Prineville, established in 1870—making it the oldest city in Oregon—has a vibrant pioneer history still evident in the city of just over 11,000. Though homesteads once drew settlers to the area, its outdoor recreation and climate keep residents around today. “They want to be in the high desert and enjoy the 300 plus days of sunshine that we get on average every single year without the harsh winters,” says Nick Holmboe, a real estate agent with eXp Realty. “It’s a great option if you’re wanting the Central Oregon lifestyle but not really wanting to deal with cold weather.”
Prineville is Oregon's oldest city.
Residents of Prineville enjoy outdoor activities and 300 plus days of sunshine.
1/2
Pioneer history evident in city events and downtown
Downtown Prineville captures the spirit of the city’s pioneer beginnings. Antique and thrift stores, boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants make up the historic downtown district, while the Bowman Museum preserves the stories of the region’s early settlers, housed in the old Crook County Bank building. “It has lots of brick buildings and Old Western vibes,” Holmboe says. “It’s kind of like you had gone back in time in a sense.”
Nearby Pioneer Park is the city’s oldest park and one of its main gathering spaces. It hosts events like Picnic in the Park and Western Daze, which feature local vendors and live music. Every August, the Crook County Historical Society coronates its new “Pioneer Queen,” a woman whose descendants moved to the county before 1916 and helped settle the area.
Downtown Prineville is full of a variety of shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Prineville's Bowman Museum tells stories of the early settlers and the city's rich history.
1/2
Year-round golf and trout fishing in Prineville
Central Oregon is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged outdoors, and Prineville is no exception. Crooked River Park is the city’s largest green space, with several athletic fields, a covered amphitheater and access to its namesake river. The river flows into the lake-like Prineville Reservoir, and the surrounding state park was the first to be named an International Dark Sky Park in Oregon for its clear views of the night sky. “It’s a great place to go hang out in the summer,” Holmboe says. “My friends and I like to go up there, set up speakers and have a day party.” The Meadow Lakes Golf Course in southwestern Prineville was one of the first to receive “Golf Digest’s” National Environmental Leaders Award. “It’s open year-round, which I love,” Holmboe says.
Crooked River Park has a covered amphitheater and hosts a variety of events for residents of Prineville to enjoy.
The Crooked River meets Prineville Reservoir at the Bowman Dam.
1/2
Homes on acreage with a lower median price
Prineville’s housing stock is a mix of old and new. Cottages and ranch-style homes from the first half of the 20th century are interspersed with new traditional homes from the 1990s and 2000s as well as newer constructions. Many homes come with acreage, while those near the Crooked River may be at an increased risk of flooding. Prineville’s median home sales price is just below $440,000—significantly less than the median prices of both nearby Redmond and Bend, which sit around $515,000 and $759,000, respectively.
Ranch-style homes are commonly found around Prineville.
A number of homes in Prineville have acreage and open land.
1/2
From timber to technology in Prineville
Once home to mining, lumber and farming industries, Prineville has more recently attracted the attention of technology industry vanguards. Facebook and Apple have both built data centers in the city, and the former was the No. 1 employer in Crook County in 2024. Les Schwab Tire Centers, which is headquartered in nearby Bend and maintains manufacturing and distribution facilities in Prineville, took third place that year. The Saint Charles Health System is the region’s largest employer, with some providers based in Prineville.
Prineville was once home to a large lumber industry.
Prineville is the original home of Les Schwab Tire Centers, which now has its headquarters in nearby Bend, Oregon.
1/2
Pioneer Secondary Alternative High School is located in Prineville, Oregon.
Facebook helps fund STEM and technology programs
The Crook County School District serves more than 3,200 students across three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools—one of which is alternative—one charter school and two schools that serve rural communities. The district earns an overall B-minus grade from Niche.
With Facebook’s presence in Prineville, the company has helped fund a K-12 robotics program and establish a one-to-one technology ratio across the district. Crook County High School, which also receives a B-minus, is the district’s traditional secondary school.
Highways connect to Redmond and Bend
United States Route 26 passes through the heart of Prineville, traveling northwest to Portland and carving through the Ochoco National Forest toward Boise. Oregon state Route 126 connects to the city of Redmond, which is a straight shot about 17 miles south to Bend. The Cascades East Transit system also maintains a route that connects Prineville to Redmond.
Falling property crime and a high desert climate
From 2020 to 2023, Prineville saw a little over a 32% decrease in property crime reports, down from 299 to 202. Over the same span, violent crime in the city trended upward by over 7%, from 181 to 194 reported cases.
Prineville has a cool, semi-arid climate, characterized by warmer days and cooler nights with little precipitation. The drier weather puts the region at an increased risk of possible wildfires.
