Moving From California to Oregon
If you are leaving California for the Pacific Northwest you are certainly not alone. In fact, studies have shown that 1 in 5 Oregon residents was born in California. So, what is it about Oregon that is attracting so many Californians? Oregon has much to offer its residents including a thriving economy, an active outdoors lifestyle, exciting restaurants and entertainment, beautiful scenery, and more affordable cost of living. Read more to discover the benefits of living in Oregon, how to go about relocating, and how much it will cost you to make the move.
Benefits of Moving from California to Oregon
Californians will find lots of incredible perks to becoming Oregonians. For starters, the cost of housing in California is among the highest in the country. While the overall cost of living doesn’t vary as much between the two states, there is a significant difference between the cost of home prices. Portland is among the most expensive areas in Oregon and housing prices in Portland are still only ⅓ of those in Los Angeles. Another huge perk of living in Oregon is the benefit of having no sales tax as compared to 7.25% sales tax in California. Californians will also notice a huge difference in traffic and transportation. Portland public transit is ranked the 5th best in the nation and the state has much less traffic overall compared to California. If that’s not enough, studies have shown that residents in Oregon are happier and more satisfied with their lives than any other state in the country. Let’s take a look at a few of Oregon’s other great benefits.
Diverse Climate
While the Golden State is certainly known for its ample sunshine and warm temperatures, the truth is there is no significant change in season in California. Oregon, on the other hand, has a diverse climate where residents can experience all 4 seasons including hot summers and snowy winters. This also means there are opportunities to enjoy different types of outdoor activities than California including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Residents might be trading in many of those sunny days for cloudy and rainier ones, but the overall climate of Oregon is pleasant.
Gorgeous Scenery
One of the biggest perks of moving to Oregon is the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking scenery. The Beaver State is home to some of the most spectacular sights including Boardman State Park where visitors can explore secluded beaches, incredible sand dunes, and stunning scenery. The Oregon coast is lined with gorgeous beaches, scenic lighthouses, and dramatic cliffs and sand dunes. The central part of the state boasts the majestic Cascade Mountains with Mt. Hood being the highest. These incredible mountains give climbers some of the most incredible panoramic views in the country. Combine these beautiful mountains with spectacular lakes and rivers and it’s no wonder Oregon is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
So Much to Do
Californians love to be outside but luckily so do Oregonians. The state’s beautiful landscape allows for plenty of outdoor activities. Along with enjoying some time swimming and surfing, residents can grab skis or snowboards and hit the slopes. Oregon’s incredible natural formations are also perfect for climbers and hikers while lakes and rivers are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Aside from outdoor activities, Oregon has a thriving art and music scene, exciting nightlife, great restaurants, and so much more.
Go Green
Oregon has consistently ranked as one of the eco-friendliest states in the country with Portland ranked as one of the greenest cities. Oregon is a proud leader in recycling, energy efficiency, low carbon footprints, environmentally certified green buildings, renewable energy, and farmer’s markets. What this means for residents is clean, fresh air and farm to table food!
Cost of Moving from California to Oregon
The average cost of a move less than 1,000 miles is around $4,000. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Oregon with Allied is $3,300.
There are many factors that go into determining the cost of a move including the exact distance of the move, the amount of items being moved, and any special handling requirements. The best way to find out how much your move will cost is by using our Instaquote listed above.
Most Popular Cities in Oregon
Portland
Portland draws business savvy residents for job opportunities since it is home to major employers like Intel, NIKE, and Precision Castparts Corp. Also, while the cost of homes is higher in Portland than in other parts of the state, it is still surprisingly affordable for a big city. There are also great suburbs that are more affordable including Hillsboro and Beaverton. People love Portland because you get to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors even though you are in a big city. With a vibrant culture, exciting nightlife, great beer, and lots of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Portland.
Eugene
Eugene has one of the best job markets in the Northwest with a booming tech industry. This has led to an increase in young professionals coming to Eugene to start their lives and raise their families. Eugene is also known for its great restaurants, fabulous beer and wine, plethora of bike trails and outdoor recreation activities, and of course the University of Oregon Ducks.
Salem
With a beautiful and serene countryside, vibrant cultural scene, relaxed atmosphere, and small town feel it’s easy to see why Salem ranks #77 on U.S. News list of Best Places to Live. Salem has a mild climate, affordable cost of living, easy commutes, and beautiful wineries. Locals enjoy its location which puts them just a short drive from quaint coastal towns as well as the larger city of Portland.
Gresham
For those who want small town charm with all of the amenities of a big city, Gresham is for you. Located just east of Portland sits the 4th largest city in Oregon. What was once primarily an agricultural community has since become a vibrant city with great public schools and plentiful job opportunities. The city is also one of the healthiest with more than 300 acres of park land 840 acres of natural areas, and miles of trails.
Bend
Bend is located in central Oregon just east of the Cascades and is known for its world class outdoor recreation including snowboarding and rock climbing. The city is also known for excellent education, healthcare jobs, and a thriving brewery scene. St. Charles Hath System is the largest employer in Bend and provides ample job opportunities for those in the healthcare industry. The city also has the most microbreweries per capita in the nation. Residents get to enjoy a variety of exciting outdoor activities such as snowboarding, skiing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.
How to Move from California to Oregon
The first step in moving from California to Oregon is to set a date for your move. Next you will need to choose a moving company. Not all moving companies provide the same level or service and have the capability to move long distance. That’s why it is important to choose a trusted company such as Allied. Our professional movers are specifically trained to handle long distance moves and can help you relocate with ease. Once you have chosen a moving company, it’s time to begin packing. To help lighten the load, Allied even offers professional packing and unpacking services. Moving is a busy time and Allied is here to help make the process and smooth as possible.
We want to help get you on your way so call today or get a free quote using our Instaquote!