Best place to raise kids in Oregon: Pendleton
Nearby city: Hermiston
Population: 16,600
Median family income: $61,701
Runner-up: King City
A classic Western town in the Oregon plains, Pendleton is home to the mill that creates the famous wool blankets and clothing of that name. Outdoor opportunities include the Columbia River Gorge, with world-class wind-surfing and miles upon miles of national forests.