Are you thinking about moving to Oregon? I’ve lived here for 30+ years and wanted to share the honest pros and cons of living in Oregon to make your decision a bit easier.
The state is known for unparalleled access to nature (from ancient forests to the rugged coast), ample recreational opportunities, award-winning wineries, top-notch restaurants, great breweries and an overall easy-going way of life.
I’m confident there’s a place in Oregon that can satisfy almost anyone’s interests and needs. But is living in Oregon right for you? Read on for the advantages and disadvantages of living in Oregon from a local’s perspective.
Please keep in mind that this is my personal list based on firsthand experience, not everyone will feel the same way and that’s totally fine! It’s what the comments are for. Enjoy!
Pros & Cons of Living in Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
Table of Contents: Moving to Oregon
The Perks of Moving to Oregon
#1. Access to Nature & Outdoor Recreation
One of my favorite things about living in Oregon is the epic natural scenery. The Pacific Northwest is renowned for stunning landscapes and endless outdoor adventures. From towering volcanic peaks to breathtaking beaches and vast deserts, Oregon has it all.
In fact, Oregon is home to the deepest lake and deepest river gorge in the country. nature plays a big role in daily life while living in Oregon. Heck, outdoor recreation is probably one of the biggest draws for most folks moving to Oregon.
If you live in one of the most populous cities in the state (like Portland, Eugene or Salem), you’re usually a mere two-hour drive from the ocean, forest or mountains. The varied terrain will keep you occupied for a long time.
If you want to get a taste for the incredible scenery in Oregon, I suggest reading: The 7 BREATHTAKING Wonders of Oregon (+5 More We Should Add ASAP) or The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Oregon (Local’s Guide)
#2. The Summer Weather Can’t be Beat
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a state with more pleasant summers than Oregon. The daytime temperatures tend to be mild, it cools down at night and there aren’t tons of pesky bugs to fend off if you’re enjoying dinner al fresco.
Likewise, the summer season is full of fun events and traditions. Like fruit picking in Hood River (the peaches and cherries!), visiting wineries in the Willamette valley and going on jaw-dropping hikes amidst blooming flowers, summer feels like a dream.
The best part? Humidity is nonexistent, so it’s easy to take advantage of being outside. Summers are so blissful that many of our friends refuse to move out of Oregon for that reason alone.
Another perk? Portland, Oregon is one of the least challenging cities in the country for folks that have severe allergies. The clean air quality and mild temperatures make it easy to enjoy life outside while living in Oregon.
#3. Oregon Wine Country
One thing is certain about moving to Oregon, you’ll never go thirsty. In fact, Oregon is the 4th-most wine producing state in the country. Willamette Valley is the undisputed darling of Oregon’s wine regions, which features more than 550 wineries.
Located at the same latitude as Burgundy (France) and shares a similarly mild climate, perfect for growing grapes. Oregon’s specialties are Pinot noirs and Chardonnays that can hold their own in worldwide competitions.
There’s nothing like sipping a velvety pour of bright Pinot noir or enjoying a chilled glass of creamy Chardonnay during a warm summer evening while overlooking rolling hills of healthy vines, the epitome of a life well lived.
My husband and I often take advantage of Oregon’s famous wines by visiting wineries with friends during the summer and fall months, it’s one of favorite things about living in Oregon.
Love wine? Me too, here’s some of my wine guides: 10 Memorable Willamette Valley Wineries Worth Getting Excited About15 Outstanding Oregon Wineries (Thirsty Local’s Guide) and 15 Charming Hood River Wineries (Guaranteed to Impress).
#4. Cyclists Rejoice!
With more than 400+ miles of bike lanes, Oregon is home to the most bike-friendly city in the country, Portland. Year after year, Portland clocks in as one of the best cities for cyclists due to extensive biking trails and advanced bike infrastructure.
In fact, prior to the pandemic, biking was so popular in Portland that on average 5.3% of locals commuted to work by bike, far exceeding the national average of .5%.
However, post-pandemic, there’s been a sharp decrease in bike commuters. This updated report does a great job explaining why the city is seeing a decline in ridership (in large part due to work-from-home), despite the great infrastructure.
Take your bike for a spin at Waterfront Park, which is especially beautiful in the spring, if you want proof, read: Local’s Guide to Cherry Blossoms in Portland.
#5. Voting Couldn’t be Easier While Living in Oregon
Oregon is one of the few states that implemented mail-in-voting well before COVID. As a local, I find it incredibly easy to vote from the comfort of home, which is why this is such a huge perk of living in Oregon.
During election season, my husband and I spend half a day deep diving into candidates and discussing ideals before casting our ballots. We typically do this during a weekend morning with a cup of coffee in hand and some music playing in the background, it wouldn’t be easier.
