Moving to Oregon From Colorado? Here’s What You Need to Know
You’re saying ‘farewell’ to Colorado and looking to call Oregon your new home.
Moving to a new state can bring about a plethora of emotions — excitement, relief, anxiety, stress.
Deciding on the best area to begin looking for your new luxury home can seem overwhelming.
It doesn’t have to be a stressful process for you. We can help relieve the burden of wondering where to even begin.
We offer you a look at several areas in Portland as we compare the most sought-after locations for luxury home-seekers.
Table of Contents
- Where Are People Living in Oregon?
- Cost of Living in Oregon vs. Colorado
- Oregon Vs. Colorado Living: Where Should I Move in Oregon?
- Find Your Dream Home in Oregon With Peggy Hoag Real Estate
Where Are People Living in Oregon?
As Oregonians, we believe Oregon is inarguably the best state to live in with some of the top cities and neighborhoods for luxury homeowners.
The five most popular Oregon cities to live in are:
- Portland
- Salem
- Eugene
- Gresham
- Hillsboro
Portland is number one on this list for a reason. It’s the biggest city in Oregon, and the greater Portland area real estate market offers many neighborhoods that are perfect for luxury living.
Just some of the wealthiest neighborhoods where your new luxury estate may be waiting for you include:
- Portland Heights
- Dunthorpe
- Lake Oswego
- Beaverton
- Hillsboro
- Tualatin
- Troutdale
- Gresham
Each member of the Peggy Hoag Real Estate team is a specialist in the greater Portland real estate market. If you’re moving to Oregon from Colorado, let us put our expertise to work to help you find your new home.
Keep reading as we later highlight each of these neighborhoods and share reasons why they are premier neighborhoods to consider for your luxury home.
Cost of Living in Oregon vs. Colorado
The overall cost of living in Oregon vs. Colorado is higher at 3.6% in Oregon compared to Colorado. Oregon tends to have higher costs for food, transportation, and healthcare.
However, the median home cost is only about 0.5% more in Oregon, and to purchase a home is 1.5% less in Oregon than in Colorado.
You can also usually expect a slight salary increase when moving to Oregon from Colorado, so there is typically not a significant change to your total cost of living with a higher salary change.
Cost of Living in Portland
The cost of living in Portland is higher than the national average — as well as higher than the rest of the state.
The closer you live to downtown Portland, the higher your cost of living will be. The further you get from Portland, the lower the cost of living.
And since the overall cost of living is higher when moving to Oregon from Colorado, city location is something many home-seekers need to consider.
Oregon vs. Colorado Living: Where Should I Move in Oregon?
The best places to consider moving to in Oregon will depend on the lifestyle that you are after and your budget.
One of the great things about Portland is the diverse suburbs and neighborhoods included in the Portland metro area — and these different areas can either raise or lower your cost of living in the Portland area.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these beautiful areas that offer luxury real estate in the Portland area.
If You’re Looking to Live in a Neighborhood Close to Portland …
Living close to downtown Portland is a draw for many wealthy Portlanders — offering a host of culture, restaurants, and amenities.
Living close to Portland offers easy access to parks, gardens, and golf courses. Outdoor enthusiasts still have plenty to do with countless trails for hiking and cycling.
Washington Park is popular and encompasses:
- Oregon Zoo
- Japanese Botanical Garden
- International Rose Test Gardens
Portland Heights
Portland Heights is an amazing high-end neighborhood in the northeastern part of the Southwest Hills area of Portland in Multnomah County.
Portland Heights is one of the oldest and most exclusive neighborhoods in Portland, offering incredible views and is within a short distance of the downtown area.
Here, you’ll find impressive stately homes off of serene, winding roads tucked away on hillsides of the Tualatin Mountains.
Each home has a distinct character, and you’ll find a mix of:
- Colonial-style mansions
- Charming cottages
- Mid-century modern; and
- Contemporary houses
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1M to $3M for a luxury home in Portland Heights.
Dunthorpe
Dunthorpe is an affluent suburb, located just ten minutes south of downtown Portland and north of Lake Oswego in Multnomah County.
Dunthorpe is a sought-after prestigious address known for its grand luxury homes and central location.
Tryon Creek State Park runs along the western border of Dunthorpe, offering hiking trails, bike paths, and horse trails.
The Willamette River borders the eastern side of Dunthorpe and offers many waterfront properties.
You’ll find all single-family residents of mostly older mansions and estate-style properties and massive lots — some with private boathouses and docks.
You can expect to pay around $1M to $3M+ for a luxury home in Dunthorpe.
If You’re Looking to Live Outside of Portland …
If you’re wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city, we have the perfect luxury lake paradise for you — Lake Oswego.
