10 Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon
Oregon, also known as the “Beaver State,” is located in the Pacific Northwest and is filled with lush greenery, sprawling coastlines, an amazing food scene, and a unique and vibrant culture. Home to just over 4.2 million people, there are many reasons why people choose to call this place home. Whether you’re looking to buy a house in Portland or just looking to rent an apartment in Eugene so you can see if it’s the right fit, you’ll be sure to find a place to settle down within the state. If you’re looking to relocate to the area, Redfin broke down 10 pros and cons of living in Oregon. Keep reading to see what made the list.
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Quick Facts about Oregon
Population
4,237,256
Median home sale price
$523,300
Average rent in Oregon
$1,541
Largest cities in Oregon
Portland, Eugene, Salem
1. Pro: A supportive sports fanbase
While Oregon does not have a professional sports team in every league, there is a great sports atmosphere and a strong fan base present in Portland. In the city, you will find the Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), and Portland Thorns FC (NWSL). Many great athletes have played on local teams such as Damian Lillard, Darlington Nagbe, and Alex Morgan. While in Portland, one of the best places to live in Oregon, catch a game at the Moda Center or Providence Park.
2. Con: Home prices can be high
Oregon’s home prices reflect a market that is relatively higher compared to the national median. With a median sale price of $523,300, Oregon’s real estate market exceeds the national median of $439,716. While not as extreme as neighboring California with a median sale price of $860,500, Oregon still presents a housing market that demands a significant financial commitment.
3. Pro: Delicious food and drink options
There is no denying that Oregon is home to a wonderful food and drink scene. Bend has the third most breweries per capita in the United States according to Food and Wine. Local favorites that you should check out include Bend Brewing Company, Sunriver Brewing Co., and Deschutes Brewery. Portland also has the best Pizza in America according to the Modernist Pizza featuring notable restaurants like Handsome Pizza, Sizzle Pie, and Apizza Scholls. If you’re looking to get a sample of different types of food, Portland has many food cart pods located in the North, Northeast, South, and Downtown areas.
Lastly, if you love dessert, Oregon is a good place to live. Be sure to pick up Voodoo Donuts, Churros Locos, Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai, Sea Star Gelato, and Bontà Natural Artisan Gelato.
4. Con: Expect to experience traffic in Oregon’s larger cities
While the eastern side of Oregon sees little traffic, the western side experiences heavy congestion, especially during rush hour. Portland, one of the largest cities in Oregon, gets particularly busy as commuters head towards the surrounding suburbs, as well as along the stretch between Salem and Portland. Additionally, the I-5 corridor through Grants Pass is often packed during peak times. Further south, Bend, another of the largest cities in Oregon, also sees its fair share of traffic during rush hours.
5. Pro: Access to pristine nature
Oregon is filled with beautiful coasts, lush forests, and tall mountains. Coastal cities like Pacific City, Cannon Beach, Astoria, Tillamook, and Seaside all get incredible views of the Pacific Ocean while Portland and surrounding suburbs like Sandy, Hood River, and The Dalles all get sights of Mount Hood on a clear day. In Bend, you can get a glimpse of Mount Bachelor and South Sister.
Oregon is also home to one national park, Crater Lake National Park, and several state parks including Cape Lookout State Park and Smith Rock State Park. If you love waterfalls, pay a visit to the Columbia River Gorge’s Waterfall Alley where you can visit 8 different waterfalls including Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls.
There are also a lot of outdoor recreational activities residents can partake in. Skiing or Snowboarding at Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood Meadows, or Timberline Lodge & Ski Area; hiking trails like Dog Mountain, Painted Canyon, and Wildhorse Lake Trail; and mountain biking at Powell Butte Nature Park or Rocky Point are favorite activities amongst locals.
6. Con: Risk of natural disasters
Oregon is no stranger to the potential dangers posed by natural disasters. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the state faces a range of risks, including earthquakes and wildfires. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, a tectonic plate boundary off the coast, poses a threat of a major earthquake, potentially causing widespread damage and disruption. In addition, Oregon’s diverse landscape, characterized by dense forests and arid regions, makes it susceptible to wildfires, especially during dry spells.
7. Pro: No sales tax
One of the benefits of living in Oregon is the absence of a sales tax, which can make everyday purchases more affordable. This can be particularly advantageous for residents, as it helps offset the higher income tax burden.
8. Con: The weather is gloomy and rainy for much of the year
The weather tends to be mild in Oregon with all four seasons and snow in the mountains, which can be a plus for some people. However, if you live in the western part of the state, expect to see clouds and rain for the majority of the winter, fall, and spring months. If you are a person who needs sunshine, you should consider eastern Oregon, which experiences much more extremes and tends to be drier compared to western Oregon, especially in the southeast region.
The state is also prone to many natural disasters, including wildfires and earthquakes. Be aware of them if you’re planning on making the move.
9. Pro: Bike-friendly cities
The “Beaver State” is filled with many scenic roads, urban bike trails, and mountain bike tracks that you can explore. Some of the best routes you can check out include Kelly Point Park, Deschutes River Railbed Trail, Rim Drive at Crater Lake, Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, and the Historic River Highway State Trail. Additionally, Portland is ranked as one of the most bikeable cities in the U.S.
10. Con: Residents pay high-income tax
Residents in Oregon face a high income tax burden, with the state’s top marginal tax rate reaching 9.90%, among the highest in the nation. This can lead to a significant portion of their earnings being allocated to state taxes, impacting overall disposable income.
Methodology: The population data is from the United States Census Bureau and the median home sale price and average rental data is from the Redfin Data Center.
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