Oregon is a blend of rugged coastline and scenic mountains with a mild marine climate. Packed full of outdoor recreation opportunities, a reputation for microbreweries and coffee roasters, and top it off with a growing tech industry, it is understandable why Oregon continues to be a top destination for those looking to relocate. Here are a few bits of advice you should know before moving to Oregon.

Moving to Oregon Advice

• Move any time. Prices aren’t likely to drop in the fall, or any other specific time of year. Renting a moving truck will cost you about the same during all year round.
• Expect rain in the fall or winter. If you choose this time of year for your move, be prepared to get wet. Those trees are green for a reason! Western Oregon gets a steady amount of rain in the colder month while eastern Oregon is dryer in general, but it still gets a fair share of rain.
• Traffic can be an issue in some parts of the state. Just like anywhere else in the country, the bigger cities and towns struggle more with traffic while the smaller towns enjoy more open roads and less congestion. The traffic in Portland, for instance, can be pretty bad while the opposite is true in towns like North Bend and Klamath Falls.
• Beware of parking permits. Most streets in cities like Portland, Eugene and Salem have specific street cleaning days and timeframes or permit-only parking. Check with your new town to make sure your moving truck can be parked on the street. Also, it is advisable to make sure you are not moving to your new home on a street cleaning day or restricted time.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Oregon easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives to your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Oregon is made up of 36 counties. Offering a mix of metropolitan areas, small quaint towns and fun coastal cities, you are sure to find an area of Oregon that fits your desired lifestyle.

Most people moving to Oregon think of Portland first. But don’t think for one second that Portland is exactly like the rest of the state. If you are considering moving to Oregon, but aren’t sure of your exact destination, check out some of the lesser-known cities. Bend has year-round activities including hiking, boating, skiing and snowboarding, camping, boating, and so much more. Ashland is a small college town with loads of outdoor activities as well. Hillsboro is home to large employers like Intel and Nike, Hillsboro continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the Tri-County area.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Oregon is 11.6 percent higher than the US average. Costs for food, utilities, and miscellaneous goods (restaurants, clothing, repairs, entertainment, etc.) in Oregon are generally in line with the US average. This means that the 11.6 increase in the cost of living comes in with respect to housing, transportation, and healthcare.

According to data collected in October 2022, the latest available at the time of writing, the median home sale price in Oregon was $492,700, representing a 3.5% increase compared to October 2021. Although Oregon home prices are still rising, it is at a significantly slower pace than in previous months. Homes are also selling more slowly, leading to a slight increase in inventory.  The median number of days on the market had increased to 31 in October 2022 from 16 the year before, bringing the number of homes for sale to 15,175, 5.1% more than the previous year.

As with any other state, the cost of living in Oregon will vary significantly by area. Small towns and rural areas may see expenses well below the national averages, while the Portland area, in particular, is one of the more expensive cities in the US.

Highways and Public Transport

Getting around the state of Oregon can be tricky due to drastic changes in terrain and lack of population; however, it is surprisingly easy to navigate the bigger communities, especially Portland. The state does experience the typical traffic jams, but Portland is known as a bicycle-friendly city and very walkable. Below are more transportation options in Oregon.

Air Travel
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Salem Municipal Airport (McNary Field)
Port of Astoria

Bus
TriMet
Cherriots
Rogue Valley Transportation District
Amtrak
Greyhound

Rail
Amtrak

Climate

When moving to Oregon, you will enjoy climate heavily influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Most of the state is fairly temperate but also very wet. Western Oregon has, on average, 68 days of sunshine each year. The winters are cloudy the summers are relatively dry with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can, however, reach into the 90s during July and August. The eastern part of the state stays drier and a few degrees warmer in the summertime.

Education

The 2014-2015 School District Report Card is also available for Oregon Public Schools, which includes any and all info you might need for elementary, junior high/middle school and high schools. Here are some helpful links for information on education when moving to Oregon:

Oregon Department of Education
Oregon Colleges
List of Oregon School Districts

Government

Want to take care of important (mandatory) tasks before moving to Oregon? Many of the items required for a move to Oregon can be found online.

Oregon Government Resources

• For an Oregon government overview and information on moving to Oregon, legal requirements and helpful links, visit Oregon.gov.
• Register to vote at your County Recorder’s Office or register to vote online.
• Find your local United States Post Office online.
• Register your vehicle and obtain a new driver’s license at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
• For tax information visit IRS.gov.