Moving From Arizona to Oregon: 3 Considerations
Are you considering moving from Arizona to Oregon and want to know just what awaits you in the Beaver State?
You’re not alone. Many Arizonans are seeking milder climates, greener scenery, and a reprieve from the semi-arid heat of the desert.
Here, we’ll share everything you should know about moving from Arizona to Oregon, including:
- Where to live
- What type of homes to expect
- How much you’ll be paying in taxes
- What the cost of living is
- Where the best schools are; and
- Exactly what you can expect from the weather
Table of Contents
- #1: Why Move to Oregon?
- #2: Know Your Needs, Desires, and Lifestyle
- #3: Moving from Arizona to Oregon: Make a Comparison
- Peggy Hoag Real Estate: Helping Buyers Find Their Dream Homes in Portland, Oregon, and Washington
#1: Why Move to Oregon?
It’s no secret that Arizona has one of the highest inbound move rates in the U.S., so why would anyone want to leave Arizona for Oregon?
One of the primary reasons is for work. Oregon’s growing tech corridor is attracting digital nomads and entrepreneurs from all over the country. Portland is known for being somewhat unconventional in its approach to lifestyles and workdays, with WiFi cafes and makeshift shared office spaces popping up all over the city.
In addition to striking a balance between work and life, Oregon is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. With sweeping views that may include …
- Ocean
- Mountains
- Desert
- Lakes and Rivers
- Forests
- Wine country
- And more
… Oregon’s beauty is unparalleled and the activities are plentiful. From cycling to mountain climbing, hiking to river rafting, Oregon offers adventures for everyone. And with over 360 miles of coastline, Oregon is also a beach lover’s paradise.
Whether you prefer the unique pace of the state’s cities or the slower pace of equine or wine country living, there’s a home for you in Oregon.
At Peggy Hoag Real Estate, we have been helping Americans relocate to Oregon for many years. Our agents are intimately familiar with the ins and outs of living in Oregon and can help you find that perfect house you can call home.
Why Move to Portland?
Portland is a city built on community and culture — and, well, coffee.
That’s right. Portland is ranked third in the nation for coffee consumption, making it a great place for anyone who can’t start the day without caffeine.
But, we like to think Portland is more than just cafes and coffee nooks. Also one of the healthiest, greenest, and most sustainable cities in the US, Portland is perfect for anyone looking for friendly communities, an outdoor lifestyle, and a low cost of living.
#2: Know Your Needs, Desires, and Lifestyle
Before you make the move, there are a few factors to consider. Real estate in Oregon offers an array of possibilities and lifestyles. Whether you’re single and in your 20s or empty nesters looking for your dream retirement home, here’s what you need to know.
Location
The most common question we get when clients decide to make the move to Oregon is what location to focus on.
This depends on the reason for moving and the lifestyle the client desires. For city dwellers, we recommend Portland as the starting point.
Downtown, while it can be pricier, is a popular location for professionals who prefer to be within walking or cycling distance to work.
Whereas some may prefer a quieter home lifestyle and making the short and easy commute to the city from locations such as the upscale Lake Oswego community.
Relocation to the Tri-County area is also quite popular, consisting of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties. This Central Oregon location is perfect for adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Schools
We understand the importance of education to relocating families. Comparing school districts can be daunting, which is why our realtors keep updated on the best schools in the area.
For elementary-aged school children, Beaverton and Lake Oswego are just a short commute to Portland and home to some of the finest schools in the area, including:
- Findley Elementary – Beaverton
- Westridge Elementary – Lake Oswego
- Jacob Wismer Elementary – Beaverton
- Forest Hills Elementary – Lake Oswego
These areas host some of the finest high schools in Oregon as well, including:
- School of Science and Technology – Beaverton
- Lake Oswego Senior High School – Lake Oswego
- Lakeridge High School – Lake Oswego
- International School of Beaverton – Beaverton
Type of Home
Just as important as location, school districts, and commute times, is the type or style of home our clients are looking for.
Portland is known for having beautiful, historic homes, while newer homes are more commonly found in surrounding suburbs.
At Peggy Hoag, we take the time to get familiar with the exact wants and needs of our clients and narrow down our search to include homes that check all of the boxes.
Whether you’re in the market for …
- Victorian
- Craftsman
- American ranch
- Equestrian
- Acreage
- Vineyard
… or any other style, our agents stay up-to-date on every luxury listing in the area. Chances are, we’ll already have a few homes in mind when you give us your dream home description.
#3: Moving from Arizona to Oregon: Make a Comparison
Since you may still be on the fence as to whether moving from Arizona to Oregon is a good idea, we’ve put together a quick comparison to show you the key differences between the two states.
Taxes
What can you expect from taxes in Oregon? Check out these quick facts:
- Income taxes range from 4.75% to 9.9%
- Oregon has no sales tax
- Property taxes are approximately 0.9%
- Gas is taxed at $0.36 per gallon
What does this mean? While income taxes are among the highest in the nation, only a small percentage pay the highest bracket. And having zero sales tax means that businesses cannot charge tax for products or services — which certainly adds up.
What about Arizona? Here are a few quick facts:
- Income taxes average 2.59% to 4.5%
- Arizona has state and local sales taxes averaging 8.4%
- Property taxes are approximately 0.62%
- Gas is taxed at $0.18 per gallon
When compared to Oregon, Arizona’s overall tax burden is lower. However, Oregon’s median household income is higher overall and the unemployment rate is substantially lower.
Schools
When it comes to schools, Arizona ranks lower on the national level than Oregon. This is good news for families moving from Arizona to Oregon in hopes of better quality education for their children.
Cost of Living: Is it Cheaper to Live in Oregon or Arizona?
According to salary.com, the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ vs. Portland, OR, is 10.7% lower. One glaring reason is when comparing properties in the two major cities, Portland’s median home cost is 55% higher than Arizona.
Outside of the PDX area, housing prices drop quite a bit. For example, homes in Jefferson or Crook County are priced much lower than in Deschutes County. And homes in Multnomah County (where Portland is located) are among the highest-priced in the state.
Weather
When it comes to comfort, Arizona scores lower than Oregon for a few key reasons. First, is the unbearable heat during the summer months.
In July, Arizona’s daytime temperatures are a staggering 105°F whereas the far more temperate Oregon averages 81°F.
One of the most common misconceptions about Oregon is that it rains all the time. Yes, rainfall averages are quite a bit higher than that of the Arizona desert, but the results are absolutely stunning.
Oregon is known as one of the greenest states, with lush forests, streets lined with gardens, and rolling hills of green. Without the rainfall, it simply wouldn’t be as gorgeous.
Oregon sees very little snowfall and averages 144 sunny days per year compared to Arizona’s 299 days.
Average Home/Land Cost
What will housing cost when moving from Arizona to Oregon? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Arizona
- Average cost of an acre is $4,328
- The median home cost is $349,300
- Oregon
- Average cost of an acre is $2,430
- The median home cost is $479,135
Peggy Hoag Real Estate: Helping Buyers Find Their Dream Homes in Portland, Oregon, and Washington
With more than 30 years in the business, Peggy Hoag and her professional and experienced agents have helped hundreds of families relocating to Oregon.
As long-time Oregonians, we value what the Pacific Northwest has to offer and are ready to share our knowledge and excitement of the area’s best features.
We have achieved countless awards and have sold more than $1.4 billion in closed homes over the last few decades. Our reputation speaks for itself as many of our cherished and loyal clients continue to do business with us.
If you’re moving from Arizona to Oregon and want the best service real estate has to offer, look no further than Peggy Hoag Real Estate.