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Move to Portland, Oregon

Moving to Portland Oregon

For many people, living in Portland is a dream come true. Portland is one of the cleanest and healthiest cities in the country, with a rising number of jobs and a low cost of living. In Portland, there really is something and someplace for everyone.

neon signs of Portland

Do you have any concerns about moving to Portland? Read on to learn more about what you should know before making the move to Portland, Oregon.

Contact us if you’re looking for properties in Portland, Oregon.

Introduction to Portland, Oregon

The city of Portland, Oregon, has a population of 653,000. It is Oregon’s most populated and biggest state, as well as one of the most populated areas on the West Coast.

Portland was founded in 1843 to facilitate the transit of commodities along the Oregon Trail. Then, during WWII, Portland witnessed an industrial renaissance. Since then, Portland has grown into a mecca for both shoe lovers and IT entrepreneurs. Nike and Adidas, two of the world’s most well-known footwear firms, have set up shop in Portland. In addition, Portland is home to over 1,200 tech enterprises, earning it the moniker the “Silicon Forrest.”

“Stumptown” is another nickname for Portland that you may hear. Stumptown was a nickname given to Portland during its heyday in the nineteenth century. To keep up with the tremendous expansion at the time, they had to cut down a lot of trees, earning it the name “Stumptown”. The phrase “Keep Portland Weird”, which was influenced by Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird”, is also well-known in Portland. This has become a Portland trademark, and it may be found on tourist shirts and Portland goods.

Plan For Moving to Portland Oregon

Portland is Great for Family Life

Moving to Portland, Oregon, provides a dynamic backdrop against which to raise children, where the city’s energy matches the ambitions of its determined professionals. Families may choose from a variety of communities that provide good educational options and kid-friendly activities. Weekends can be spent exploring the serene Washington Park, which includes the Oregon Zoo, Rose Garden, and Japanese Garden.

Indoor fun in a three-story play structure is a hit with kids aged 12 and younger at PlayDate PDX. Parents may relax with a coffee at the on-site cafe or work on their laptops while their children climb and play for hours.

Oaks Amusement Park, located between the Sellwood district and the Willamette River, is one of the country’s oldest, continually functioning amusement parks, boasting old-school rides. The Portland Children’s Museum also promotes hands-on interactive fun on rainy Portland days. Alternatively, visit the Mount Scott Community Center and Indoor Pool, which has an indoor skating rink and a pool with several water features.

Cost of Living

Because of its popularity, moving to Portland provides newcomers with an abundance of facilities, but it also comes with a higher cost of living. Nevertheless, there are a few sectors, such as utilities, where it is surprising to find that it is less expensive than other similar-sized cities. Here’s how the cost of living in Portland is broken down.

Portland has a 29 percent higher cost of living and a 79 percent higher cost of housing than the national average, according to a study by Payscale.

A one-bedroom apartment in Portland costs $1,123 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment costs $1,309 per month. To live a decent life in a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll need at least $40,428 each year, or $19 per hour.

To afford a two-bedroom condo, you’ll need to bring in at least $47,124 per year, or $23 per hour.

According to the Census Bureau, the average wealth in Portland is $71,005. In comparison, the rest of Oregon has a median income of $62,818.

a dog in a neighborhood

Unique neighborhoods

Each one of Portland’s neighborhoods has its own distinct character and features. Anyone can get what they’re seeking since each area has something unique to offer.

To get a sense of the city’s layout, Hwy-26, I-5, and I-84 split Portland into four quadrants, each featuring a mix of historic residences, new structures, and condominiums. The Pearl District, Goose Hollow, and Downtown are three of Portland’s most populous and popular areas.

Environmentally Friendly City

Life in Portland, Oregon necessitates a green mindset and a commitment to long-term sustainability. To reduce trash, the town reuses, composts, recycles, up-cycles, and does whatever else you can dream of to avoid waste going into landfill.

In the summer, don’t be shocked if the “Rose City” has brown grass and unimpressive landscaping. This is the time of year when residents do everything they can to preserve water.

Job Market in Portland, Oregon

It isn’t necessarily true that a greater cost of living equates to higher-paying occupations. Those who relocate to Portland, on the other hand, will benefit from an improving employment market with a wide range of chances. Corporate behemoths such as Intel and Nike have set up shop in Portland.

The food services business is also a large employer in Portland, with 104,900 people employed according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The city’s work market is diverse, making it appealing to both executives and entry-level employees.

Many individuals also work remotely in cafés and co-working facilities around Portland. You don’t have to wait for the right job before coming to Oregon’s largest city, thanks to a growing digital workplace. Portland’s workforce has the fourth-highest percentage of remote workers yearning for a dynamic place to call home.

