10 Reasons To Move To Portland
Tired of the high cost of living or of the traffic, but love the West Coast vibe and mild seasons? If you’re anything like me, the answer to that question is a resounding, yes!
Now, I have no plans on leaving the area. Ninja Movers just moved us into a new, overpriced house and we’re kind of stuck loving it, at least for the time being, and to be fair, we really do love it.
Perhaps it’s a side-effect of spending more than two decades in and around the moving industry, but even though the Bay Area is our beloved home, we’re always on the lookout and Portland is at or near the top of every list.
We aren’t the only ones. Oregon, for the third year in a row, is the go-to destination for more and more people who are fleeing their current homes. Why is Oregon so appealing?
1.
Cost of living
While a median home price of $335,000 might not sound that appealing to middle America, for those of us in the Bay Area, it’s nearly pocket change. In San Francisco, the median price is more than three times that.
2.
Climate
We love our mild winters and our almost cold summers in the Bay Area, and in Portland, it’s similar. Its temperatures are mild and while they might get a lot of rain in the winter, they, like us, get very little in the summer.
3.
Portland is cool
Whether you’re a 20-something hipster or a not 20-something former hipster (or hippie), there is something to offer everyone in Portland. Oh, and did I mention they love their beer? You can drink almost everywhere, including the zoo. There is a thriving art scene and frankly, a thriving scene of people doing whatever the heck they want.
4.
Food
Portland might not be the hub of fine dining, and really, who cares? Portland, like the Bay Area, is casual. The city is filled with food trucks, which are far more democratic anyway.
5.
Bikes
In the Bay Area, we pride ourselves in being green, but we are sorely lacking in safe places to bike. In Portland, bikes are put before cars. The environment loves it.
6.
Food, part two
Yes, we’re also near the ocean, but the Bay Area has nothing on Portland for seafood.
7.
Traffic
San Francisco has one of the longest commute times in the country. In Portland, you’ll average about an hour a week less on the road.
8.
People are nice
This can’t be quantified, but Portland is known for having very polite residents.
9.
It’s a great place to raise a family
Portland consistently ranks among the best places to raise children. It’s safe, with lots to do and great air quality.
10.
No sales tax
Need we say more?
Featured image via Flickr.