Thinking of Moving To Oregon From California? Considerations To Make Before Making the Move
California has its perks, but whether it’s the lure of the great outdoors, a job change, or the desire for a fresh new lifestyle, Oregon has been on your mind.
We’ll examine common reasons why people decide to move to Oregon from California, and review questions to ask yourself before packing your bags.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know all the tips and tricks for making the move to The Beaver State.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Californians Move To Oregon?
- 7 Reasons People are Moving From California To Oregon
- 6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Moving From California to Oregon
- PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE Is Here To Help You Make the Move From California to Oregon
Why Do Californians Move To Oregon?
People are moving from California to Oregon for a myriad of different reasons, including:
- California’s evolving political climate
- A change in lifestyle
- Escaping California’s traffic
- Amazing climate
- Breathtaking scenery
- Lower cost of living and taxes
For those wanting to leave California, Oregon is a logical choice since traveling between the two states is a drivable distance, which is a perk for those whose friends or family remain in California.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California (and the Current Population Survey), most people who move across state lines are doing so for housing, job, or family reasons.
7 Reasons People are Moving From California To Oregon
#1: California Is Changing
Despite its beautiful landscapes, some of the best weather in the country, and abundant natural resources, the political climate of California is driving many residents away from the Golden State.
California’s mass exodus may be viewed as the result of factors such as:
- The overly strict and lengthy lockdowns during the recent COVID-19 pandemic
- A tail-spinning economy
- High unemployment rates
- A lack of funds to pay unemployment claims; and
- A high tax burden
- The fires
- Traffic
- Cost of living
#2: They Are Looking for a Slower Pace
According to Pew Research Center, in the wake of COVID, Americans seem to be placing an increased value on a slower pace of life. Many people who are moving to Oregon from California are seeking to find just that.
People of all ages are wanting to relocate to a place where they are outside the city — close enough to partake in what city life has to offer, but far enough away to enjoy the quietness of a smaller town.
The options for small town lifestyle in Oregon are many and include places like:
- Sherwood — A growing agricultural region, Sherwood is home to seven (and counting) vineyard-estate wineries, plus a number of u-pick and tree farms.
- Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge — Known far and wide as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River can be found at the captivating crossroads of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River Gorge. The area is filled with scenic mountain biking and hiking trails, wineries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining options. It is also rated as one of the safest towns in Oregon and is chock-full of an endless supply of family-friendly activities.
- Forest Grove — The historic downtown of Forest Grove is graced with tree-lined streets that complement its turn-of-the-century homes. You’ll also find some of the region’s finest wineries within just a few minutes’ drive of town.
- Hillsboro — Here you’ll find the perfect mix of urban-suburban. Hillsboro has plenty of coffee shops and parks where you can spend the day relaxing with family and friends. Dubbed Tualatin Valley’s “Beervana,” Hillsboro is also home to several craft breweries, centrally located near the eastern edge of the city.
#3: Differences in City Life
California traffic is notoriously terrible.
If you’re thinking of moving from California to Oregon, but still want the options of big cities, you can have your cake and eat it too (without it being so crowded and overwhelming).
Most people think of Portland when they think of a city in Oregon, but there are others as well.
For city life in Oregon, you’ll want to consider:
- Salem — This Oregon city is known as the garden capital of the state. It’s filled with both public and private gardens, along with garden spaces at area nurseries.
- Eugene — Do you love the energy of a college town? Home to the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, and three private colleges, Eugene may be just what you’re looking for. The city also offers outdoor recreation areas, bicycle and hiking trails, organic farming, and a hearty commitment to the arts.
- Bend — The residents of Bend enjoy spending the day on the river, climbing mountain peaks, and hiking through ancient lava flows. This Oregon city is also home to the legendary Bend Ale Trail, the largest beer trail in the West.
- Portland — If you’re an artsy, creative type, you’ll feel right at home in Portland. The city also boasts a strong job market, a high level of diversity, and low commute times.
#4: Transportation and Traffic
California traffic is notoriously stressful.
Whereas in California, you may have an hour-long commute in heavy traffic, commutes in Oregon are typically less than 30 minutes, and that’s on the long side.
When people in Oregon do commute into cities, it’s a much shorter drive.
Another plus to getting around in Oregon’s cities is the great public transportation options many areas of the state have to offer. Depending on where you live in Oregon, you can opt to commute by:
- The Portland Transit Mall (TriMet) — This converging corridor of different modes of transport includes bus service, the MAX light rail, and a streetcar.
- Rogue Valley Transportation District — This bus service provides transportation for residents of Medford, Ashland, White City, Phoenix, Talent, Jacksonville, and Central Point.
- Greyhound or FlixBus
- Amtrak
- Bicycle; or
- On foot
#5: Climate
With its temperate Mediterranean-style climate (250 sunny or mostly sunny days per year), natural beauty, family-friendly culture, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities, it’s easy to see why so many Californians are moving from California to Oregon.
There’s really nothing quite like the breathtaking “green” of Oregon, its mild climate, and four distinct seasons.
And, it’s actually not as rainy as many Californians might expect. While there are periods of rain (they’re necessary to produce all that amazing green), there are also lots of sunny days with great weather.
Of course, different parts of the state will offer a variety of climates. For example:
- The western side of Oregon is fairly wet because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. But don’t worry, you can still expect around 70 days of sunshine annually.
