More than 4 million people live in Oregon. Despite what you may think from an outsider’s point of view, the state offers far more than the big city streets of Portland. It’s a nature-lovers paradise, a land where comfort is in full effect thanks to the laid-back vibe, scenic beauty, and friendly residents. Before you pack your bags and relocate to Oregon, here are five fun facts you should know about your new state.
Fact 1: More Than Portland
Portland is known as Oregon’s party town, the city where hipster culture and eclectic lifestyles flourish. It’s home to a broad mixture of people and offers an abundance of entertainment for everyone. And while Portland is a fantastic place to call home, the state has so many other small and mid-size towns that you may want to consider. For a great list of best places to live, check out this Oregon moving guide.
Fact 2: Weather Situations
Expect rainfall frequently when living in Oregon. Mild winters come with minimal snowfall. Summertime in Oregon is usually warm and gentle, making each day (that it doesn’t rain) perfect for outdoor activities. The mild Oregon weather also affords residents lower energy consumption costs. That’s always a perk you’ll value.
Fact 3: Extensive Farmland
Growing crops in Oregon is almost second nature to most residents. You’ll see many roadside stands selling your choice of fresh, homegrown veggies and fruits. The abundance of farmland throughout the state allows more people to grow their gardens and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Gardening is a fun hobby for most people. Even people who aren’t avid gardeners find it easy to grow crops in Oregon, in part thanks to the fertile soil and flourishing environment.
Fact 4: Buying a House is Expensive
The population rates in the state have flourished since 2016. Housing supply hasn’t been able to keep up with demand. As such, it’s a seller’s market, and housing prices are higher than usual throughout the state. Housing prices in Portland are the most expensive. Most people find they need to rent a home versus buy, at least for the time being.
Fact 5: No State Sales Tax
Only 5 of the 50 U.S. states are without sales tax. Lucky for you, Oregon happens to be one of them. It gives you a great break on the costs of everything that you purchase. The price that you see on the sticker tag is the price that you pay for the items that you are buying! On the downstate, the state’s income tax rate is higher than the national average.
You’ll want to know so much more about Oregon since it’s soon to be your new home state, especially now that we’ve broken the surface with the information above. The ball is in your court. There is so much more to learn about Oregon as you make your way to a new kind of life in this remarkable state.
Fact 6: Lots Of People Are Moving From California
Oregon is a popular destination for people that are moving from California and the majority of them are heading to Portland. Nearly 32% of the Californians moving to Portland are coming from the Bay Area alone and this trend is increasing. Year after year, Oregon is seeing a net inflow of people from California, which means more Californians are moving to Oregon than there are Oregonians moving to California. As a result, Portland and the surrounding area can feel flooded with pricier real estate driven up by the cost of Californians moving in.