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. Needless to say, 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 boasts 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 About, 15 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, whether you’re strolling through Portland or chatting with retirees at the coast, there seems to be a relaxed vibe pulsing through the conversation.
Oregonians are known for embracing individuality and creativity, they can appreciate the nuances of living life off the beaten path. My husband and I have 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 will 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 will 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 plethora of things to do make living in Oregon a true delight. I hope you found this list helpful.
Until next time,
Antonina
Thanks for the honest information. We visited Oregon for the first time this summer and fell in love! In many ways, it sounds like Arizona (current home), only with a coast.
Oregon isn’t for everyone. We don’t appreciate people who move here who can’t get in sync with the Oregon way of doing things. If you drove aggressively back home, we hate that here. If you are in a hurry, Oregon will drive you mad. We like our friendly ways and we like being low key, dressing casually and spending time in nature, quietly. Loud, egotistical people have no place here. Oregon might be a good fit if you are a peaceful person with a kind heart and a love of the outdoors. The hipster glory days of Portland are gone now, so if that is what you seek, you will only find its shadow now. Some simple rules, drive carefully and slowly, never honk at anyone, let people merge onto the freeway, slow down for them, mind your own business, smile a lot, be nice. Do those things and you will fit in fine. And yeah, we still look squinty eyed at Californians and nobody does that more than Californians who became Oregonians.
Great writing; exceptional information; ticked all my boxes; bottom line: I’ll look somewhere else to retire. I say this because of dreams to do exactly as described: move to a gorgeous plot of land along the Oregon coast (W of I-5 was ideal). But I also read the referenced article in “Con #8” about the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the eventual “Big One”. I’ve been and am terrified for 40 years of the San Andreas Fault, but Ms. Shultz’s New Yorker article is the first I’ve heard of the Cascadia. Its subsequent destruction when it finally pops sounds worse than anything we’ve been warned with the San Andreas…AND it’s been some 40 years we’ve been taught how to be prepare, too. Geesh…I actually felt that bullet whiz by me just now.
Good information Antonina. I visited Portland Oregon about 20 years ago.
Does it rain for 6 months out of the year in AZ?
It is sunny most of the year here in Arizona. Not sure why people move to Oregon. It rains 80% of the year, and you can’t go out side it is so wet and cold.
Certainly not, but everyone in AZ thinks Californians are to blame for the housing market problems there, so similarities do exist.
4th generation Oregonian. We are in the fight of our lives. The once top rated city of Portland is collapsing with homeless growing 23% after all the efforts to cure the homeless. Kids despite being the largest funded budget item in the states General fund, graduating can’t do math and the reading level is tanking. More money over the years seems to reduce graduates abilities.
The legislature is passing a law that parents do not have a say in their children taking chemical castration drugs. It’s beautiful and we all do care about keeping it that way long before the “carbon” lingo appeared. People always had been nice to each other but it’s gotten far worse as some no longer tolerate all people like we used to. Just look at the authors comments. It’s not family friendly they way it used to be and sadly we took for granted it always would be. Since 2021 we have large net outmigrations of residents. Politicians are corrupt due to a super majority of one party since vote by mail was implemented in the 1980s. We regret voting for it because before then we had governors of both parties and even an independant.
All the beaches are open to the public. It was an avid outdoorsman, Repulican Governor, Tom McCall, who made that one of his top objectives. Now it’s think my way or we shove it down your throat with very little comprise. I’ve seen huge changes over the decades. Corporations don’t put their HQ here any longer because the CAT tax it taxes them on their gross earnings before costs, drining many out, the most recent id BiMart closed all its Pharmacies. It is driving jobs out of the state in a state that gets most of its income from personal taxes and only 8% from corporate tax because large corporations know better than to have their HQ here.
It is bicycle friendly and there are lots of beautiful reasons why. The forests are truely stunning at times and its a scenic place to hunt, fish, take pictures of wildlife and just go on lots of mountain hikes. There are smells that are gorgeious outside the cities.The cities that used to have a reputation for being clean and friendly have tents, excess garbage, dedication and closed storefronts where none existed since the 1970s. But you can hunt outside the cities for waterfalls, covered bridges, ghost towns, there is always one you missed.
