Yes, Oregon can be a good place to live. The state has striking scenery, from rocky shores to snowy peaks, along with year-round activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing. Its food and drink options, steady economy, and absence of a state sales tax make it appealing.
Still, life here has hurdles: costly housing, long stretches of cloudy, wet weather, traffic in larger cities, and certain natural hazards.
This article will guide you through the main pros and cons so you can decide if Oregon could be the right fit.
What You’ll Learn
There are several key factors to think about before relocating to the Beaver State. You will discover:
The most notable natural landmarks in the state
The advantages and opportunities that Oregon offers to newcomers
The factors that make living in the state expensive
The most common natural disasters Oregonians face
Summary
Pros of Living in Oregon
Stunning Natural Landscapes
Oregon's natural beauty draws millions of visitors each year to experience everything from rocky coastlines to snow-capped mountains and dense forests. In fact, more than 50 million people visit Oregon’s state parks each year.
Some return to favorites like Valley of the Rogue State Park, which offers pet-friendly yurts, RV dump stations, and a mountain bike trail. Others venture to the rugged coast, finding places like Cape Arago and Sunset Bay, where the waves crash against towering cliffs and quiet beaches invite long walks.
More than half of the state’s land is protected as public land. That means around 30 million acres of Oregon waterfalls, forests, rivers, and mountains open for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Some of the most popular places in Oregon you can explore include:
Crater Lake National Park: It features a deep blue lake sitting inside an ancient volcanic crater. The lake is almost 2,000 feet deep and offers amazing views from the rim drive that circles around it.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: This 12-mile stretch of coastline showcases Oregon's most dramatic ocean scenery with natural rock arches and sea stacks. You can explore tide pools, walk along scenic trails, and watch for whales from the many viewpoints.
No State Sales Tax
Oregon is among the five states that do not levy a statewide sales tax. If you live here, you don't have to pay extra taxes on most things you buy, helping you save money on everyday purchases.
When you're shopping for clothes, electronics, or furniture, the price you see is exactly what you pay. This can help a lot when making big purchases.
If you want to become a business owner, not having a sales tax is also helpful for your growth. You don’t need to track, collect, or send extra tax payments to the government. This means less paperwork and lower costs.
Key considerations:
Significant savings: One estimate puts the money saved for every purchase in Oregon between 4 percent and 10 percent.
Some taxes on purchases still apply: For example, Oregon residents must pay a 0.5% vehicle use tax on cars bought from out-of-state dealers.
Strong Economy
Oregon’s economy keeps growing at a steady pace, which is good news if you’re looking for stable opportunities. In fact, the state is only one out of 11 others that exports more than it imports; more than $34 billion worth of goods sold to other countries, compared to $28 billion imported.
This trade success comes largely from the entrepreneurial spirit of Oregon's small and mid-sized businesses. These make up the majority of the state's exporters and help drive economic stability across communities.
And with the Oregon minimum wage at $14.20 per hour in standard counties (and higher in metro areas), you can earn a living wage that's well above the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.
These competitive wages are even higher in continuously-growing industries in the Beaver State, such as:
Technology: The average software engineer salary in Oregon is $74.99 an hour.
Healthcare: The average hourly salary for a registered nurse ranges from $44.66 to $52.10.
Vibrant Food and Drink Scene
Oregon is known for its beautiful nature, but it also has amazing food. You're never far away from food that is delicious, local, and made with care. Whether you're craving wild-caught seafood on the coast, bold wines in the Willamette Valley, or craft beer and food carts in Portland, Oregon serves up unforgettable flavors in every corner of the state.
One can argue that moving to Portland alone is worth it for its food scene. The city has around 600 food carts serving everything from burgers and tacos to Thai and Ethiopian food. Portland is also famous for its craft beer. With more than 70 breweries, it has earned a strong reputation as one of the best beer cities in the country.
There are other cities that highlight Oregon’s rich food traditions, including:
Salem: The culinary scene in the capital of Oregon may not be quite as vibrant and experimental as Portland, but the city still has its share of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and wineries.
Bend: The High Desert Food Trail runs right through the city. This route connects dozens of farms, eateries, markets, and small food producers.
Cons of Living in Oregon
High Cost of Living
Oregon is among the more expensive states to live in. While New York, California, and Hawaii are typically costlier, housing and living expenses in Oregon remain above the national average.
The biggest reason for the high cost? Housing. A typical home in Oregon costs around $517,000, which is more than a quarter higher than the national average.
It can be more expensive in certain locations. For example, Portland home values hover near $544,000. Even smaller places like Bend are no exception, with average home values around $747,000.
Renting isn’t much easier. Many people in Oregon spend at least 30% of their income on rent and utilities, which can make it hard to afford other expenses.
