Oregon is often an underappreciated state when it comes to relocation.
Most people will be looking at other states such as going to California or perhaps moving to Florida, but Oregon is intriguing.
It’s important to look at all of your options including the outdoorsy Oregon. It’s essential to understand the pros and cons of moving to Oregon.
Oregon is an outdoor wonderland with numerous scenic locations, it has pleasant weather when it’s not raining, and the people are friendly. However, it does have high income tax and it’s possible to end up dealing with earthquakes in this part of America.
You will want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living in Oregon while figuring out where you are going to stay moving forward.
Pros Of Living In Oregon
No Sales Tax
There is no sales tax here.
This is ideal for those who are going to be doing a lot of shopping. It is common for people to come from other parts including Canada due to this reality.
When there is no sales tax, you end up getting things for cheaper depending on what you are buying at the time.
This can be useful for those who are looking to save a bit of money.
Gorgeous Sights
This is one of the biggest advantages of moving to Oregon.
You are going to want to be an outdoorsy person because this is heaven for you. Outdoor enthusiasts will often have Oregon on their bucket list because it is one of the most scenic settings on the planet with so much to do.
You are going to fall in love with it.
Whether it’s the hiking trails, bike routes, or just the overall coastline, this is one of the prettiest places on the planet.
Eco-Friendly Design
This is an eco-friendly state and perhaps one that focuses on it more than others.
They have various elements that have been built into the ecosystem to make sure renewable energy is a big part of the state setup.
This is exemplary and makes them one of the leaders among states.
Friendly People
The people are reserved but they are friendly.
This is important for those who want to become a part of the community and want to find a pleasant place to live.
Once you settle in, this is a place that is going to make you happy. People want to be outdoors and they are helpful.
Great Food Options
There are so many food options, especially in the major cities.
There are people from all walks of life, which allows you to gain access to varied food choices in town. This is empowering for those who are foodies and prefer getting good food when they are in town.
Quality Wineries
Along with having quality food options, you are also going to get to enjoy high-quality wine here.
The wineries are world-class in this part of the world.
A lot of the west coast is known for this and the same applies to Oregon.
Pleasant Temperatures
The weather is world-class here depending on the time of year.
When it is summertime, the rain is going to settle a bit and you are going to enjoy pleasant temperatures throughout the summer months.
It does get dreary in the winter though.
Good Voting Setup
Are you someone that is into politics?
Well, politics is quite easy in Oregon. The voting system is remarkably well done, which allows you to have a good time voting without having to deal with extensive lines.
Gorgeous Hiking Trails
Just like the outdoor setup is gorgeous, it is the hiking trails that are going to impress right away.
These are some of the most beautiful trails on the planet.
Whether it’s the wildlife, greenery, or the way everything looks, you are going to be blown away. These are wonderful hiking trails that hikers dream of.
Great Biking Routes
The biking routes in Oregon are wonderful too.
Get on your bike and enjoy miles upon miles of biking routes from one end of Oregon to the other. The extensively laid out bike routes are world-class and far ahead of other states.
Beautiful Summer Conditions
When the summer months roll around, you are looking at peak season in Oregon.
The sun comes out, the weather is pleasant, and everything outdoorsy becomes that much better. It’s common to see people from all over the world come to Oregon when it is summertime here due to this reason.
Laid Back Culture
The culture in Oregon is more laid back.
This is ideal for those who want to relax and just have a good time. People are not in a rush here and that’s great when you are looking to settle in.
Fantastic Coastline
The coastline is among the best in the world.
When you are driving along the coastline, you are going to get to see breathtaking sights. It is also wonderful to see the number of attractions that are present in this part of the state.
The coastline is a must for you to see.
Cons Of Living In Oregon
High Crime Rate
The crime rate is high in certain parts of Oregon.
You will have to be diligent when it comes to moving to the major cities. Some pockets are not as good as others.
This is pertinent if you are going to be living in Oregon with your family.
Average Healthcare
The healthcare system could be better and it is a challenge for those who are looking for the brightest minds in the medical world.
The major cities are better off than other parts of Oregon.
The infrastructure is not as well-developed as other states, which does hold Oregon back.
High Cost Of Living
While there is no sales tax, you are going to be dealing with a higher cost of living across the board. Everything tends to be more expensive here, which adds up when you are looking to save money over the long haul.
It’s important to account for this as the housing is going to be expensive here too.
Poor Education System
The education system is not as strong as it needs to be.
Most people will have to focus on where they are sending their kids to make sure their education is not impacted.
It’s important to look into this in greater detail and do your homework.
Expensive Fuel
This might be a surprise to people but the fuel is expensive in Oregon.
Plus, you are going to have someone else fill up the gas for you. This is the law in Oregon. You are not going to be dealing with self-serve options.
This is an important detail for those who are going to be getting fuel for their vehicle. The prices are going to be high here.
Expensive Housing
The housing is costly, if you are thinking about buying a property in Oregon.
This is often the case in major cities more than in other parts of Oregon.
You will have to account for this as you might not end up getting the type of property you are looking for in Oregon.
Tough Winters
While the summers are pleasant, the winters are going to be tough.
It tends to snow and freezing rain is also a common occurrence. This might be fine if it happens here or there but it tends to occur throughout the winter.
This is not good for those who are going to be living in Oregon and might not like dealing with too much dreariness during the year.
High Income Tax
While you are not going to be dealing with a high sales tax, you are going to have to deal with a higher income tax.
The income tax is harsh on those who are working in the state of Oregon.
Account for this when you are applying for jobs in Oregon because it is going to impact the amount you take home.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a common issue along the west coast and there is nothing different about Oregon.
You are going to have to deal with the threat of earthquakes across the state.
This does not happen a lot but it is sitting on a faultline, so be prepared for this when living in Oregon.
Lots Of Tourists
Tourists are a common sight in Oregon.
With the amount of natural beauty in Oregon, you are going to see a large number of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts show up as soon as the weather brightens up.
This means the parks and other trails do fill up as soon as the weather is warm.
Poverty In Major Cities
The major cities are wonderful but there is also poverty to deal with in these parts of Oregon.
Homelessness is a real concern and it’s something the state is working on. However, there is a lot of work to do, which is why it’s important to focus on where you are moving to in Oregon.
Limited College Options
Thinking about going to college?
Well, Oregon is not the first state that’s going to be on your mind. There are limited options for college students to choose from, which means it is time to move out of the state.
It is rare for students to come to Oregon for this purpose.
It’s best to look at studying abroad rather than in Oregon.
Rains A Lot
It does rain a lot here.
This is a common occurrence throughout the year. It is close to the coastline, which means it is going to rain across Oregon.
This happens a lot in the summer but the temperature also remains moderate.
Final Thoughts
It’s best to go through these factors when focusing on the pros and cons of living in Oregon.
Living in Oregon is a good idea for those who love being outdoors and don’t mind a bit of rain. The summers are pristine in Oregon as long as you are living in the right parts of the state.
Take the time to read through these details to see whether or not Oregon is for you.
Amanda Harper is a travel enthusiast with 10+ years of traveling experience across the planet. Her passion for writing and travel makes her a walking bibliography on modern-day tourism.