Portland Old Town
December 12, 2019 Posted in City Guides
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

What Are Things to Know If You’re Moving to Portland

Moving to Portland, Oregon, is something around 30,000 people do every year, and there are more than a few reasons why newcomers choose to do so. Besides being one of the most sustainable places in the US, it is also an up and coming tech hub where career chasers can land employment of the lifetime. On top of that, plenty of restaurants and bars make it entertaining for all people, no matter who or how old they are.

Portland Old Town When relocating to Portland research the city beforehand

This metropolis is widely known across the world as a liberal and progressive bastion, while its environmentally-conscious local policies led to a high quality of life. However, before you decide that moving cross country is for you, go over some basic questions like What should I know before moving to Portland? and Is Portland expensive to live in? To help you figure out the cost of living, job opportunities, transportation options, and overall safety, we made this guide that will show you the PDX is full of possibilities.

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What Should I Know Before Moving to Portland?

There are some weird laws

There are many things to know before hiring cross-country movers and moving to Portland, but knowing the law will keep you out of trouble. That’s why when you relocate, remember that it is not allowed to lean, sit, or stand over a bridge unless you get a permit from the government. Also, those driving trucks should keep in mind that the maximum speed limit in the state of OR is 55mph. Furthermore, if you drive a car, don’t leave its doors open for longer than necessary to unload or load passengers.

It is very sustainable

The metropolis has been called “Greenest City in America” by the magazine Popular Science because half of its power comes from renewable sources, and many Portlanders commute by bikes or use public transportation to go to work.

There are plenty of schools

There are many public and private primary and high schools within nine districts. Also, many colleges and universities are located in the metropolis.

It is a popular filming location

Since the early 1900s, many movies have been filmed all around PDX metropolitan area. From The Shining and Batman Forever to The Ring and Men of Honor, movie lovers will be able to spot the metropolis in many movies.

Is Portland Expensive to Live In?

The cost of living in Portland can vary wildly depending on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences, but it’s generally above the US average. However, the location makes up for it with a high standard of life, so if you find a way to stick to the moving budget, you will be just fine.

While professional Portland movers that are providing you with long-distance moving services, as well as packing services, are handling your belongings, you can go over all the benefits of moving into a smaller home or buying a bigger one, since the data from the website Niche shows that almost 53% of residents own their homes. If you’re planning on buying real estate here, know that the median home value is $383,600.

Also, keep in mind that being closer to the center will cost more than relocating to the suburbs and outskirts. The buying price in the center is around $375 per square foot, while if you want to get a place in the outskirts, you will be expected to pay $240. Overall, living in the suburbs will be good for your finances. Furthermore, if you learn how car shipping works before using auto transport services to transport your car to a new location, getting a house that is a bit further away might be a good idea.

If you don’t want to become a homeowner at the moment, you will need, on average, $1,540 for a one-bedroom apartment in the center, while the same-sized flat on the outskirts costs $1,250. Bigger residences like three-bedroom flats in the center are $2,750 on average and $1,940 in the other parts of the metropolis. If the prices are too steep for you, check out roommate websites and find somebody to split the costs.

When you are done looking for a place to settle down in, it is time to think about monthly expenses in the form of utility bills. Basics such as cooling, heating, garbage, electricity, and water for 915 sq ft property will cost you around $180 monthly. While having unlimited cable internet will be an additional $68.

Here’s Our Moving to Portland Oregon Advice – How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Portland Oregon?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to these questions because it will depend solely on your lifestyle, needs, and desires. However, the financial website GoBankigRates states that you need around $60,200 a year to live comfortably in PDX.

