If you want to know Is Oregon a Good Place to Live? check out our full blog for an overview of the pros and cons.
Want to change your lifestyle or simply relocate to Oregon? We’ve covered all you need to know about living in Oregon, including advice and how to determine whether it’s a good fit for you. Let’s dive in.
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Indigenous peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years prior to European exploration and settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries. Captain Robert Gray was the first European to sail into the Columbia River, which flows through Oregon and Washington. The Lewis and Clark Expedition landed in the region in 1805 to explore and interact with local tribes.
Oregon became a territory of the United States in 1848 after a border dispute with Great Britain was settled. Oregon is well-known for its diversified environment and numerous outdoor recreational possibilities, including gorgeous bikeways, lush forests, and stunning lakes.
Is Oregon A Good Place To Live?
Oregon may be an excellent area to live for many people. It is renowned for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and outdoor recreational options. The state’s landscapes are diverse, ranging from the harsh coast to lush woods and mountains, and there are several possibilities to explore the outdoors through hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
Oregon also boasts a robust economy with a diverse range of businesses, including technology, healthcare, and education. The state has a relatively low unemployment rate and a higher median household income than the national average. Additionally, Oregon is well-known for its progressive politics and social policies.
However, Oregon, like all states, faces obstacles. Some locations, notably cities like Portland, have high living costs. Traffic can also be a problem in some areas, and housing can be difficult to find in some parts of the state. Furthermore, while Oregon is recognized for its warm temperature, the state can endure heavy rain and overcast skies during the winter months.
What is Oregon best known for?
Oregon is surely a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, from the deep Carter Lake to the majestic Mount Hood. Oregon is known for its excellent food culture, which includes delicious cheese, wine, and breweries. It is also recognized as the birthplace of Nike.
Let’s talk about the six things that Oregon is best recognized for.
1. Voodoo Donuts.
Voodoo Doughnuts is the only place to go if you want a unique and delicious dessert. This Portland classic is well-known for its distinctive and innovative doughnut flavors. Voodoo provides over 50 different doughnut flavors, so there’s something for everyone. You’re bound to find a flavor you enjoy, whether it’s the typical bacon maple bar or the more daring voodoo doll-shaped doughnut filled with raspberry jam.
2. Marion berries
Marionberry-type blackberries, which are native to Oregon, are well-known worldwide. It is often found only in the Pacific Northwest and is a cross between the Olallieberry and the Chehalem Blackberry.
Marionberries are perfect for pies, jams, and other baked goods since they are larger and sweeter than other types of blackberries. Marionberry pie is in fact the official state pie.
If you happen to be in Oregon between July and August, make sure to try some of these delicious berries.
3. Tillamook Cheese
If you enjoy cheese, make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Tillamook, a little town on the Oregon coast, is well-known for its wonderful cheese. Tillamook Cheese is somewhat of an Oregon institution. It is a cooperative of family farms that has been producing cheese since 1909.
6. Windsurfing
Hood River, located in the Columbia River Gorge, is renowned as the world’s windsurfing capital. This is because the conditions are ideal for windsurfing, with high winds and big waves. The Columbia River Gorge is also a popular destination for kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
5. Craft Breweries
Beer fans will like Oregon’s abundance of craft breweries. The Liberty Brewery, founded in 1852, is considered the state’s first artisan brewery, albeit an unrecognized one.
4. Mushroom Hunting
Mushrooms may not come to mind when you think of Oregon, but they are rather common here. Oregon is home to many different types of mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and truffles. For both foodies and environment aficionados, mushroom hunting is an excellent hobby.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Oregon
Pros:
- Natural beauty: The Pacific Coast, the Cascade Mountains, and the Columbia River Gorge are just a few of Oregon’s breathtaking natural vistas. There are lots of chances to engage in outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and skiing.
- No Sales Tax: It’s true that no sales tax is taken out here. Typically, you pay the amount shown on the tag. The state does, however, have a higher personal income tax rate. People who have made Oregon their permanent home like to get in touch with Homes Direct Albany when purchasing a property.
- Outdoor activities: Oregon is a great place to live if you enjoy the great outdoors. Oregon offers a wide range of adventures, including world-class skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and more.
- Robust economy: The state ranks in the top 10 states with fastest-growing economies. It is anticipated that both the population and employment prospects will continue to grow as a result of this development.
- Low carbon footprint: Oregon has a very small carbon footprint because it is home to many of the nation’s environmentally friendly structures. Among the greenest cities on the planet is Portland.
Cons:
- High cost of living: Portland and other Oregon cities have some of the highest costs of living in the state. Costs associated with housing, food, and transportation might be high.
- Traffic jams: At rush hour, there may be heavy traffic in several parts of Oregon, especially in the Portland area.
- Restricted employment options outside of cities: Despite Oregon’s robust economy, employment options can be scarcer in rural locations outside of larger cities.
- Rainy weather: Although the warm environment has its benefits, some individuals find the rainy and overcast weather to be unfavorable, especially in the winter.
Not to be forgotten before relocating to Oregon
It is essential to understand the important factors before relocating to Oregon or anywhere else. By doing so, you may decide against moving altogether.
! Let’s explore 5 things you need to know before moving to Oregon!
1. Not everything is in Portland
Portland, with its expensive cost of living and often-mocked hipster lifestyle, does not really represent Oregon as a whole. If you feel that visiting Portland is something you would like to do, then more power to you. However, Portland isn’t the only Oregonian city drawing in new residents. Many love Eugene as well, and many believe that living in Oregon’s little coastal towns is quite good quality. There’s plenty to learn.
Considering moving to Portland, Oregon? Discover what makes it a unique place to live.
Is Portland, Oregon a good place to live? Explore the city’s lifestyle and amenities in our latest post.