Lake Oswego
If you’re looking to escape the city, Lake Oswego is a gorgeous suburb located about eight miles south of Portland in Clackamas County and offers a great selection of luxury homes.
The picturesque Oswego Lake is the centerpiece for the city of Lake Oswego. This affluent area has a small-town charm and a well-connected community.
Lake Oswego offers …
- An active golf community
- 24 parks with countless amenities
- Exceptional schools
- An array of eateries
- Endless outdoor recreation
- A thriving arts culture
- A family-friendly environment; and
- Peaceful living
… it’s no wonder so many people are moving here.
Luxury homes in Lake Oswego start at $1M and go up to $10M.
If You Work in the High-Tech Industry …
Are you moving to Oregon from Colorado to work in one of the high-technology firms in the Portland metropolitan area?
This area is also referred to as the Silicon Forest (the name echoes that of Silicon Valley in San Francisco) and has accounted for a large percentage of Oregon’s economy.
While you can choose to live closer to Portland, many people choose to live closer and enjoy the lower costs and stunning scenery of the area.
Beaverton and Hillsboro
Beaverton and Hillsboro are located on the west side of Portland in the Tualatin Valley in Washington County. Both have a lower cost of living and much less crowding than cities closer to Portland.
Both of these Silicon Forest communities have a unique flair and offer a diversity that is hard to find elsewhere — they are both historical farming communities while also tech communities that inspire innovation.
Luxury neighborhoods in Beaverton and Hillsboro are stunning in both location and curb appeal. Luscious greenery, incredible views, and a close community combine luxury with a country feel.
Many estate homes here are on at least an acre with amazing landscape and breathtaking views of Mt. Hood and local vineyards.
Luxury homes in Beaverton and Hillsboro can range from around $800K to $2M+.
If You Have a Family …
As you are moving to Oregon from Colorado with a family, a great school district is likely at the top of your must-have list for your new neighborhood.
The great news is that the Portland area is known for its excellent schools.
Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego has already graced our list of greater Portland real estate options — and for good reason.
To review, Lake Oswego is a luxury lake paradise located about eight miles outside of Portland. Besides its plethora of activities, restaurants, and other offerings, it’s an excellent home for families.
Lake Oswego schools are all highly rated, and many rank in the top 10% in Oregon.
The quiet feel, quality schools, kid-friendly attractions, and great parks make this an ideal place for children to grow up, living in style on the lake.
Luxury family homes in Lake Oswego start at $1M and go up to $10M.
Tualatin
Tualatin is a southwestern suburb of the Portland Metropolitan area located primarily in Washington County and offers many beautiful and affluent neighborhoods for families.
Tualatin is a top Portland suburb that offers exceptional homes on large plots of land and is zoned for top-rated schools — perfect for families.
The Tualatin school district has been named one of the top districts in the state, offering above-average education and high schools that focus on college readiness and community collaboration.
Luxury family homes in Tualatin range from $1M-$3M.
If You Are Looking for Homes on Acreage …
Homes with acreage are typically 20-30 minutes away from downtown Portland. If you’re moving to Oregon from Colorado and want a luxury home with acreage, we’ve highlighted some excellent communities to consider.
Troutdale
Troutdale is a northeastern suburb of Portland located in Multnomah County and is about 20 minutes from downtown Portland.
Troutdale is known as a more rural setting, offering many options to have acreage with your luxury home.
High quality and more affordable housing with …
- Large plots
- High incomes
- Good schools
- Great parks; and
- Historical sites
… make this scenic town an excellent choice to search for a luxury home with acreage.
Luxury homes in Troutdale range from under $1M to $4M.
Gresham
Gresham is a suburb of the Greater Portland Metropolitan area and lies less than 30 minutes east of Portland in Multnomah County.
Gresham is a gorgeous town close to the Columbia River Gorge and offers spectacular views of Mt. Hood.
The east and south of Gresham offer rural areas with many luxury properties that sit on acreage. You can enjoy simple sophistication while surrounded by natural beauty.
Luxury homes in Gresham range from $500K to as high as $4M.
Find Your Dream Home in Oregon With Peggy Hoag Real Estate
Moving to Oregon from Colorado opens a new world for you to explore and call home. We hope you’ve been inspired by the many incredible communities that the Portland area has to offer.
If you’re looking at Portland real estate options, Peggy Hoag Real Estate would be honored to help make your luxury home dreams come true.
We have years of experience and expertise in the greater Portland area real estate market. We aim to create a real estate experience that exceeds your expectations.
If you’re ready to talk about finding your new luxury home in Oregon, contact us today by clicking below. Our expert agents would love to talk with you about all your hopes and dreams.