Moving To Oregon: A Guide

Oregon is among the list of states with the fastest-growing populations over the past decade. Since 2010, the state’s population has grown by nearly 14%, and it’s easy to see why. As a part of the popular Pacific Northwest, Oregon has plenty to offer its residents, including beautiful scenery, environmentally conscious residents and plenty of job opportunities.

Are you considering moving to Oregon? Here’s everything you need to know.

What To Consider Before Moving To Oregon

If you’re planning a move to Oregon, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Whether you’re planning to buy a house there or just rent, here’s what you’ll need to consider.

Weather

Oregon has relatively moderate weather compared with many other states. Summers are warm, but the average temperature usually isn’t higher than the mid-80s. And while it does get colder in the winter, it doesn’t get as frigid as some states. The average high ranges from the mid-30s to the mid-40s depending on the city.

An important thing to know about Oregon – and the rest of the Pacific Northwest, for that matter – is that it rains a lot. The rainy season tends to last for half the year but can rain all year long. The state does get some winter, but many areas don’t get more than a few inches per year.

Cost Of Living

Oregon is among the states with the highest cost of living. The only areas that are more expensive are Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, California, New York, Alaska and Maryland.

Oregonians tend to pay more for just about everything from food to transportation, but housing is especially pricy. For example, the average house price in Oregon is about $474,000, which is about 36% higher than that of the United States overall.

The table below shows how Oregon ranks compared to the United States overall for spending on different key items, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Institute:

Job Opportunities

Oregon has plenty of job opportunities for those who need them. Larger cities like Portland, Eugene, Salem and Bend have plenty of companies hiring.

Some of the top industries in Oregon include manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, forestry and more. Top employers in the state include Nike, Intel and Precision Castparts.

Education Opportunities

Oregon is among the middle of states when it comes to public education. The public school system ranks 25th overall. And while it ranks well for student safety and okay for student success, it ranks poorly for school quality.

The state has several major universities. Some of Oregon’s top colleges include the University of Oregon, Oregon State University and Pacific University.

Things To Do

One of the areas where Oregon really shines is in the many things to do. The state is a beacon for outdoor recreation. It sits on the Pacific Ocean, with plenty to do along the coastline. It’s home to Crater Lake National Park, as well as several national historical parks, historic trails and more. As far as things to do, the state is most known for its outdoor activities like hiking, biking and more.

But if the outdoors isn’t your thing, you may also enjoy the state’s population centers. There you can find fun attractions, local art scenes, breweries and plenty of culture.

Where Should I Live In Oregon?

There are plenty of exciting places in Oregon to call home. Below we’ll discuss some of the best places to live in Oregon and what makes them great.

Portland

Portland is the most populous city in Oregon and is home to more than 640,000 people. The city sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. It’s also just an hour and a half from the Pacific Ocean on one side and Mount Hood National Forest on the other.

Portland is known for its rich culture, including its highly rated restaurants, museums, breweries and more. Portland has a high cost of living – even higher than Oregon overall – but it also has an average household income that’s higher than both the Oregon and U.S. average.

Bend

Bend is an Oregon city with a population of just over 100,000 people. It’s located about three and a half hours from Portland. The city is known for its strong community. It has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a larger city.

Bend has become one of the most popular places to live in Oregon thanks to its outdoor recreation. The city sits on the Deschutes River. It sits near the lakes and peaks of the Cascade Mountains, meaning residents can easily access hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities.

West Linn

West Linn is a Portland suburb at the very southern tip of the metropolitan area. It has a population of just over 27,000 people and sits along the Willamette River.

West Linn is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a suburban lifestyle while still having easy access to everything the Portland metropolitan area has to offer. However, that comes at a cost. The city has an average housing price that’s 41% higher than the state average and 74% higher than the state average.

The Pros And Cons Of Moving To Oregon

There are plenty of benefits of moving to Oregon, but there are also some downsides to be aware of.

Pros

• Access to nature and scenic views: Oregon is among the most beautiful states to live in. It’s home to a national park, the Pacific coast, and no shortage of beautiful outdoor scenery and nature.
• No sales tax: Oregon is among five states that don’t impose a sales tax. That means your grocery bills and other shopping will be cheaper since there won’t be taxes tacked on.
• Green-focused living: Oregon is one of the greenest states in the country. Many Oregonians choose to live a sustainable lifestyle, which has helped to preserve the state’s natural beauty.

Cons

• Heavy rainfall: Oregon gets a lot of rain throughout the year. The state gets between 75 and 90 inches per year, though the area up the west slopes can get nearly 200 inches.
• High cost of living: As we’ve mentioned, Oregon is one of the highest cost-of-living states in the country. As a result, your money won’t go as far.
• High income tax: Oregon ranks fourth in the nation for the highest maximum income tax rate. Some of the state’s residents pay as much as 9.9% of their income.

Moving To Oregon FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions of those considering moving to Oregon.

Is Oregon a good place to live?

Oregon could be the perfect place for you to live if you enjoy a more nature-focused lifestyle and are able to find a city or neighborhood that suits your everyday lifestyle and needs.

On the other hand, Oregon may not be right for those looking for a low cost of living or who prefer to live somewhere dry.

Is it expensive to buy a house in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon is a relatively expensive place to buy a house. The average home price in Oregon is about 36% higher than the national average.

Where is the best place to live in Oregon?

The best place to live in Oregon depends on what you’re looking for in a new home. Some of the best places include Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend and West Linn.

When deciding where to live, start by asking yourself what type of lifestyle you want. This answer should help you select a city, and you can choose a neighborhood from there.

What are the pros and cons of relocating to Oregon?

Some of the benefits of moving to Oregon are the scenic views, the sustainable lifestyle and the lack of sales tax. Some of the downsides include the high income taxes and the high cost of living (especially if you plan to become a first-time home buyer in Oregon).

The Bottom Line

Oregon can be an excellent place to call home, especially if you enjoy scenic views, outdoor recreation and a sustainable lifestyle.

If you’re planning a move to Oregon, it’s important to consider where you’ll live. If you’re considering homeownership, you may want to start the home buying process early. You’ll be able to get preapproved early and start shopping for your dream home.