2. Oregon has a leftward tilt
Though there are certain conservative pockets in the state, Oregon’s politics lean left overall. The state of Oregon is spearheading the push for renewable energy, in addition to pursuing other progressive programs like helping small business employees with retirement savings.
3. A bike will most likely serve you well
Oregon is an excellent place to own and ride a bike because of its moderate winters and reasonably developed bike infrastructure.
4. Oregon produces good food crops
Oregon has an abundance of agriculture, which you may take advantage of if you shop at roadside farm stands and local farmers’ markets. Berries, potatoes, beets, hazelnuts, green peas, apples, and cherries are some of the best-growing fruits in the state and can be used in your kitchen in Oregon. If you make the decision to cook more meals at home instead of eating out or placing takeout orders in order to save money, you’ll have high-quality products to work with.
5. Wine country is in Oregon
Oregon’s reputation as a wine-producing state has grown in recent years. The US wine scene has been dominated by Oregon, particularly by pinot noir. Wine enthusiasts interested in seeing the state’s products up close might consider visiting Oregon’s vineyards and wine towns.
6. State sales tax is nonexistent
One of the few states in the US without a sales tax is Oregon. Oregon income taxes are expensive, of course, but at least if you move here, you won’t have to pay sales tax on everything you buy.
What are the best cities to live in Oregon?
Portland
The largest city in Oregon, Portland, also referred to as the “City of Roses,” has a thriving cultural scene, top-notch restaurants, and first-rate public transit. A lively city with lots of culture and entertaining things to do is Portland, Oregon.
| COST OF LIVING | Portland | Oregon | USA |
| Overall | 132.4 | 114.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 184.1 | 150.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 103.7 | 100.4 | 100 |
| Health | 90.6 | 94.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $537,200 | $468,400 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 79.9 | 81 | 100 |
| Transportation | 129.9 | 107.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 140.1 | 108.2 | 100 |
The cost of living indices for 10 Best Places to Live in Oregon are based on a 100-point US average. Portland is less expensive than the US average if the number is less than 100. Portland, Oregon has higher living expenses if its cost of living index is higher than 100.
Eugene
Eugene, the second-biggest city in Oregon and a college town, is in the Willamette Valley’s center. It is renowned for having easy access to outdoor activity, delicious food, and a progressive culture.
| COST OF LIVING | Eugene | Oregon | USA |
| Overall | 107.3 | 114.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 140.1 | 150.2 | 100 |
| Health | 96 | 94.6 | 100 |
| Grocery | 100.9 | 100.4 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $458,500 | $468,400 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 81.3 | 81 | 100 |
| Transportation | 88.5 | 107.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 123.5 | 108.2 | 100 |
Bend
Tucked up in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Bend has all the conveniences of a large city, including fine dining options, breweries, and outdoor leisure areas, but with the feel of a little town.
| COST OF LIVING | Bend | Oregon | USA |
| Overall | 131.3 | 114.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 217.4 | 150.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 102.2 | 100.4 | 100 |
| Health | 97.9 | 94.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $666,200 | $468,400 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 81 | 100 |
| Transportation | 82.6 | 107.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 135.5 | 108.2 | 100 |
Salem
The lively city of Salem, Oregon is situated in the Willamette Valley. Salem has much to offer everyone, being close to both the mountains and the ocean. In the parks and forests nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can go sailing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
| COST OF LIVING | Salem | Oregon | USA |
| Overall | 102.4 | 114.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 121.5 | 150.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 100.3 | 100.4 | 100 |
| Health | 92.8 | 94.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $399,000 | $468,400 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 79.3 | 81 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96.1 | 107.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 103.6 | 108.2 | 100 |
Since Oregon is brimming with amazing things to discover, you can find something to cherish your soul wherever you decide to call home. Everywhere one looks is something to behold—the surrounds, the nature, and the air.
Is it expensive to live in Oregon?
Depending on where you live in the state, Oregon might have different costs of living. In general, Oregon has greater living expenses than the US, particularly in major cities like Portland, Eugene, and Bend. In these places, housing costs are particularly often high. Still, there are many of more reasonably priced places in the state, particularly in the smaller towns and rural areas.
When compared to other states, Oregon may also have more expensive housing costs in addition to greater costs for utilities, food, and transportation. Nevertheless, the lack of a sales tax in the state can partially defray some of these costs.
In general, while evaluating the cost of living, it’s critical to do your homework on the particular Oregon region you’re thinking about relocating to and to take your unique lifestyle and financial circumstances into account.
FAQs:
1. Is Oregon a desirable place to call home?
⤿ Oregon may be ideal for you, depending on your needs and definition of a decent lifestyle. It does contain all one could possibly need, and it boasts amazing cities and neighborhoods that anyone could call home!
2. What information is necessary before relocating to Oregon?
⤿ Depending on where in Oregon you want to travel, there are a few things you should know before you go, like the local way of life, regulations, distinctive locations, cost of living, and more!
3. What benefits and drawbacks come with residing in Oregon?
⤿ When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of living in Oregon, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because the state has a lot to offer its citizens. In Oregon, there are a lot of sights and activities to enjoy. To learn more, see the list of advantages and disadvantages above!
4. Which area of Oregon is the safest to reside in?
⤿ Oregon has a low crime rate and is typically a safe state. Slightly south of Portland, Lake Oswego is regularly rated as one of Oregon’s safest cities. It has a strong feeling of community and a low crime rate.
5. Which area of Oregon is the cheapest to live in?
⤿ The most reasonably priced city in Oregon is Ontario, which is located next to Idaho on the Snake River.
In which part of Oregon does not get snowfall?
⤿ Roseburg, located in the southern region of the state and snuggled on a spur of the western Cascades, seldom ever gets snow.