The table below compares prices in Oregon with the national average to show you how expensive it is to live in the Beaver State.
Other factors that keep the cost of living in Oregon up:
Childcare: One estimate puts this at $19,064 annually.
Transportation: Living in places without public transit means costs like car maintenance and fuel add up.
Traffic Congestion
WalletHub ranks Oregon 31st in the nation for driving, factoring in road quality, gas prices, and traffic. Portland contributes significantly to this ranking, with drivers spending an average of more than six hours each week in congestion — nearly twice the national average.
Some road challenges are tied to the state’s terrain. Routes through mountains, forests, and along the coast need frequent upkeep to handle heavy rain, snow, and constant use.
To deal with or even avoid traffic, you can:
Avoid peak hours: Portland’s busiest times are weekdays from about 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the morning and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the evening.
Go cycling: Oregon is one of the safest places for bicycle commuters, ranking sixth nationwide in safety.
Gloomy and Rainy Weather
Oregon gets a lot of clouds and rain, especially in the winter. In western parts like Portland and the Willamette Valley, rain and gray skies last for months. That kind of weather can wear on you over time and make outdoor plans tough. Even though summers tend to be warm and dry, the long stretch of wet weather can feel dull.
If you’re looking for sunshine, these Oregon cities deliver it in abundance:
Klamath Falls: Oregon’s “City of Sunshine” averages almost 300 sunny days a year.
Malin: The city experiences more than 200 sunny days every year.
High Income Tax
Oregon uses a graduated income tax, where higher earnings mean paying a larger percentage. Rates run from 4.75% to 9.9%, which is above nearby states like Washington and Nevada that have no income tax at all.
Keep in mind that Oregon doesn’t charge a sales tax on purchases like clothes, electronics, or groceries. The state, though, still needs to fund schools, roads, and public services. This is why it leans heavily on income taxes instead.
Businesses, meanwhile, face a complex corporate tax system, which some say makes it harder to attract new companies. While the scenery and lack of sales tax appeal to many, the tax setup can be tough on both workers and businesses.
Managing this may involve:
Staying organized with year-round records: Keep files of receipts, medical bills, donations, and property taxes.
Working with tax professionals: They can help you make smart financial decisions.
Risk of Natural Disasters
While Oregon doesn’t face disasters on the same scale as nearby California, it still carries certain risks. Landslides are one of the biggest hazards, and SmartAsset ranks Oregon as having the highest risk in the country. Heavy rain, steep slopes, and loose soil make some areas more likely to see dangerous ground movement.
Wildfires are another concern. While they may not match the scale of California’s, they still affect many parts of the state during the dry summer months. People in high-risk zones may need to follow strict building rules aimed at lowering fire danger, helping protect homes and neighborhoods from fast-moving flames.
Preparing for natural disasters can also mean:
Analyzing interactive maps: One tool you can use is the Oregon Wildlife Risk Explorer.
Create a defensible space around your home: One way to do so is by clearing flammable plants.
Final Thoughts: Living in Oregon
Oregon offers a rare mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and flavorful food that can add a lot to daily life. If you enjoy being outside, biking, or exploring new flavors, it’s easy to feel at home here.
Still, high housing costs, long rainy seasons, and a high income tax can be real challenges.
In the end, if those trade-offs fit your priorities, Oregon can offer a rewarding place to settle.
Moving to the Beaver State?
Oregon’s stunning landscapes and outdoor lifestyle make it an exciting place to call home. Driving your car to get there, though, can be stressful and expensive.
That’s where AmeriFreight Car Shipping comes in. With more than two decades of experience coordinating vehicle transport with vetted carriers across the country, we are ready to take on the challenge of Oregon car shipping with safety, reliability, and customer service in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do Oregonians cope with the persistent “gray season,” and what are their strategies for maintaining mental well-being during winter?
Oregonians deal with the gray season using light therapy lamps, regular outdoor breaks, daily routines, and staying socially connected.
Are there unique Oregonian slang terms or phrases that might initially confuse a newcomer?
Yes. Some of these terms include:
Sunbreak: a moment of sunshine during rain.
Spendy: meaning expensive.
The Gorge: referring to the Columbia River Gorge.
How robust is the local arts and music scene in Oregon towns that aren’t Portland or Ashland?
In Oregon towns and cities like Eugene, Bend, Hood River, Corvallis, Pendleton, and Jacksonville, arts thrive through festivals, galleries, live music venues, and local theater productions.
What is the unemployment rate like in rural areas of Oregon compared to urban centers?
Unemployment tends to be higher in rural Oregon than in urban areas, with rural counties seeing rates around 5 percent, while urban counties often stay closer to 4 percent.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws, regulations, and local conditions are subject to change without notice. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking appropriate professional counsel, especially in financial and legal matters.