- The eastern side of Oregon is on the drier side — mostly because it shares a desert with Nevada.
#6: Cost of Living
It’s no secret that California has a high cost of living — the fourth-highest in the nation behind Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and Massachusetts.
While Oregon’s cost of living is 24% higher than the national average, it is significantly lower than California’s 54%.
To put it in perspective:
- Gas — Los Angeles $4.95, Portland $4.19
- Dozen eggs — Los Angeles $3.49, Portland $2.71
- Movie ticket — Los Angeles $16.96, Portland $12.90
- Dental visit — Los Angeles $124.09, Portland $110.81
The cost of living provides enough of a difference that if you sell a house in California, you’ll have plenty of cash in hand to purchase an even nicer home in Oregon.
#7: Tax Differences
When it comes to sales tax, Oregon is the front-runner, with no sales tax in the state compared to a statewide 8.25% tax rate in neighboring California.
People looking to move to Oregon from California will need to be aware that they’ll be paying a slightly higher property tax rate: 0.87% compared to 0.75% in California.
Both states have a high-income tax rate compared to other states:
- California has the highest income tax rate in the nation at 12.3% (13.3% if you make more than $1 million).
- Oregon comes in with a middle-class tax rate of 9.9%.
7 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Moving From California to Oregon
#1: What Type of Topography Are You Looking For?
If you ask us to describe Oregon in one word, it would be “breathtaking.”
Oregon’s stunning and highly varied topography consists of:
- Mountainous regions, including Mount Hood (at 11,249 feet).
- A rugged coastline that offers fishing, surfing, and diving.
- Large valleys such as the Willamette and Rogue.
- A high-elevation desert plateau.
- Dense forests, including the redwood forests along the coast.
#2: Are Schools Important To You?
Whether your children are in elementary, middle, or high school, you’ll want to be conscious to choose neighborhoods and districts that align with your educational preferences and requirements.
And you probably would rather not commute to take your children to school every day, so a great school district is likely at the top of your must-have list for your new neighborhood.
While Oregon’s schools are ranked below California’s overall, Oregon has some high-ranking districts within the state, including:
- Lake Oswego
- West Linn-Wilsonville in Tualatin
- Riverdale in Portland
- Sherwood
- Beaverton
#3: Is It Cheaper To Live in Oregon or California?
According to Sterling’s Best Places, the median cost of a home in Portland, Oregon is $536,900, as compared to $883,400 in Los Angeles, California.
It’s important to understand, as you consider moving to Oregon from California, that homes tend to be pricier in cities (or close to cities) than further out.
And, if you’re looking for more land, you are also more likely to want to be farther from cities.
Are you wanting to buy a home with acreage? Depending on where you move in Oregon, homes that sit on significant acreage are often located 20 to 30 minutes away, as is the case in Portland.PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE has a number of available luxury home listings with acreage for you to consider.
#4: What Are the Weather Differences Between California and Oregon?
In general, California has warmer weather than Oregon, with an average mean temperature of:
- California 67.95 °F
- Oregon 50.16 °F
One of the biggest differences in weather you’ll notice when you’re moving from California to Oregon is rain.
In the western parts of Oregon, it rains a lot.
Los Angeles, California receives around 15.5 inches of rain per year. Portland, Oregon, on the other hand, gets an average of 42.8 inches yearly.
#5: Would You Prefer a Newer Home or Something With More Character?
Newer homes tend to be located further from downtown in the suburbs, but there are some exceptions.
If you’ve got an older home in mind, there are a number of historic communities with luxe amenities, including:
- Portland Heights: One of the oldest and most exclusive neighborhoods in Portland, offering incredible views and convenience to downtown.
- Dunthorpe: This prestigious area is known for its grand luxury homes (single-family residents of mostly older mansions and estate-style properties) and central location (less than 10 minutes south of downtown Portland and north of Lake Oswego, in Multnomah County).
- Beaverton or Hillsboro: Both historical farming communities, (and popular with those working in tech) these areas are home to estates that sit on at least an acre and offer stunning views of Mt. Hood and local vineyards.
#6: What Career Field Are You In?
Is work sparking the move to Oregon from California? If so, there are multiple thriving Oregon industries to choose from!
If you work in the tech industry, you may want to consider a move to:
- Beaverton
- Hillsboro; or
- The Tech Corridor
Known around Portland as the Silicon Forest, this area accounts for a large percentage of Oregon’s economy.
Are you in the health services business? Consider a location with one of these successful companies:
- OHSU
- Providence Health
- Kaiser Health
- PeaceHealth
- Adventist Health
- Willamette Dental Group
- Medical Management International
- Legacy Health.
- Avamere; or
- St. Charles Health System
Athletic and outdoor companies, like …
- Nike
- Adidas
- Under Armour
- Columbia Sportswear
… also make their homes in Oregon
As a 5 Generation Oregonian, Peggy Hoag of HOAG Real Estate Is Here To Help You Make the Move From California to Oregon
If you’ve been inspired by the many incredible perks that Oregon has to offer and are considering moving from California to Oregon, Peggy Hoag is not only a local expert who can find you a new neighborhood to explore and call home, but she is a 5 generation Oregonian!
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.
With years of experience and expertise in the greater Portland area real estate market, PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE is committed to creating an experience that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today to discuss finding your new luxury home in Portland, Oregon, or browse our currently available listings.