We don’t need to wait in line for hours to partake in our civic duty. Voting is easy while living in Oregon and there’s no excuse not to participate. Now, if only we could make election day a national holiday, imagine that!
#6. Oregonians Care About the Environment
Locals care deeply for the environment. Because of this, Oregon has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the country. Our effort to be good stewards of the land is made evident in the way most people live their daily lives in Oregon.
By and large, locals don’t litter, know how to compost and recycle properly, and shop local whenever possible (as opposed to frequenting big chain retailers). Heck, in 1971 Oregon became the first state to introduce a bottle deposit to mitigate littering.
Apart from daily personal habits, on a legislative scale, Oregon is considered one of the greenest states in the country because of its progressive legislature and strong focus on climate change.
In March 2020, Oregon’s Governor signed an ambitious executive order (EO 20-04) directing agencies to aggressively reduce 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2035; and 80% by 2050.
What’s more, the city of Portland recently passed a green tax for large corporations, using the revenue to fund energy efficiency initiatives in underserved communities. Making it the first city in America to pass such an progressive tax.
So if you care about minimizing your impacts on the environment, you’ll find that living in Oregon will probably align with your personal beliefs.
#7. Access to the Oregon Coast
One of the best things about living in Oregon is having access to the breathtaking Oregon coast. Stretching 362 miles, this section of the state is nationally famous and has an allure few can resist.
The rugged coastline is dotted with massive rock formations, historic lighthouses, charming towns and the largest coastal sand dunes in America. But what makes the Oregon coast so special? Well, for starters, every inch of the coastline is public property (and therefore freely accessible to everyone).
This is thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill from 1967, which made it unlawful for an entity to privatize any stretch of Oregon’s shoreline. Having access to the coast is an advantage of living in Oregon that can’t be overstated because it makes weekend escapes out of the city so much more enjoyable.
My childhood is freckled with memories of summer at the Oregon coast, so I’m definitely biased. It took my husband a few visits to fall under the area’s spell, but as soon as he discovered crabbing and clamming, he was hooked!
You Might Enjoy Reading: 15 Charming Oregon Coast Towns (You Can’t Help But Love)20 EPIC Things to Do at the Oregon Coast (+2 to Avoid) and 15 Irresistible Oregon Coast Beaches to Explore By Summer’s End.
#8. The Easy-Going Vibes
By and large, living in Oregon is easy because of the laid-back culture inherent to the state. Like with all states, small towns have different vibes than larger cities, but in Oregon,
Oregonians are known for embracing individuality and creativity, they can appreciate the nuances of living life off the beaten path. My husband and I’ve found ourselves reliant on strangers on several occasions over the years, so many of our memories end with the kindness of strangers.
I love living in Oregon because the people have always been so kind (in my experience).
#9. There’s No Sales Tax
Oregon is one of five states that doesn’t impose a sales tax, which means anything you buy will be sold to you tax-free. In turn, this saves hundreds, if not thousands, a year on larger purchases like computers, jewelry, appliances, furniture and clothing.
However, it’s worth mentioning that even though you won’t pay sales tax after moving to Oregon, you’ll be subject to one of the highest income taxes in the country (I’ll cover that shortly).
Cons of Living in Oregon
#1. The Housing Market is Off the Charts
The state’s housing market has skyrocketed over the past decade. I know this isn’t unique to Oregon, but it warrants mention because it prevents so many people from moving to Oregon.
The high cost of housing isn’t unique to Portland (the state’s most populous city), Bend has also seen an unbelievable surge, as has the Oregon coast.
Initially disrupted by pandemic and economic uncertainties, the state’s housing market gradually rebounded as remote work options spurred demand for larger homes in suburban and rural areas. Low interest rates further fueled this demand, leading to a surge in both home sales and prices across the state.
However, supply constraints persisted, exacerbating price surges for many potential buyers. Meanwhile, urban areas witnessed a more tempered recovery as remote work trends reshaped preferences and priorities.
Overall, Oregon’s housing market emerged from the pandemic with a mix of tepid enthusiasm, but the prices are still largely unrealistic for the average first time home buyer.
#2. The High Tax Burden
Considering the lack of sales tax, it’s easy to assume that moving to Oregon would leave a bit more change in your pocket, but that’s not the case because Oregon has the 5th highest state income tax in the country.
The state income tax ranges between 5% and 9.9%, depending on the income bracket. Suffice it to say that living in Oregon won’t come cheap. I mean, almost every other state has a lesser income tax, which is a hard pill to swallow.
Your take-home pay will take a substantial hit because of the nearly 10% income tax. Between the federal and state income tax, expect to fork over 30% to taxes at a minimum.
#3. The Schools Aren’t Great
With a high school graduation rate of 81.3%Oregon has some of the lowest graduation rates in the nation. The latest national data available shows Oregon placing at around 38 of all 50 states.
