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Stayton, Oregon | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros



Welcome to Stayton, OR!

Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Stayton is a picturesque town known for its historic charm and proximity to natural wonders. With a population of approximately 8,000, it offers a tight-knit community atmosphere with easy access to larger cities like Salem and Portland. Stayton's scenic parks, historic landmarks, and vibrant local events make it an appealing spot for travel nurses seeking both professional opportunities and a tranquil living environment.​



🌦️ Weather Overview: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Stayton experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Here's what you can expect throughout the year:​

Month

Avg High

Avg Low

Notes

January

47°F

34°F

Cool and wet; occasional snowfall

February

51°F

35°F

Slightly warmer; continued rainfall

March

56°F

38°F

Beginning of spring; increasing sunshine

April

60°F

41°F

Mild temperatures; blooming flora

May

67°F

46°F

Pleasant and drier; ideal for outdoor activities

June

72°F

50°F

Start of summer; longer daylight hours

July

80°F

53°F

Warmest month; minimal rainfall

August

80°F

53°F

Continued warmth; great for festivals

September

75°F

49°F

Cooling down; beautiful fall colors

October

63°F

44°F

Crisp air; increasing rainfall

November

52°F

39°F

Chilly and wet; shorter days

December

46°F

35°F

Cold and rainy; festive holiday season

Stayton receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 40 inches, with December being the wettest month. Snowfall is rare, averaging around 2 inches per year.​



💰 Cost of Living

Stayton's cost of living is approximately 6.5% higher than the national average, reflecting its desirable location in the Willamette Valley. Housing costs are relatively reasonable, with the median home price around $396,800, and a two-bedroom rental averaging $1,170 per month. ​BestPlaces



🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

  • Furnished Finder – Stayton: Offers a variety of furnished monthly rentals tailored for travel professionals.​

  • Airbnb – Stayton Monthly Stays: Provides fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms suitable for extended stays. ​

  • Zillow – Furnished Apartments: Features listings for apartments and homes, some of which may be furnished. ​

Availability may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to secure housing well in advance.​



🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

  • Residence Inn by Marriott – Salem: Offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.​

  • Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn – Salem: Provides modern accommodations with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location.​

  • Comfort Suites – Salem: Features cozy rooms with home-like amenities and a complimentary breakfast.​

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.​



🎡 Fun Things to Do in Stayton

  • Stayton–Jordan Covered Bridge:A charming replica of a historic covered bridge that spans the Salem Ditch in Pioneer Park — perfect for photos, picnics, and a relaxing walk.

  • Brown House Event Center:A lovingly restored Victorian home that often hosts art shows, historical tours, and community events.

  • Stayton Family Memorial Pool:A great place for a low-key swim or family fun — especially during the warmer months.

  • Covered Bridge Café:A cozy downtown diner that's popular among locals and visitors alike. Try the homemade pie!

  • Stayton Downtown District:Explore antique shops, vintage boutiques, and local bakeries along the walkable downtown strip.

  • Santiam Heritage Foundation Events:Enjoy seasonal events, tours, and cultural celebrations put on by the local historical society.



🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

  • Silver Falls State Park (30 min):Known as the "crown jewel" of the Oregon state park system, this scenic paradise features 10 waterfalls, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

  • Salem, OR (20 min):Oregon’s capital city offers wineries, cultural museums, downtown shopping, and family-friendly attractions like the Gilbert House Children’s Museum.

  • Detroit Lake (1 hr):Perfect for boating, paddleboarding, or lounging lakeside with mountain views — ideal for a summer day off.

  • Bend, OR (2 hrs):A top weekend destination for hiking, breweries, kayaking, and live music.

  • Portland, OR (1.5 hrs):Make a day trip to enjoy eclectic restaurants, Powell’s Books, the Portland Saturday Market, or a Trail Blazers game.


🧭 Summary


Stayton, Oregon is a quiet gem in the Willamette Valley offering all the charm of small-town life while keeping you close to Oregon’s best outdoor escapes. For travel nurses looking for peaceful surroundings, affordability, and a strong sense of community, Stayton is an ideal place to land.


✅ Why Travel Nurses Love Stayton:

  • Affordable living and easy access to Salem & Portland

  • Furnished rentals and RV options for every lifestyle

  • Relaxed pace with a strong local culture and walkable downtown

  • Endless outdoor recreation nearby (Silver Falls, Detroit Lake)

  • Welcoming community with seasonal events and local pride


Whether you're walking the Jordan Bridge after work, sipping Oregon pinot noir, or hiking waterfall trails on your weekend off, Stayton is a peaceful and enriching home base for your next contract 🌲🏡🩺


Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.


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The Farnsworths
RV family traveling nurse boondockers

We are the Farnsworths: John, Kristin, Aaron, Ethan, and Chloe. (Oh and our dog Cinder!) Our lives are anything but ordinary, and we are proud of the unconventional paths we’ve taken over the last 20+ years. 

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