My spouse and inlaws were from California, so I have great fondness for them and yes the net immigration from California outpaced any state for decades. We did benefit from the soaring property values in California when people who sold their houses for $1 million in California got a similar house for $350,000 in Oregon. Those days are over, that same house will be $750,000-$900,000 now. You have had to live here a lifetime to understand the dramatic change. 10-15 years is not enough. It benefitted the landowners but the 20-30 year olds are now not happy the Boomers put home ownership so far out of reach.
This is more of the honest truth in 2023. Let’s not sugar coat it when claiming to share honest pros and cons. It’s worth fighting for to return it to a balanced wonderful place and some of us keep trying. Come if you will help stop the soaring crime and taxes while education and parent involvement is plunging because sustained political super majorities always result in self interested corruption. These are fair things you should know that may have been overlooked. It used to be far better.
Life long Oregonian as well. I couldn’t have said it better.
Your every point was spot on.
I keep hoping Oregon will turn its self around, but you are correct… with mail in voting, there is no hope.
Thank you for your post.
No, Arizona is lucky to get any rain at all these days. The annual rainfall is around 11 inches, with most of that falling during the summer monsoon season, but there has been a long-term, severe drought for the last 20+ years. Climate change is affecting things there increasingly, with 100+ degree temperatures reaching further into the fall season, and water availability a concerning issue. The Sonoran Desert, mountains, and expansive, sky-filled vistas are all breathtaking. I lived in Tucson for 35 years and consider myself a desert rat. However, as I got older and less heat tolerant, I decided to make the move to Oregon, where I’ve visited annually for almost 30 years. I’ve traded cabin fever during the summer months for cabin fever during the winter months. Otherwise, both places offer much natural beauty and a their own unique vibe. Many snowbirds travel between the Southwest and Northwest, a pretty perfect arrangement. I wish I could afford it!
“Listen, we’re all trying to make a better life for ourselves and living in Oregon is appealing!”
And so were we! Until an influx of people with loads of money ruined our market and drove most locals out of their hometowns and away from their families.
But, I’m sure you don’t mind. Have fun ruining a once beautiful city.
This comment seems unfair to me. I’m a lifelong local that can’t afford to live in the city I grew up in either. It’s not an influx of people changing the housing market because the housing market is off the charts all over the United States.
I can understand your frustration, but people will move around without (or without) your approval. Think of it this way — you may have displaced a person in the new city you moved to because you were able to afford the house (with a PNW salary) and a local wasn’t. There’s two sides to every story and I stand by my comment that everyone is trying to make a better life for themselves.
Two main things swayed me away.
1. The higher tax income tax rate (the zero sales tax rate is kind of meaningless as the yearly savings is negligible). State income tax difference even when compared to another high income tax state like NJ is quite high, although the lower property tax rates in Oregon probably offsets a decent amount of that difference.
2. The Cascadia earthquake risk (that New Yorker article was bone chilling). But I guess even this might be a secondary factor because you can always go to Bend, OR where you are reasonably insulated from the earthquake effects.
But definitely sounds like a beautiful place to visit!
It’s stunning here, definitely pay the state a visit! I’m glad to hear you took the pros and cons seriously, that was my intention in writing an honest post.
Cheers!
I was born in Nashville, TN but spent many summers with my grandfather in Amity, OR. He was a master gardener and the house was surrounded with irises roses marigolds petunias and such, as well as cherry plum pear and apple trees. The house itself was an 1890s Sears mail order house that had ramshackle additions attached to it over the years, a standalone kitchen in the 20’s (with a well that was later covered), a living space in the 40’s that connected the main house to the kitchen, and then a workshop and two bedrooms added in the 50’s to 70’s.
I have many fond memories of that place and have often thought of moving out there later in life when I retire (Currently 30).
I would like to add that even at the highest state income tax level it’s really not that different and may even be preferable if you’re in a lower bracket. TN may have no state income tax but every time you spend your money you pay 9.75% in tax, 7% state and 2.75% local.
9.75% remains the same for everyone, even families that would pay 5% in Oregon.
Politically I lean slightly conservative centrist and get along with almost any political orientation as long as they can agree to disagree on the hot button issues, but coming from TN the thing I would miss the most would probably be the public perception and laws regarding personal firearms ownership.
