Oregon has been on the rise for some time now as an excellent place to live, full of unique beauty and endless opportunities. Oregon’s diversity offers something for everyone, from picturesque beaches with fantastic surf spots to snow-capped mountain peaks.
Suppose you’re looking for a place that can offer everything from vibrant city life in Portland to a slower rural lifestyle near some of America’s most iconic natural landscapes. In that case, Oregon Living is an excellent choice.
Not only are there countless things to explore outdoors – like lush forests full of pristine rivers and streams – but cities like Eugene and Bend have wonderful cultural activities year-round. Our teams post will examine why living in Oregon could be right for you!
Geographical Location of Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It borders Washington to the North, Idaho to the east, California and Nevada to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Oregon covers 98,386 square miles, making it the ninth-largest state in size.
Borders with Other States
Oregon is bordered by Washington to the north, Idaho to the east, California and Nevada to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west coast. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon’s northern boundary with Washington.
Climate
Oregon’s coast has a variety of climates due to its diverse geography. The coastal areas experience mild temperatures year-round, while inland regions experience more extreme temperatures with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation varies from place to place but generally increases as you move inland from west to east.
Cost of Living in Oregon
Oregon is a beautiful state, but unfortunately, it’s not one of the cheapest. The average cost of living in Oregon is $47,779 per year. This is 14.3% higher than the national average and puts it at 114.3 on the cost of living index.
Breakdown of Expenses
Looking at the breakdown of expenses in Oregon, housing takes up a large portion, with an index score of 150.2 and a median home cost of $468,400 compared to the national average of $338,100.
Utilities are slightly lower than the national average, with an index score of 81, and transportation costs are 107.1 on the index scale. According to MIT’s living wage calculator, food costs for a single individual living in Oregon are about $3,999 per year.
Urban vs. Rural Areas
The cost of living varies depending on whether you live in urban or rural areas in Oregon. In Portland, for example, the average home price is $536,911, and monthly rent averages around $1,533 per month, while Salem has an average home price of $355,403, and Eugene has an average home price of $404,181.
Compared to other cities in Oregon State, such as Bend or Gresham, which have much lower housing costs than Portland or Eugene, Bend has an average home price of $368,800, and Gresham has an average home price of $393,200, respectively.
Job Market in Oregon
Oregon is a great place to find employment opportunities. The state offers various jobs in different industries, from healthcare to technology.
According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 140,000 job openings in January 2023. The Portland metro area is one of the most popular areas for job seekers, with many employers offering competitive salaries and benefits.
The state also has a strong economy, with unemployment rates below the national average. In addition, Oregon has seen an increase in entrepreneurship over the past few years, with more people starting their businesses and creating new job opportunities for themselves and others.
Major Industries
Oregon’s primary industries include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and forestry. Healthcare is one of the largest employers in the state, providing jobs for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Technology companies have grown rapidly in recent years, creating jobs for software engineers and other tech professionals. Manufacturing is another important industry in Oregon; it employs thousands of workers nationwide.
Tourism is also essential to Oregon’s economy; it brings millions of visitors yearly who spend money on hotels and restaurants throughout the state.
Agriculture and forestry are also significant industries in Oregon; they provide jobs for farmers and loggers and support services such as transportation and processing facilities.
Employment Rates
Oregon’s employment rate has steadily increased since 2018; it currently stands at 4%. This is lower than the national average of 5%, indicating that there are plenty of job opportunities in Oregon.
The unemployment rate has also decreased over time; it was 3% as of April 2021. This indicates that more people are finding work in Oregon than ever before.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Oregon offers plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand existing businesses. In terms of sales tax, Oregon doesn’t support a state-mandated tax system.
Numerous resources are available to help entrepreneurs get started, including grants from local governments and organizations like Business Oregon or Venture Portland and mentorship programs from organizations like TiE Oregon or Portland Seed Fund.
Additionally, several incubators throughout the state provide workspace and resources to entrepreneurs looking to launch their business ideas into reality.
Education in Oregon
Oregon is a state that is committed to providing quality education for all of its citizens. From public and private schools to higher education options, there are plenty of opportunities for students of all ages.
Public and Private Schools
Oregon offers a variety of public and private school options for K-12 students. The Oregon Department of Education works to foster excellence in learning through innovation, collaboration, leadership, and service. The Oregon Education Association (OEA) provides a strong voice for educators in the state.
Higher Education Options
The University of Oregon, College of Education, is the highest-ranked academic unit at the University of Oregon. It offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching in Elementary Education and other degree programs.
Similarly, the Oregon State University College of Education offers a range of degree programs, including those related to teaching, counseling, health promotion, and more. Some common institutions include Portland State University, Willamette University, University of Oregon, and others.
Education Rankings
Oregon has consistently ranked highly when it comes to education. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best States rankings, Oregon was ranked #2 overall in education with an A+ grade for its pre-K–12 education system and an A grade for its higher education system.
Oregon provides quality educational opportunities from K-12 through college and university levels, making it an ideal place for students seeking a top-notch educational experience.
Healthcare in Oregon
Oregon is a state that values the health and well-being of its citizens. The Oregon Health Care system provides access to quality healthcare for all residents, regardless of income or insurance status.
Various healthcare options are available in the state, from private insurance plans to public programs such as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
Rankings
Oregon ranks highly in terms of access to health care. According to the Commonwealth Fund’s 2019 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, Oregon ranked third in overall performance and first in access to care. This ranking reflects the state’s commitment to providing quality health care for all its citizens.
