In the mid-1800s, the northeast Oregon city of La Grande naturally developed as a trading post on the Oregon Trail because of its ideal position along the Grande Ronde River. The vast mountain scenery of the Grande Ronde Valley is still what draws people to settle down here. The city sits at the eastern foothills of Oregon’s Blue Mountains between the Umatilla National Forest to the west and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to the east, surrounding the city with millions of acres of grassy hills and fir tree-filled valleys. “We’ve got wilderness in every direction, so you need to have a fun sort of toughness to live out here, like you need to have wood chopped for your fireplace when you get snowed in,” says Realtor Jeff Clark with Blue Summit Realty Group, who’s been selling here for almost 20 years. Having nothing but wide-open space between the city and any urban area has shaped its small-town atmosphere. “There’s a seasonality to life here that’s really cool,” says Clark. “Having to live and prepare with the seasons connects you with the environment in a way that’s not possible in a big city.”
Walk to the Red Cross Drugstore in downtown La Grande for pharmaceuticals and more.
Find homes right on the historic Oregon Trail in La Grande Oregon.
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Sporting in Oregon’s Blue Mountains
La Grande’s location in the Grande Ronde Valley provides abundant activity for an outdoorsy lifestyle. Agricultural land puts a bit of space between the hills to the east, but in every other direction, hikers can access seemingly endless routes and camping spots across the Blue Mountains. “Hiking is probably the biggest activity, but this is also world-class elk hunting territory,” says Clark. “You’ll look out from town and see massive herds of elk crossing the valley.” Fly-fishing is an equally popular activity, with the Grande Ronde River flowing along the city’s north side. Temperatures reach the low-80s in the summer, but temperatures in the 20s and substantial snowfall can be expected during the winter months. This allows for cross-country skiing and other seasonal winter activities.
Mountain Works in downtown La Grande is the place to go for all things bike and ski.
For your next expediton be sure to check out Blue Mountain Outfitters in downtown La Grande.
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1920s bungalows and newer Craftsman designs
La Grande is built on grid streets, and most blocks are residential, aside from the small downtown area. The city’s median home price is about $320,000, and many homes were built in the 1920s. On the downtown side of the train tracks running diagonally through town, pristine 1920s bungalows and Craftsman homes sit on grassy lots shaded by mature trees. These start around the median price and get more expensive for larger options. On the northeast side of town, smaller cottages and ranch-style homes on compact lots with less tree cover can start below the median. Newer Craftsmans in town and homes with acreage just outside can go for over $1 million.
Kids will love seeing the various wildlife that stroll through the neighborhoods of La Grande.
For larger families look to the hills for newly constructed craftsman homes in La Grande.
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Restaurants, outfitters and farmers markets in downtown La Grande
U.S. Route 30 is the center of La Grande’s downtown. This area is the heart of the city’s small-town culture. Along the main drag and surrounding blocks, 1920s buildings house a variety of locally owned restaurants, wine markets, music venues and mountain outfitters. The La Grande Farmers Market is staple event downtown, held every Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Locals love dining at Rauls Taquiria in downtown La Grande.
Downtown life in La Grande means leasurily strolls down sidewalks lined with local shops and eateries.
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La Grande School District and Eastern Oregon University
Students in the city and the surrounding area are served by the La Grande School District, which gets an overall B grade from Niche. The district's five schools are all in the city, including B-rated La Grande High. Eastern Oregon University was founded in 1929; this small institution’s campus resides on the west side of town and serves over 2,000 students.
When the school day is done students head to the rec center at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
Students attend schools in the La Grande District which gets a B from Niche.
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Rich agricultural industry and healthcare employers
When it comes to industry, agriculture is dominant around La Grande and throughout the fertile Grande Ronde Valley. Aside from farming, the city’s downtown businesses and Eastern Oregon University provide employment opportunities. Grande Ronde Hospital, one of the region's most comprehensive healthcare facilities, is a few blocks from the university.