Thank you for your honest assessment of Oregon. I knew Washington state was gloomy but I guess Oregon is too. All states have their pros and cons. My state (Maine) is called vacationland but most people think of lobsters. I know only of my little area, western central Me., which I must say the only Big One we’re waiting for are Nor’easters (or ice storms) in the winter! (Sometimes we have a close call with hurricanes)
I love your comments because what my hubby and me seek too. But hey, we live in Utah now- but both moved from Ca.! Speaking as a Californian , 5th generation in fact, we r used to it. Thankfully this Ca girl knows how to adapt. Many blessings to you and your love of your state shines bright.
I’m from Africa more precise Liberia my attention have been shown to the pool school systems.
I am looking to move to Oregon. I think this blog and your comment just had a huge impact on me.
Wisdom with Re: to human nature in your response, Antonina???? We all need to be honest with ourselves and seek to understand others.
I also appreciate Eugenes reply above on respecting the goodness of a place you’re planning on visiting or moving to.
Glad you enjoy where you live!
We lived and worked in Oregon for 14 years. If you enjoy being underpaid and possibly not paid, this is your town. If you enjoy endless corruption and the elected officials doing whatever they want to pad their account. Welcome. The few beaches here are filled with angry people and pit bulls.
I was crazy happy with oregon when I moved across the country to live there as an adult only to have my life negatively impacted directly by Oregon drug users striking me while they were driving and I was riding my bike! As a result I left Oregon forever and moved far outside of state! Oregon quickly became not for me!
I was in pdx for a few months and liked the cooler weather and nature all over when compared to say LA or other large cities. It’s a bit drab depressionist place though that seems like crime is casual atmosphere in a place with anything goes too laid back atmosphere, no principles of decency in the population, very relativistic easily manipulated values. Drugs are all over the place, and a huge gambling problem with the state promoting it, never seen so many gambling machines outside of Vegas. Big child abuse problem all over as well. Recommend smaller places along the 5 south or north of pdx or farther inland. And the Oregon Coast is amazing, if you are off season traveler otherwise it’s a zoo with gross overcrowded camping cities at ripoff pricing.
Ahhhh, you can’t be serious about Oregonians being friendly? My family is the original homesteaders of Oregon. So I’ve been there my entire life.
I moved away from Oregon, because of how rude, obnoxious, and self centered everyone is.
As far as walking past someone, and getting a friendly “hello.” Well, that had me laughing so hard. Quite the opposite!
I would always try to greet people, yet they would immediately put head down; walking swiftly past you.
MANY, MANY, MANY California’s have moved to the State – bringing their attitude and self-righteous ways.
Couldn’t pay me to live there. Now, I will say… if you are homeless, a trans, queer, etc., you’ll love it.
BS review of Oregon the voting by mail is totally fraudulent. The cost of living here is outrageous. They want to tow the highways so you can’t get anywhere without paying a fortune. They’ve raised the taxes to the point we are considering moving elsewhere even though we do love the weather in the summer and early fall here. Portland is lined with homeless and drug addicts. It is not as safe as people are saying anymore. I grew up in southern Oregon and I live in Northern Oregon now I’ve also lived in Seattle Washington. I can’t imagine living somewhere where there’s high humidity in, but it is a consideration and I’ve never heard anyone discuss the big one earthquake in the past 12 years.
Hey Jill,
I hear your frustration! I know a lot of people across Oregon (especially in Portland) have complex feelings about the changes happening here. There’s no question the cost of living has risen, and concerns around safety, infrastructure, and housing are felt by many locals (myself included).
My blog is meant to share my personal experience living in Oregon, but I always appreciate hearing different perspectives. It’s important to acknowledge that the city, like many others, has its challenges alongside its beauty — and both deserve to be part of the conversation.
Hi Antonina,
I think you captured the pros/cons of Oregon perfectly. I have lived here for 25 years after relocating from the East Coast. While a bit more reserved, Oregonians are much friendlier to strangers.
The city of Portland stumbled a bit after the pandemic on drug laws and homelessness but I think it’s been on the rebound (despite recent depictions otherwise). I am left of center politically, but if you are right of center or far right, you may not feel as home or agree with the more liberal politics in Portland. That changes as you move out to the suburbs and other parts of Oregon.