Moving to Oregon: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Oregon, you’re not alone. The Beaver State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Portland and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Oregon, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Oregon to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Oregon information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to OR
Top car shippers to OR
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Oregon

Like any big move, relocating to Oregon comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Beaver State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in OR

✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Delicious and authentic wineries
✓Beautiful summer weather
✓No sales tax
✓Abundant outdoor recreational activities

Cons of living in OR

✖Difficult housing market
✖High cost of living
✖Poor quality education
✖Low marks for personal safety
✖Heavy tax burden

Things to do in Oregon

Whether you’re moving to Oregon work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Oregon has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Oregon

Crater Lake National Park
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Mount Hood National Forest
Cannon Beach
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Visit Yachats
Visit Astoria
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Wallowa Lake
Portland Japanese Garden

Museums in Oregon

High Desert Museum
Lincoln City Glass Center
Camp 18 Museum
Seaside Inverted Experience
Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals
The Glass Forge
Klamath County Museum
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Parks in Oregon

Washington Park
Lithia Park
Rood Bridge Park
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Forest Park
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
Riverfront Park
Minto-Brown Island Park
Moore Park
Bush’s Pasture Park

Fun facts about Oregon

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Oregon, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

The origin of the name “Oregon” is uncertain. However, according to one account, the name is believed to have been derived from the French word, ‘Ouragan,’ which is loosely translated as hurricane’ or windstorm’. This was in reference to the powerful winds originating from the Columbia River hence the name Oregon.
Also known as Castor canadensis (scientific name), the American Beaver is actually the Oregon state animal since 1969. And that is why Oregon is popularly known as “The Beaver State”.
The state has 11 lighthouses, and Yaquina is the tallest of them all – 93 feet. The tallest lighthouse is the most popular lighthouse on the coast and has been in service since 1873.
Powell’s Book store in Portland, Oregon, is the world’s largest bookstore. The store is in service in Portland since 1971. The company’s founder started his book selling career with a loan of $3,000, which he repaid within two months of borrowing the money.
The mention of the deepest gorge in Oregon should give you a clear picture of a 7,900 feet Hell’s Canyon. This magnificent and picturesque physical feature is located between Idaho and Oregon along the Snake River.
The square dance or simply the Official State Dance is a heritage symbol within Oregon. The dance’s lively spirit exemplifies a friendly, enthusiastic and free nature that are all tailored to reflect the typical Oregon character and heritage in general.
Forest Grove at the heart of Oregon is credited for being the home of the world’s tallest and most notable barber shop pole, standing at 72-feet tall.
Interestingly, the famous Nike logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson (in 1971), a student at Portland State University. And she was paid $35 for her design by Nike’s founders, Bill Bowerman, and Phil Knight though they didn’t like the logo in the first place. But now, Nike Logo is recognized by every sports enthusiast all over the world. Originally, the logo was called as ‘the strip’, which later became well known as ‘Swoosh’.

Oregon population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Oregon, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Beaver State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Oregon, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Oregon
Population	4,233,358
Female	50.2%
Male	49.8%
College graduation rate	36.33%
Political leaning	Democratic 56-44
Crime index	32.78

Oregon weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Oregon is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Oregon aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Oregon
Summer high	82ºF
Winter low	31ºF
Annual rain	41″
Annual snow	13″

Income and cost of living in Oregon

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Oregon.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Oregon and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($38.8 billion)
Manufacturing ($34.1 billion)
Professional and business services ($28.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($22.7 billion)
Wholesale trade ($12.7 billion)
Retail trade ($12 billion)
Finance and insurance ($11.1 billion)
Construction ($10.9 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($10.6 billion)
Information ($8.8 billion)

Metric	Oregon
Average rent cost	$1,373
Average home cost	$492,683
Average income (per capita)	$76,632
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	4.0%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	9.9%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Oregon

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Oregon has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Oregon:

Oregon State University
University of Oregon
Portland State University
Oregon Health & Science University
Reed College
Lewis & Clark College
Willamette University
Pacific University
Western Oregon University
Southern Oregon University
University of Portland
George Fox University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Linfield University
Eastern Oregon University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Oregon

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Beaver State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Oregon

Before you take the leap to Oregon, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Oregon

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Oregon.

Oregon car insurance requirements

In Oregon, you must have car insurance with at least 25/50/20 liability coverage, $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Oregon drivers license requirements

To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Oregon, go to a DMV office within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity and residency, and money for the license fee. You might also need to pass a vision test and a knowledge or driving test.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Oregon?

Moving to Oregon is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Oregon is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Oregon?

On the cost of living index, Oregon has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Oregon?

The average income in OR is $76,632, and the an unemployment rate is 4.0. Home prices are $492,683, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,373.

What is the downside of living in Oregon?

Like any place, Oregon has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Beaver State include:

Difficult housing market
High cost of living
Poor quality education
Low marks for personal safety
Heavy tax burden

Oregon Moving Resources

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