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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Ruth Moncus,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Prineville, OR sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Prineville, OR over the last 12 months is $430,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the spacious Siskiyou plan by award-winning builder Pahlisch! This home features a generous open living area, flex room near a full bath, a spacious primary suite, mudroom and laundry room on the main floor. Upstairs, is a bonus loft, two bedrooms and full bath. The kitchen opens into a spacious living area, complete with an island eating bar and dining area. The large 3-car garage
MOVE IN READY with views to the west of snow capped mountains! Beautiful new single-level Tahoma plan by award winning Pahlisch Homes! Separated primary suite, two spacious guest rooms, & small office or den area. The large and inviting greatroom is open and inviting, the kitchen's entertainment island nicely faces the living area with gas fireplace and over to the dining area and out to the
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
Immaculate single-level home with an open, light-filled floor plan that feels like new! Thoughtfully upgraded throughout, this home is designed for both comfort and convenience with features ideal for aging in place, including a spacious walk-in tile shower and a jetted walk-in tub. You'll love the impressive rock fireplace surround, built-in alcoves, and an oversized sliding glass door that
Sweat equity opportunity! Total remodel underway. New windows installed.. Freshexterior stucco and paint. New ductless heat pumps onsite. Plan was for an ADU in basement with 2 bed 1 bath upstairs . Easily returned to 4 bed 2 bath daylight basement floorplan. Solid bones. Over $70,000 in demo and rework already completed.. Great opportunity for flip or owner sweat equity. Huge corner lot with
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
Built in 2022, this nearly new home features a spacious, fully fenced yard and a desirable split bedroom layout for excellent privacy. Serving as the main hub of the home, the open concept kitchen features warm wood cabinets and sleek Quartz countertops. The design connects the living spaces seamlessly, complemented by 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a roomy 2 car garage. The home is also equipped
Beautiful 5.41-acre level homesite in the desirable Estates at Ochoco Creek justoutside Prineville city limits and just minutes from Ochoco Reservoir. Thisproperty includes 1 acre of irrigation and a shared pond offering the perfectsetting to build your custom dream home among other high-quality custom residences. This is the last lot in this thoughtfully designed 43 acre area of 8
Move-in ready home in Crook County blends the convenience of Prineville without the city restrictions; no CCRs and no HOA. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features 1,817 sq ft, owned solar, new windows, updated upstairs bath, heat pump heating/cooling, new well pump, and a flexible enclosed porch/garden room. The detached shop/garage with updated wiring provides excellent space for projects, storage,
The Perfect Central Oregon Blend: 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
Great 1 level ranch home, on a large private lost (0.69 acres) and fenced backyard.`Ideal location, only minutes to downtown and not too far from the reservoir, and recreational activities. Home has a pump house and a shed for extra storage. No Lock Box. Please give seller a 12 hour notice, by appointment only.
Amazing Lot to Build your Custom Home on! Community water and power already in place. Community has many high-end custom homes and paved roads. Just minutesto the Quaint town of Prineville or 25 minutes to Redmond. Property is sloped and has Great Views of the surrounding farmlands and Ochoco Mts. Property backs to 14acres of common space. Come see this property today!
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,
Looking for the perfect hobby farm? This incredible 2.3 acre property with 2 acres of OID water rights offers the ideal combination of comfort, space and functionality for country living. Built in 2014, the 1,782 sqft home features 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a spacious open floor plan designed for everyday living and entertaining. The large kitchen showcases beautiful hickory cabinets,
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.
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
Great neighborhood in Ochoco heights.Current photos do NOT reflect the updates! Complete kitchen remodel photos coming soon and all hardwood floors have been sanded and refinished. Photos of New floors coming soon. New gas furnace and roof complete . Fenced backyard and extra large driveway.Man's cave or shop, new kitchen photos coming soon showing the new kitchen cabinets, countertops,
$1,600 per month
*APPLICATIONS PENDING* Duplex Near Golf Course on Cul-de-sac in Prineville - Renter's Insurance R...
¦ *Placement Only - Once approved and moved in, tenant will be dealing directly with Owner or their representative.¦ Renter's Insurance Required¦ 2 bdrm / 2 bath¦ 982 sq ft¦ Attached single car garage¦ Primary bedroom has private bathroom and large closet¦ Kitchen Includes:¦ Range¦ Fridge¦ Dishwasher¦ Microwave¦ Garbage Disposal¦
¦ Renter's Insurance Required!¦ 3 bdrm / 2 bath¦ 1800 sq ft¦ Double car garage¦ Gas forced air with air conditioning!¦ Kitchen includes:¦ Gas Range¦ Refrigerator¦ Dishwasher¦ Microwave¦ Disposal¦ Washer/Dryer included¦ Ample storage throughout¦ Living room has gas fireplace and built-in book cases/shelving¦ Separate
$1,395 per month
SCHEDULE A SHOWING TODAY TO VIEW THIS CHARMING APRATMENT IN PRINEVILLE!!
SCHEDULE A SHOWING TODAY TO VIEW THIS CHARMING APRATMENT IN PRINEVILLE!!This 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment features:- Hard surfaced flooring throughout the home, carpets in the bedrooms- Large windows, letting in lots of natural light- Private side patio- Shared coin op laundry- Upstairs loftTerms: 12-month leaseCounty: CrookPet Policy: No pets,
This 3 bed, 2 bath home is located in one of the new subdivisions in Prineville.This house has stainless appliances, a great floor plan, and a washer and dryer. Be the first person to live in the newly built home. The neighborhood is quiet and the views are great! New Sod in the backyard. Perfect for family funDogs upon owner approval!Please contact for more information
¦ 2 bdrm / 2 bath¦ 1,040 sq ft¦ Manufactured Home + ADU¦ Manufactured Home has kitchen, living area, one (1) bedroom, one (1) bathroom and laundry room¦ ADU has one (1) bedroom and one (1) bathroom¦ Manufactured Home and ADU are accessed by exterior stairs that are shared on one side¦ Kitchen Includes:¦ Range¦ Fridge¦ Microwave¦ Manufactured
$2,300 per month
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom on Corner Lot in Subdivision in North Prineville - Available Now!
¦ 3 bdrm / 2 bath¦ 1765 sq ft¦ Double car garage¦ Forced air with air conditioning!¦ Kitchen includes:¦ Range¦ Refrigerator¦ Dishwasher¦ Microwave¦ Disposal¦ Pantry¦ Washer/Dryer hookups¦ Laundry room has built in ironing board¦ Living room has gas fireplace and built-in book cases/shelving¦ Open dining area between living
$1,550 per month
*PRICE IMPROVEMENT* 2 Bedroom on South Side of Prineville, Close to Hospital - Available Now!
¦ 2 bdrm / 2 bath¦ 1,152 sq ft¦ Manufactured Home¦ Limited to 3 adults based on the existing Plumbing/Well/Septic, in order to keep the system functioning properly¦ Kitchen Includes:¦ Range¦ Fridge¦ Dishwasher¦ Dining area attached to living area (open feel) with built in hutch¦ Separate sitting area or dedicated dining space area¦ Forced
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