Availability of Facilities
Oregon has many healthcare facilities throughout the state, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers. In addition, many rural areas have access to telemedicine services that allow patients to receive medical advice remotely.
These services make it easier for people living in remote areas to get the medical attention they need without traveling long distances.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities in Oregon
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States and offers abundant recreational activities. Here is an overview of some recreational activities available to you if you live in Oregon.
National Parks and Forests
Oregon has several national parks and forests, including Southern Oregon Crater Lake National Park, Smith Rock State Park, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and Siuslaw National Forest.
These parks offer plenty of opportunities for exploration, adventure, and sightseeing. Additionally, these parks are great for hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and birdwatching.
Hiking, Camping, Skiing, and Other Outdoor Activities
With its stunning mountain ranges and lush forests, Oregon offers various outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round.
If you’re looking for a physical challenge or just a chance to get away from it all for a while, there are plenty of options for hiking trails ranging from beginner to expert levels. Columbia river gorge is the best choice for windsurfing.
For winter sports enthusiasts, there are numerous ski resorts where you can hit the slopes or take advantage of snowshoeing trails. There are also countless options for camping in both primitive sites and developed campgrounds throughout the state.
Sports and Fitness
Oregon is home to many professional sports teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), and Portland Thorns (NWSL). Plenty of collegiate athletics programs throughout the state include 7 NCAA division one teams.
Whether you prefer watching sports or playing them yourself, there are many ways to stay active in Oregon – from running clubs to yoga classes and organized fitness classes at gyms throughout the state!
Pros of Living in Oregon
Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the United States, offering a wide range of benefits to those who choose to live there. Oregon has something for everyone, from its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant culture and robust economy. Here are some of the pros of living in Oregon:
No sales tax
One of the most significant advantages of living in Oregon is that there is no state sales tax. This means you can save money on everyday purchases, such as groceries and clothing, without worrying about paying extra taxes.
Best bike paths and trails
Oregon is an ideal place for cyclists with its many bike paths and trails. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or an intense workout, you can find what you need in Oregon. Plus, with its mild climate and scenic views, it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy biking here.
Lots of outdoor adventure
With its lush forests and rugged coastline, Oregon offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. From hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking, plenty of activities keep you busy all year round. You can visit the deepest lake, Crater Lake, in America.
Big industry
While much of Oregon is rural, it also has a thriving business sector. Portland is home to several large companies, including Nike, Intel, and Columbia Sportswear. This makes it easy to find employment opportunities if you’re looking for work in the area.
Easy voting
In Oregon, voting is made easy with mail-in ballots allowing citizens to cast their votes from home without going out on Election Day. This makes it easier for people to participate in democracy without leaving their homes or taking time off work.
Wine Country
With more than 500 wineries throughout the state, Oregon has become known as one of the best places in the country for wine lovers. From Pinot Noir to Chardonnay and everything in between, plenty of options exist for enjoying some local vino!
City of roses
Portland may be known as “The City Of Roses” but don’t forget about Eugene! With its abundance of parks and gardens filled with fragrant blooms throughout springtime (and beyond), Eugene offers a unique experience that will delight your senses!
Cons of Oregon
Oregon is known for its beautiful nature and ample recreational opportunities, but living there also has some drawbacks. Here are five cons of living in Oregon:
Expensive residence
The cost of buying a house in Oregon is on the rise. The median home value in Oregon is currently $374,000, significantly higher than the national median of $231,000. This makes it difficult for many people to purchase a home in the state. Additionally, rent prices are also high and rising quickly.
Not an ideal climate
Oregon’s climate can be mild compared to other parts of the country, but sun- and heat-seekers may not be thrilled by the Pacific Northwest weather.
Winters can be cold and wet, with temperatures rarely reaching above freezing. Summers are usually mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 85°F (7°C to 29°C).
Schools may not be great
When considering whether or not to move to Oregon, consider the status of public schools in the area you plan on living in.
While some areas have excellent public schools, others may have less of an education system. It’s important to research school districts before deciding to move to Oregon.
High-income tax
Income tax rates in Oregon are higher than most other states in the U.S. Individuals’ top state income tax rate is 9.9%, while corporations pay 7%. Additionally, there is no sales tax, so all purchases made within Oregon are subject to this income tax rate instead.
Gas stations have attendants
One unique aspect of living in Oregon is that you cannot pump your gas at service stations – this must be done by an attendant instead. This law was implemented in 1951 to protect jobs and ensure safety at service stations across the state.
However, it can be inconvenient for those who prefer pumping their gas or are used to doing so elsewhere around the country or world!
Things to Know Before You Decide to Live in Oregon
Oregon is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It shares borders with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada to the southeast, and Idaho to the east. It has a total area of 98,378 square miles, making it the ninth-largest state in the country.
The state is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the rugged coastline on the Pacific coast to the green forests of the Cascade Mountains and from the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon to the fertile farmlands of the Willamette Valley.
Regarding employment, the state strongly focuses on technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Some of the largest employers in the state include Intel, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear. The state also has major tech companies like Mozilla, Airbnb, and eBay.
Oregon is known for its progressive policies and initiatives. The state was one of the first in the country to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2014. It has a reputation for being environmentally conscious, with strong regulations on clean air and water.
The state has a vibrant cultural scene, with several art museums and galleries, music festivals, and theaters. Additionally, the state is known for its craft beer scene, with many local breweries and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Overall, Oregon is a unique and diverse state that offers various experiences and opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
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Storage Facilities Near Portland, OR
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