Written By
Julia Straka
Photography Contributed By
Lester Tsai
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Reed Melton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Prineville, OR sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Prineville, OR over the last 12 months is $425,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Popular floorplan with desirable upgrades already included. Single-level 4 bedroom with a large 3-car garage features a generous great room with a gas fireplace open to a spacious kitchen, island eating bar, and dining area. Light cascades in through the large windows and 9' sliding doors in the dining area to enjoy the covered backyard patio. Quality finishes include solid Alder cabinets, quartz
Custom built home on 5 Acres with fantastic views of the Cascades and surrounding area. This home has 3 bedrooms (Primary +1 upstairs) and 2 baths with a 3rd bathroom w/shower in Shop. There is a huge bonus room ready to be finished that is adjacent to the primary bedroom upstairs. Approx. 300 sqft room has potential for a study, workout room or office. Upper level overlooks the living area and
MOTIVATED SELLERS!Charming Craftsman Home in Crystal Springs, A Must-See! Welcome to this beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home located in the serene neighborhood of Crystal Springs. This stunning residence features a completely remodeled kitchen, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Enjoy the convenience and privacy of a generously sized primary bedroom, complete with an
3 bed, 2 bath home on a spacious 0.21-acre corner lot in a prime location. Features hardwood floors and a cozy gas fireplace in the main living room, plus a second living area perfect for a rec room, office, or playroom. Enjoy outdoor living on the large back deck overlooking the fully fenced yard. Additional highlights include RV/boat parking, a 2-car garage, private well for water supply, and
Laura Gillott
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY MID-WILLAMETTE - GILLOTT TEAM
A rare trifecta of excellence: a beautiful, spacious home paired w/ irrigated farmland/horse property, all set on Prineville's exclusive private golf course—without the burden of HOAs or CCRs. Enjoy stunning rimrock & golf course views from this custom, single level, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,083 sq ft home on 4.43 irrigated acres. Built in 1994, this open concept design features vaulted ceilings & a cozy
Discover 5.89 acres of buildable land with breathtaking views in the highly desirable, gated community of Longhorn Ridge Subdivision. This beautiful West-facing, pie shaped lot offers the perfect setting to build your dream home and enjoy stunning sunsets from your future back porch. The groundwork is already in place- a shared well is installed, and the property is approved for a capping fill
Stunning single level home on 7+ Acres; turnkey and better than NEW! Gorgeous views of Rimrock & Valley with access to 15,000 Acres of public lands. Custom tile work throughout, floors, bathrooms, Primary walk-in shower. Kitchen boasts abundant cabinets, quartz counter tops and tile that goes to the ceiling (literally)! Cozy and warm living spaces + separate den/office/hobby room behind
High desert living starts here on this 1.9-acre parcel in Prineville Lake Acres 2. With flat, usable ground and paved road frontage, this property is ready for your Central Oregon vision. Power is at the property and community water is available, giving you a strong head start toward building a home, cabin, or seasonal retreat. Enjoy panoramic views, vibrant sunsets, abundant wildlife, and
Rare opportunity to secure a vacant lot in the established Ochoco Heights area of Prineville. This approximately 0.2-acre parcel offers excellent potential for a thoughtfully designed home, including options well suited for a daylight basement or garage-below living concept. The lot provides desirable north-facing views & includes convenient alley access, offering flexibility for RV parking,
Discover the perfect blend of space, privacy, and convenience in this large, open floor plan home set on 2 peaceful acres just minutes from town in Prineville. Designed for comfortable living, the home features three very large bedrooms, offering plenty of room to relax and unwind. The open layout creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere, centered around an amazing wood stove that adds both charm
Welcome to your private slice of paradise! Nestled on 7.57 beautifully fenced and cross fenced acres, this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home offers peace, space, and the kind of breathtaking views that make you never want to leave. With 1,408 sqft of living space, you'll appreciate the oversized living room and generously sized bedrooms. The home is served by 2 wells and includes a single car garage for
Rare chance to acquire a block of 6 extremely well-maintained duplexes--each on its own tax lot--for a total of 12 doors. All buildings are 2,400 sq ft (1,200 sq ft per unit), featuring spacious 2 bed, 2.5 bath layouts. Both bedrooms are en suite in every unit, providing maximum tenant appeal and privacy. Recent capital improvements include new roofs and fresh exterior paint on all buildings
Experience rural living on this level, 2-acre lot in Prineville Lake Acres II - an excellent option for a custom home, vacation retreat, or long-term land investment. The nicely treed setting offers an easy-build site with strong solar exposure, potential mountain views, and ample space for a home, shop, or additional outbuildings. A gravel driveway provides convenient access, while power is at
Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on 1.9 acres in the Highlands Subdivision. Enjoy all the perks of a quiet, established neighborhood, it's even on a corner lot! Step inside to discover fresh interior and exterior paint, new carpet, and vinyl flooring, and a recently resealed roof for added peace of mind. The home also features 2 ovens, a new electric water heater, updated plumbing
Discover your perfect building opportunity in Prineville! This large, elevated vacant lot offers stunning valley and rimrock views, presenting exceptional potential in the premier IronHorse subdivision. You'll appreciate the easy access to the renowned Barnes Butte Trail System, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate having hiking adventures right at their doorstep. Families benefit from close
Wild Horse Mesa Apartments is a beautiful 3-story complex situated on 6.2 acres, offering spacious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. Each apartment houses a washer/dryer, dishwasher, disposal, microwave, granite countertops, and LVP flooring in kitchen/dining and bathrooms. Our property offers access to the fitness center, recreation center, several pet waste stations, and seasonal pool for our
Welcome to The Mill at Ochoco, where amenity-rich living meets the relaxed beauty of small-town charm and wide-open spaces. Designed as a modern home base for everyday life and outdoor adventure, our one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Prineville, OR feature an outdoor pool and spa, clubhouse, 24/7 fitness center with a sauna and yoga room, co-working spaces, and sports court.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