Moving to Portland in Oregon

Portland has no Sales Tax

While moving to Portland, Oregon does not guarantee you a bargain, it does provide you with some unique tax benefits. Although Oregon has greater income taxes than many other states, it does not have a sales tax. The combination may be able to assist in offsetting some of the expenditures of living in Rose City.

Portland is a Foodie City

Moving to Portland, Oregon, is like moving to a foodie’s dream come true. Residents are loyal to their favorite restaurants, but they are always willing to try new ones.

Hat Yai serves Thai fusion, whereas Beast serves foie gras bonbons. Mother’s Bistro serves delectable breakfast, lunch, and supper to locals yearning for the flavor of home (only better). Lardo serves pork-drenched burgers and sandwiches made with excess in mind for a great lunch with a twist.

Food vendors and stalls are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Portland’s culinary culture. Expensive delicacies that you’d never guess could be tossed together and enjoyed on the move may be found here.

Gumba delivers delectable pappardelle with roasted short ribs, while Matt’s BBQ, a Texas-style food trailer, offers succulent brisket and ribs. The food trucks are always a hit wherever you eat.

Seasonal, fresh ingredients from the Willamette Valley are used by Portland’s sophisticated chefs, as well as a combination of fun and savory delights like the legendary Voodoo Donuts.

Beer Scene in Portland

Portland’s entertainment culture is constantly changing, with new attractions and long-standing local favorites. Jake’s Famous Crawfish, a Portland tradition, is a great place to start your night with drinks and oysters. Locals congregate for karaoke at Alibi, a historic horse and carriage stop that was converted to a tavern and eventually a party bar in the 1800s.

Portlanders like whiskey, and the Multnomah Whiskey Library serves the most sophisticated concoctions from comfortable leather sofas. At the lovely Solo Club, indulge in highballs and other specialty cocktails, or rum from the Rum Club dive bar.

Don’t hesitate to go out and have some drinks at Teardrop Lounge, where Portland’s artisan cocktail culture began. Moving to Portland is an obvious decision for unending nightlife because there are more clubs and drinking places than you can possibly imagine.

a glass of beer next to french fries

Outdoor Activities in Portland

Residents in Portland enjoy both the music and brewing scenes, as well as the wonderful outdoors. Portlanders spend a lot of time outside since there are so many places to go for a great day trip.

Locals often go skiing, trekking, and fishing. There are many beautiful vistas of Mount Hood from many of Portland’s neighborhoods. Beautiful landscapes, hiking paths, waterfalls, and windsurfing all draw tourists to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Living in the Pacific Northwest means having access to a plethora of outdoor activities.

Even though Rose City is famed for its breweries, the Willamette Valley wine area is also located in the region. Take a day trip to try some of the regional wines and fresh foods. The Oregon Coast has rocky landscapes and public beaches where residents fish, promenade, and surf in the Pacific Ocean. It awaits folks who wish to take a longer day trip or stay overnight.

night city Portland

If you’re thinking about relocating to Portland, Oregon, contact Eileen today.

Her goal is to provide concierge-level service to her customers at every stage of their real estate transaction. If you want a realtor that knows how to bargain, welcomes creative marketing methods and actually lifts the real estate standard, Eileen O’Reilly is the perfect agent for you!

Is it worth moving to Portland?

There are more advantages to moving to Portland than we have listed in this article. Based on all the great things about this city, we can surely say it is worth it.

In fact, According to the US Census Bureau, Portland grows by 82 people every day, 578 people per week, or roughly 30,000 people per year.

Is Portland Oregon a depressing place to live?

According to a study in 2017, Portland came in 113th place among 150 cities with the highest rates of depression in the United States.

How much do you need to live comfortably in Portland Oregon?

Given that a single individual spends over $1,000 per month on non-rent related expenses, you’d need to make between $55,000 and $60,000 annually to live a decent life there. You might be able to get by on less, however, if you want to be rich enough to afford more, you might want to look for a higher-paying job.

Is Portland Oregon expensive to live in?

The cost of life in Portland, Oregon is 29% more than the national rate. The cost of living in any given place varies depending on a variety of factors such as your profession, the average pay in that area, and the Portland real estate market.

If you are considering a new home to settle down with your family or an investment opportunity, look no further than the growing town of Portland.

Eileen O'Reilly

Eileen O’Reilly is a Bay Area Top Producer, and one of eXp Realty’s most dedicated and successful real estate agents in Oregon. Committed to finding real solutions to the challenges buyers and sellers face today, Eileen draws from a heart-centered approach and tenacious drive to help clients transform their lives through real estate.

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