As I am nearly done with a work on developing the Four Corners area of Central Florida, I was curious to see what kind of areas were similarly available for development closer to where I live. Here is a question for my readers, especially those in the Northwest, are there any locations here that strike your fancy?

When it comes to greenfield development in Oregon—where you’re starting from largely undeveloped or underdeveloped land and building from scratch—there are several areas that stand out. These areas offer the combination of available land, proximity to amenities and infrastructure, and a growing population or economic potential, making them ripe for large-scale new town developments. Here’s a list of potential areas:

1. Central Oregon (Redmond and Prineville Areas)

• Why: Central Oregon is seeing fast growth, especially around Redmond and Prineville, which are more affordable alternatives to Bend. This region offers large tracts of undeveloped land and is strategically located within driving distance of both Bend and Portland, as well as having access to outdoor recreation.
• Key Factors: Proximity to Bend’s tech industry and amenities, relatively low land costs, and high demand for both residential and commercial development.
• Development Potential: Greenfield developments here could cater to families, remote workers, and even the tech sector looking for less expensive areas to set up offices or campuses.

2. The Willamette Valley (North of Eugene)

• Why: Areas just north of Eugene, such as around Junction City and Coburg, have access to agricultural land but are still close to urban amenities. This area could serve as an ideal place for a new town with a good balance of rural and urban elements.
• Key Factors: Close proximity to the University of Oregon and Eugene, which provides economic and educational opportunities. It’s also well-connected by Interstate 5, making it accessible to other major cities like Portland and Salem.
• Development Potential: With flat, fertile land, this region could be developed as a suburban-style town, or even a green tech-focused community, given the area’s emphasis on sustainability and agriculture.

3. Southern Oregon (Near Medford or Ashland)

• Why: Medford and the surrounding Rogue Valley offer a relatively underdeveloped environment compared to the northern parts of Oregon. There’s an opportunity to create an entirely new town from scratch that could tap into the region’s emerging growth, including retirees, tourists, and remote workers seeking a slower pace of life with access to outdoor recreation.
• Key Factors: Scenic landscapes, low land costs, proximity to California, and increasing demand for residential options in rural but accessible areas.
• Development Potential: Focus on eco-friendly or self-sustaining communities, potentially capitalizing on agriculture, vineyards, and tourism. There’s potential for a blend of residential, hospitality, and commercial zones that appeal to those seeking a lifestyle-focused, sustainable town.

4. Eastern Oregon (Baker City, La Grande, Pendleton)

• Why: Eastern Oregon offers vast tracts of open land with relatively low real estate costs. Baker City, La Grande, and Pendleton have largely untapped land suitable for expansive greenfield development.
• Key Factors: Lower population density, affordable land, and access to major transportation routes (like I-84) make this region ripe for new developments. While the region is more rural, it is growing, especially with interest in remote work.
• Development Potential: New towns in this region could focus on agricultural businesses, renewable energy developments (wind, solar), or even remote work hubs for individuals seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

5. Columbia Gorge (Hood River or The Dalles Areas)

• Why: The Columbia Gorge is a breathtakingly beautiful area with strong connections to both Portland and Eastern Oregon. Hood River and The Dalles are seeing growth, but there is still plenty of available land.
• Key Factors: Proximity to Portland and the Gorge’s appeal to both outdoor enthusiasts and tourists make it a desirable location for new town development. The region also has a mix of urban and rural elements, offering a unique opportunity for balance.
• Development Potential: A new town here could cater to tourism, outdoor recreation, and a more sustainable lifestyle. There’s also opportunity for clean energy and ag-tech innovation, as the area already has a focus on environmental sustainability.

6. Northeast Oregon (Umatilla County)

• Why: Umatilla County, which includes areas like Hermiston and Stanfield, is known for its agricultural base. With an increasing interest in remote work and economic diversification, the region offers ample space for greenfield development.
• Key Factors: The area has some access to transportation (I-84) and is increasingly being considered for renewable energy and agribusiness development. Additionally, it’s more affordable than Oregon’s metro areas, making it attractive for those looking to escape higher costs of living.
• Development Potential: A greenfield town here could focus on agricultural innovation, eco-friendly developments, and even agritourism, with sustainable housing options designed for families or remote workers.

7. The Northern Oregon Coast (Clatsop and Tillamook Counties)

• Why: Coastal towns like Astoria and Tillamook have seen some growth, but large tracts of land remain undeveloped, and the Oregon Coast’s natural beauty continues to attract residents and tourists alike. Developing a new town here would attract those who seek the coastal lifestyle with access to Portland.
• Key Factors: Proximity to Portland and the ability to capitalize on tourism, especially with the area’s growing popularity with remote workers and those seeking vacation homes.
• Development Potential: A greenfield development could blend sustainable housing with recreational and hospitality-focused developments, offering a mix of residential, retail, and tourism-related infrastructure.

8. Southwest Oregon (near Coos Bay and North Bend)

• Why: Coos Bay and North Bend are historically industrial coastal towns, but they are showing potential for revitalization and expansion. The larger coastal area has undeveloped land available and offers natural resources like timber, fishing, and beautiful beaches.
• Key Factors: Access to the ocean, available land, and the fact that it is less densely populated than other parts of Oregon make it ideal for a new town.
• Development Potential: This region could focus on mixed-use development with an emphasis on sustainable living, marine industries, and tourism. Given the area’s proximity to both nature and coastal amenities, it could attract those looking for a slower pace of life.

Key Considerations for New Town Development in Oregon:

1. Environmental Sustainability: Oregon is known for its environmental consciousness, so any new development will likely need to prioritize sustainability in infrastructure, housing, and energy systems.
2. Transportation & Connectivity: Proximity to major highways (I-5, I-84) and ease of access to larger metro areas like Portland or Eugene will be important for the success of these new towns.
3. Water & Resources: Ensuring sustainable access to water and other resources will be crucial, especially in the more rural parts of Oregon.
4. Market Demand: Understand what sectors are growing—e.g., tech, agriculture, tourism, or remote work hubs—and tailor development to those needs.

If you had to choose between these areas, which one speaks to your vision for a new town development?