Vote for the best small town in Oregon: Readers Choice Awards

We invited you to nominate your favorite Oregon small town for our Readers Choice Awards last week.

Readers informed us that everything from stunning landscapes to delicious cuisine or antique buildings drew them in. The towns that made the cut, ranging from the Wallows to the coast of Oregon, are prepared for your vote.

Voting for Oregon’s greatest small town is open once day until 11:59 p.m. Visit the link at the bottom of this article on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Ashland, 21,374 people

(The latest recent population figures on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website date back to 2020.)

The biggest town on the list of finalists is this one in southern Oregon. Known for hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland provides top-notch theater with a small-town charm. The downtown area includes the stunning 100-acre Lithia Park, as well as excellent dining and retail options.

Astoria, 10,208 people

The oldest city in Oregon and the earliest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains is located here at the mouth of the Columbia River.There are several delectable food alternatives in Astoria, such as Bowpicker’s fish & chips.Fort Stevens State Park features historic military battlements, beaches, and a well-known shipwreck. Not to be overlooked are all of the Goonies’ filming sites!

Readers choice awards

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Jacksonville, 3,024 people

Jacksonville, the representative of Oregon, was included in HGTV’s list of the most lovely little towns in each state last year. Located in the center of southern Oregon’s wine region, the town was established during the Gold Rush in 1851 and is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The Jacksonville Woodlands, which spans 320 acres and features over 16 miles of trails with views of Mount McLoughlin, is another feature.

Joseph, 1,164 people

The little village of Josephi is located in the northeastern part of the state, at the base of the Wallowa Mountains, and is as isolated as it gets in Oregon. However, it still exudes charm and culture. Dozens of bronze statues decorate the walkways of downtown. There are plenty of activity opportunities, quaint storefronts, and breathtaking mountain views.

Philomath, 5,350 people

Based on how many nominations you submitted, Philomath has a lot of admirers. Compared to the other towns, this Willamette Valley location garnered over ten times as many nominations. From a tiny logging community, Philomath has developed into a thriving metropolis that values its past while aiming to become more inclusive, varied, and appealing to newcomers. Known as the City of Volunteers, Philomath has a strong history of community involvement. One reader said, “It’s a great place to live and play.”

Sisters, 3,106 people

With its old-West character, this charming hamlet in central Oregon is bordered by outdoor activities and natural landmarks such as McKenzie Pass, Skylight Cave, and Black Butte. According to Travel Oregon, it is also the site of numerous well-known yearly events, such as the Sisters Rodeo, the Sisters Folk Fest, and the massive Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, which attracts over 10,000 visitors to this little town for a single day in July.

Yachats, 994 people

Yachats, the smallest town on this list, is located on the central Oregon coast and boasts a busy strip of eateries and small businesses, as well as surrounding beaches, tide pools, wooded trails, and tall sea cliffs. Additionally, you should queue up early if you want to sample the croissant sandwiches, cupcakes, and pastries from Bread & Roses Bakery.

Vote here

Voting for Oregon’s greatest small town is open once day until 11:59 p.m. August 5, 2025, Tuesday.

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