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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2024
Breathtaking views aside, Oregon captivates with its economic prosperity, diverse lifestyle options, and the promise of enriching life in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re reading this article, then you’re considering a move to Oregon. But is it a wise decision? Whether the move is for a career or as a retiree, we suggest that you weigh all the pros and cons before deciding to settle in a state as diverse as Oregon.
Oregon has a flourishing economy and a thriving job market, making it a dream destination for those in search of a sustainable career. Its diverse weather makes it possible for everyone to find their preferred spot under one Oregon sky.
The state is notorious for being among the most expensive states in the US. But, settling in the suburbs can be rather affordable, especially when public transport is relatively cheap. Zero sales tax is another reason why both retirees and career enthusiasts look upon Beaver State as a great place to call home. However, higher utility bills and a below-average educational system for younger kids can be a big negative for those settling with families.
Let’s take a look at what factors require a bit of forethought before you pack your bags.
Moving with a family to Oregon? You must be concerned about your kids’ education.
Oregon boasts some of the highest-ranking universities and colleges scattered across the state. Among more than 50 universities and colleges, some of the most renowned ones include:
These universities offer specialized programs and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Some of them rank among the top 2% of universities in the world.
Oregon has overcome traffic problems even in the most buzzing cities with a well-planned and yet so affordable transport network.
In short, getting to work, planning meetups at restaurants, visiting a shopping mall, or going to the grocery can feel like a breeze in Oregon with the many commuting options available for you. You will seldom get stuck in traffic for hours.
Oregon has varied weather across the state with as many as 9 distinct weather regions under the same sky. Portland alone witnesses all four seasons, with spring (from March to June) being the most pleasant.
Klamath Falls has as many as 300 sunny days a year and is a good place to dwell for those not very fond of wet weather.
Coastal regions have a moderate temperature range averaging 50°F in summer and 40°F in winter. However, they have rainy weather for most of the year.
Travel a bit towards North and you’ll feel the air getting warmer in summer. Temperature reaches an average of 70°F in summer and drops to around 30°F in winter.
Summers in East Oregon are hot but short. The temperature may soar up to 88°F in the hottest months and the lower average sits at 59°F in summer. Winters span from November through February here with an average temperature below 50°F.
Choosing the right moving company can make or break your moving experience. Here are our top three picks for the best moving companies in Oregon.
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Oregon is one of the few states where you pay the price that you see on the price tag. No need to add the amount as sales tax. This means you are saving a few bucks with every purchase, no matter the size.
Although you still have to pay property tax and income tax, the lack of sales tax is a big relief in itself for both buyers and sellers.
Finding affordable housing in the Beaver State can be a challenging task. This is especially true for the bigger, busier, cities like Portland and Eugene.
But you can save a chunk of your housing budget by making a smart choice. Instead of owning a house in city centers try looking around in suburbs. While the median house price for Oregon as a whole is $480,000, prices may significantly vary from one region to the other.
For example, in Wheeler County, you can get your hands on a nice house for just an average price of $257,700. If you don’t mind staying in suburban regions or rural settings, the price will go down even further.
Similarly, rents in Oregon are also a bit on the higher side. For example, in Portland, a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1700 per month. But just like housing prices, rents go down as you move away from the city.
The economy here is thriving. The best thing about Oregon’s job market is that it is not only immense in volume but also diverse in sectors, giving a chance to people from varied professions.
It welcomes people from diversified professions including tech, agriculture, forestry, tourism, STEM education, healthcare, and many others. The employment rate in Portland is far above the national average. Although the rates always fluctuate, overall, Oregon has a promising job market.
There is no state-imposed sales tax in Oregon, however, the income tax here is a bit on the higher side and is how the state generates most of its revenue. This, combined with higher housing prices and utilities, adds up to the cost of living in the state, making it one of the most expensive ones in the United States. Income tax in Oregon falls between 4.75% to 9.9% which is higher than a majority of other US states.
Oregon is a lively state, full of exciting things to do. Whether you want a break from work, are looking to spend your weekend outdoors, or simply want to have some carefree time at a sunny beach, Oregon will rarely disappoint.
Oregon is overall an exciting place to live in. It has awe-inspiring scenic beauty and several national parks. Its vibrant job market and zero sales tax along with diverse weather and a well-woven network of transport makes it an ideal place to live. However, you do have to give the state a bit of planning when it comes to finding an affordable house and paying a high-income tax.
Meet Tommy, a writer from San Diego, California with a passion for interior design and moving! Coming from a family of interior designers from San Diego, he’s been involved in the world of moving and helping to create beautiful homes for the places people move to. He’s also moved over ten times in various states such as California, Washington, and Arizona! Through these moves, he’s worked with a variety of moving companies, and prides himself on knowing what to look for and how to have the safest, smoothest move possible! For the past few years, he’s bringing his talent of copywriting and knowledge of moving together to help people all across the world start new chapters in their lives through moving! When he’s not busy writing, you can find him doing extensive research all to help your moving process.