Parents Say Ashland Is the Best Place in Oregon to Let Kids Be Kids

As technology and lifestyle advances make it increasingly difficult for parents to keep up, the question of where to find safe streets, community trust, backyard adventures, and a slower pace of life to raise their children was the subject of a poll by a local home buyer company. Ashland was rated the best place in Oregon to raise free-range kids.

Poll Ranks Most Wholesome Places To Raise Kids In Oregon

Ashland, followed by West Linn and Corvallis, were at the top spots when local home buyer company, We Buy Houses In Denver, surveyed 3,004 parents for their opinions on the best towns to raise free-range kids.

The majority of parents don’t define free-range parenting as total independence- around 66% said it’s all about “independence with boundaries.” Kids need to explore, but with some safety rails in place, while 18% described “free-range” as playing outside unsupervised. Only 6% said walking to school alone was part of being free-range.

In the Infographic showing the most wholesome locations in America to raise a family, Oregon parents’ top 3 choices were:

Ashland

A haven for free-spirited families with its artistic soul that extends to events like the Shakespeare Festival, Ashland children grow up hiking in Lithia Park, splashing in Bear Creek, and participating in theater and nature camps while many parents work remotely or in education.

With a curious blend of intellectual curiosity and outdoor grit, childhood is a mix of art, forest, and freedom.

West Linn

Nestled between rivers and forests, scenic West Linn- a suburb of Portland, where a quieter pace means screen time often loses to trail time, offers safe neighborhoods and top-tier schools.

Weekends for West Linn kids include paddleboarding, biking trails, or exploring the Willamette Falls area.

Corvallis

The college-town vibe that comes with being home to Oregon State University makes for an ultra-family-friendly environment.

Roaming the riverfront park, exploring science camps, or biking all over town, thanks to miles of trails and paths, are part of everyday life for Corvallis kids. The many Corvallis parents working in education, tech, or research lend the town an earthy, intellectual, and refreshingly outdoorsy feel.

76% of parents said they feel their current neighborhood is safe enough to let kids roam, but what parents really want is a stronger sense of trust and security in their communities, less screen exposure and more time in nature for their kids, and a stronger sense of community.

Two-thirds said they would consider moving to a town known for being kid-friendly and outdoorsy.