Ontario, OR

5 Apartments for Rent

Ontario was almost Morton. Back when towns were named by postmasters, there was competition between a group who wanted to name the new settlement after Ontario, Canada, and one Mr. Morton who wanted a town named after him. The group with the most money won out, and Morton got an island named after him.

Located along the Snake River at the border between Oregon and Idaho, the town of Ontario is to a great degree part of both states. With some of the less populated areas in the United States to the south and west, Ontario is the last westward city of the greater Boise, Idaho metro area. That tie to Boise and the Treasure Valley is even reflected in time zones. Almost all of Oregon is on Pacific Time -- except the Ontario area, where the line dips into the state and keeps the metro area in Mountain Time. This probably leads to less confusion for people commuting to work across the border! The town is also known for french fries and hash browns -- the Ore-Ida processing plant is located here and employs about 1,000 people. From tater tots to onion rings and fries, this place helps take 'em from the farm to the table. It's not the largest employer here -- that distinction belongs to the Snake River Correctional Facility.

Moving to Ontario

Many smaller towns in the interior West struggle with economies too dependent on farming or ranching -- thanks to more diversity in its job market, that's not the case in Ontario. This fact is reflected in a market that has property rentals in Ontario in relatively high demand. Because of that, landing the pad you want might take a bit of work.

When moving here is in your plan, make a list of your favorite places to live and try to match the nicest amenities with your price range. Take your credit report into account - if it's good, you're more in the driver's seat. Be prepared to fork over first, last, and deposit most of the time. Do your research and your chances are great for finding apartments for rent that fit your needs.

Neighborhoods in Ontario

Part farming and ranching town, part transportation and commercial center, and part high desert river community, Ontario has neighborhoods that reflect all of these aspects, from the tree-lined Snake River to the open sagebrush to the west.

Eastside: To the east of the railroad lines and loading sidings and near I-84, it's a part of town with a lot of light industrial and commercial buildings mixed in with residential areas. Near the obviously-named Eastside Park are some properties where you can check to see if there are condos to rent.

Airport / SW 4th Avenue: Along the main road going out to Ontario Airport you will find retail shopping, a couple of manufactured home parks, and a few smaller complexes where you can find two-bedroom apartments for rent. The close shopping makes it convenient for anyone wanting to leave the jalopy at home and bike or walk their neighborhood more frequently.

Northwest: For the most part, this is the newer part of town. Homes here tend to have been constructed more recently and are laid out in typical tract fashion and are along both sides of NW 4th Avenue. Some of the larger homes are here as well. If you've got the cash, search for home rentals here.

North / Beck-Kiwanis Park: A primary feature of the north section of the community is a nice mix of older single family homes, an occasional duplex and a few apartments. It's also near the Snake River and the green area of Welch Island and Ontario State Park, which is alongside the river and a great close place to escape the summer heat.

Living in Ontario

As the most western outpost of the Treasure Valley, it's very much part of the region that grew up around agriculture. These days, it's a much more diversified economy with transportation and processing. It's not just about potato and sugar beet fields!

There's a lot to do in the valley and Ontario proper has a movie multiplex, great eats at places like Fiesta Guadalajara and Brewsky's Broiler, and close shopping.

For outdoor recreation, the vast open areas to the south provide for open country exploration. To the northwest, Oregon's Blue Mountains and Wallowa Mountains offer spectacular scenery, backpacking and camping, and winter sports. If you want some bigger city diversions, head east to Boise, less than an hour's drive away. With a population of about 200,000, it's big enough to have a lot to do.