With agriculture such a big industry in the Blue Mountain Valley the Pacific Northern railyard plays a vital role.
La Grande Ronde Hospital provides health care for the valley as well as jobs.
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Take Interstate 84 to Pendleton and Portland
Interstate 84 runs through the city and takes drivers east to west across Oregon. Although, La Grande is far from any major city. Portland, the state’s largest city, is 260 miles west — about a 4-hour drive. Boise, Idaho, is the closest major city, 170 miles southeast. Pendleton Airport, 50 miles northwest, is the closest commercial airport. It offers one direct flight to and from Portland International Airport.
Wildfires affecting the Grande Ronde Valley
La Grande hasn’t been directly affected by wildfires, but they are becoming more common in the Grand Ronde Valley. Mundane weather events, like lightning storms, can easily spark fires in the region’s wooded mountains during the drier summer months. The city encourages residents to have an evacuation plan and to maintain a defensible space around their property by removing dry, combustible brush. La Grande is served by the La Grande Police Department, but specific reports and statistics are not available.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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Check it out! If you're hoping your next home is in a great location, you may have found it! Whether you're heading into downtown La Grande, nearby Pioneer Park, or need easy access to Interstate 84, it's all just a couple of minutes away! The house has plenty of room with four bedrooms, and one and a half bathrooms totaling a little over 2,000 square feet. A spacious kitchen and living room give
Build or re-locate your business in La Grande, Union County, Oregon. The economy and population in Union County are growing steadily and so are the opportunities! Located close to highways and railways, and with incentive programs and fiber internet available, there hasn't been a better time to consider the La Grande Business and Technology Park for your commercial and light industrial needs.
Build or re-locate your business in La Grande, Union County, Oregon. The economy and population in Union County are growing steadily and so are the opportunities! Located close to highways and railways, and with incentive programs and fiber internet available, there hasn't been a better time to consider the La Grande Business and Technology Park for your commercial and light industrial needs.
Properties offering this combination of house, multiple shops and an approximate one acre of land in La Grande city limits is increasingly hard to find! Located in North La Grande, this property comes with 3 total city tax lots (zoned LG-R2) with multiple possibilities within city guidelines. At over 2,100 Sq. Ft. in the home, this house offers a remodeled kitchen, large addition living room with
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15.31 Acres with water rights. 1997 Triple wide manufactured home with a 3 car garage and an attached shop, all with concrete floors. 3 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath, mud room and a deck with views of the valley and mountains. New well in 2020, owner just had $6000 water filtration system installed. Owners have moved and in process of on estate sale on the property till July 13th.
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Welcome to 606 Main Avenue in La Grande, Oregon! This charming studio duplex features a cozy living space with 1 bathroom. Located conveniently close to Eastern Oregon University and downtown La Grande, you'll have easy access to all the amenities the city has to offer. The unit also includes a shed for extra storage and street parking for your convenience. Don't miss out on this fantastic
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~ INTERIOR PHOTOS COMING SOON! ~Camas Court #31 in La Grande, OR is a three-bedroom, two-bath home offering an open floor plan that creates a spacious, connected living area. The layout includes washer/dryer hookups for convenient laundry access and a storage shed for extra organization. Located close to the Eastern Oregon University (EOU) campus, the property provides easy access to
~ INTERIOR PHOTOS COMING SOON! ~Welcome to 2228 Jakob, a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex located in La Grande, OR. This cozy duplex features an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a peaceful evening at home. It is situated close to the Eastern Oregon University campus. Enjoy the convenience of a garage for parking and storage, as well as a front porch
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~HALF OFF FIRST FULL MONTH OF RENT!~Welcome to 403 B Ave, a charming split-level duplex located in the charming city of La Grande, OR. This spacious upstairs unit offers three (3) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a cozy gas fireplace, perfect for those chilly Oregon evenings. The private driveway ensures
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