon, Boardman is a growing town of about 4,000 residents. The local economy is driven by agriculture, logistics, and major employers at the Port of Morrow, giving the community a solid base of steady jobs. The riverfront is one of the biggest perks of living here. Residents spend warm afternoons boating, fishing, and walking the paved trails at Boardman Marina Park, or stopping by the hands-on SAGE Center to learn about the region's farming history.

ATTRTedder / CC BY 3.0

Families have access to neighborhood schools right in town, including Sam Boardman Elementary, Windy River Elementary, and Riverside Junior/Senior High. Day-to-day essentials, parks, and a public library are close at hand, while nearby Hermiston and the Tri-Cities are an easy drive away for major shopping centers, specialty medical care, and weekend dining. The high desert weather brings hot, sunny summers and cool, breezy winters. Overall, Boardman offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with plenty of room to breathe and direct access to the water.