Lest we forget, Oregon made headlines in 2015 for having the worst high school graduation rate of any state. All this to say, if you’re moving to Oregon with kids, you might want to consider researching private schools.
#4. Reserved Locals
After living in Oregon for so long, I want to be transparent about one of the state’s biggest disadvantages, which is reserved locals, especially in the big cities. Making friends requires considerable effort because locals like to keep to themselves.
Apart from making friends, the other thing to be mindful of is entitled lifelong locals who don’t want anyone moving to the state. I’ve heard far too many passive-aggressive remarks blaming newcomers for exorbitant housing prices and whatever else is in vogue to gripe about.
As a lifelong local myself, I don’t understand it. I mean, we’re all trying to make a better life for ourselves and living in Oregon has so many perks! Who could blame anyone for wanting to try it out?
Oregonians are frustrated by being outbid for homes by buyers from wealthier cities with cash offers in hand. But heck, I’ve been here all my life and I can’t even afford to buy a home. The secret it out and people are moving to Oregon and that’s not a bad thing.
#5. The High Cost of Living in Oregon
There’s no way around this, living in Oregon comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you want to move to Portland. As mentioned earlier, housing is the biggest factor.
By and large, living in Portland is 17% more expensive than living in other US cities of similar size. Before moving to Oregon, check out this super handy calculator that determines cost of living in Oregon for your unique situation.
#6. Frankly, the Weather Sucks Most of the Year
The weather will vary depending on where you live in Oregon, but since most folks flock to one of the five most populated cities, you can expect gray skies six months of the year.
A notoriously rainy state, the worst part isn’t the constant drizzle, it’s the forever-looming gray clouds taking permanent residence in the fall, winter and spring months.
Long sun-free winters should be taken into consideration before considering moving to Oregon because it’s not for the faint of heart. Case in point, Oregon has the 6th highest depression rates in the country (it’d be naive to assume the weather doesn’t play at least a minimal role).
It’s no wonder Oregonians are desperate to take advantage of the quickly-fleeting summer months. All the trails and parks are packed during the warm season!
The best way to combat Oregon’s dreary weather? This handy tool. I couldn’t live without it during the winter.
#7. Lack of Sports Teams
If you’re moving to Oregon in hopes of finding a new NFL or MLB team to adopt, you’ll find yourself wanting. At the moment, Oregon has two professional sports teams. The Portland Trailblazers (NBA championship in 1977) and the Portland Timbers (championship in 2015), a soccer team with a cult-like following.
Apart from that, there’s also a major junior hockey team, the Portland Winterhawks, and the Portland Pickles, a Class A baseball team. If you’re an avid sport fan that can’t live without football, you may find yourself driving north to Seattle for games and tailgating.
#8. The Big One is a Constant Thought
One thing you’ll learn quickly while living in Oregon is that Oregonians are constantly thinking about a looming disastrous 8.0 earthquake expected to hit the state any day now, billed “The Big One.”
The Big One is anticipated to be the the worst natural disaster in our country’s history and the state is in no position to handle it. If you’re into horrors, a New Yorker journalist outlined this entire event in great detail in this article.
So heads up! When you move to Oregon don’t be surprised when your friends and coworkers bring up the Big One in conversations, because it will happen on a weekly basis.
Daily Life in Oregon (Post Summary)
In short, here are the honest pros and cons of living in Oregon state:
- The natural scenery
- No sales tax
- The wineries
- Bike friendly
- Don’t pump your own gas
- Voting made easy
- Care for the environment
- Access to the Oregon Coast
- Easy going vibe
- The summer weather
- The housing market
- The weather
- Poor school systems
- High cost of living
- Reserved locals
- Lack of sports teams
- High state income tax
- The Big One
Love Oregon? Here’s some articles you may find interesting
- 20 JAW-DROPPING Places in Oregon You Have to See to Believe
- The 7 BREATHTAKING Wonders of Oregon (+4 More We Should Add ASAP)
- 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Portland
- 20 Wildly Beautiful Oregon Waterfalls That Are Completely Worth the Hype
- 12 Legendary Oregon Lakes Perfect for Escaping the Summer Heat
- 12+ Charming Oregon Coast Towns You Can’t Help But Love
The diversity in landscape and the plenty of things to do make living in Oregon a true delight. I hope you found this list helpful.
Until next time,
Antonina
Read: 15 Stunning Oregon State Parks You Can’t Afford to Miss
Read: 7 Oregon Wine Regions Worth Getting Excited About
Read: Visiting the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon (2026 Guide)
Read: 10 SAFEST Cities in Oregon Based on Stats (Helpful Guide)
Read: 15 Best Places to Live in Oregon (Helpful Local’s Guide)