Dollars and coins in a glass Take all of your savings before coming here

Things to Know Before Moving to Portland – The Best Neighborhoods in PDX

A lot of planning goes into interstate moving, so when deciding where to move, you probably checked out the general safety of the neighborhoods and figured out how to change the address. When you opt for PDX, don’t hesitate to go house-hunting before hiring a cross-country moving company and checking out relocation day tips. However, keep in mind that, even though the relocation preparations could increase your moving cross country stress levels, it will all be worth it in the end. To make your decision easier, we put together a list of the best neighborhoods in Portland you should definitely check out:

  • Downtown – if you want to stay in the heart of this metropolis, this is the place to be. This business hub attracts young professionals and career chasers that prefer to live and work at the same place. There are many condos and apartment complexes you can rent in terms of accommodation, and if you are ever bored, entertainment is a short walk away.
  • The Pearl – It is upscale and pricey, but it offers its residents high-end shops, some of the best restaurants in Portland, and cool galleries. The mix of new and historical structures makes it unique yet trendy.
  • Johns – feels like a town within the PDX. If you are relocating with your family, it can be a perfect place to settle down in. Families flock here because of its vicinity to the Downtown and quiet lifestyle.
  • Laurelhurst – a historic district filled with homes on small streets. Those that look for a more low key neighborhood might love it. Not only is it dotted with residential buildings, but there are also small shops and eateries all around, and you can easily get to downtown via East Burnside.
Panoramic view of PDX. There are plenty of excellent neighborhoods to choose from

Are You Moving to Portland Without a Job? – Don’t Worry Because the Job Market Is Blooming

There’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find a job before moving. You should try to do it too, as not looking for a job before the move is one of the common cross-country moving mistakes. While a long-distance moving company handles your stuff, you can go online and research all available options on the market. You’ll be happy to hear that the city and the whole region have experienced massive job growth in the last few years, which has reduced the unemployment rate to around 4%, the lowest in decades. With more than 200,000 jobs added since the 2009 recession, the place is constantly looking out for talented and skilled workers.

If you don’t have one of those jobs that require relocation, don’t worry, since there are many industries and sectors which are always looking to hire. Tech firms are constantly popping up and are always welcomed. It is also home to Nike, HP, Intel, Xerox, and many eBay offices, among others, and many other smaller startups. Besides tech firms, there are many manufacturing and clothing design companies. So no matter where you’d love to work, there’s a good chance that the city’s diverse economy can provide you with a dream job. A situation that’s this good should be one of the strong reasons why you should move here.

business people Booming market brings a lot of employment opportunities

Will You Need a Bike When Moving Across County

The place has an amazing public transportation system, so you won’t need your car unless you are planning on living really far away from the center or plan on going on plenty of family trips. You will have the option to ride the light rail system known as MAX, which stands for Metropolitan Area Express. It covers the entire place, and you’d be able to get from the international airport to the downtown area without any hassle.

Besides the rail system, many buses run every 20 minutes, and the downtown area has numerous streetcars. Furthermore, a good thing is that one ticket can be used for all three of these transportation systems.

Portland’s also known as Bike City USA, and that’s because it has the highest percentage of Portlanders who use bicycles to commute from home to work, so this too will be a viable option. Also, here you don’t have to worry whether or not you’ll find a place to park your bike. That’s why when you are relocating, tell the state to state movers to transport your bikes to a new house because you will definitely use them.

Cat in the bike basket Take advantage of the fact that this is a Biketown

Is Oregon One of the Safest States

While you are researching “long distance movers near me,” you will probably also check the safety of your destination. Luckily, OR is one of the safest states in the country, perfect when relocating alone or when you want to move in together with partner and starting a family.

Even though the PDX is not the safest place in the state, there has been a decrease in crime by 3% last year. The safety and crime rates, however, vary depending on the neighborhood. When you pick the one to stay in, read about it on its official websites where you can also find out more about the PDX’s crime rates and statistics. After thorough research, you can invest in cross-country moving services.

Police The state is pretty safe overall

Are People Friendly Towards Newcomers

When the whole state to state moving is done, you will finally be able to get to meet people, and you will be surprised by how friendly and genuine the residents in the City of Roses are. Making friends in the new state will be easy because residents will wave and greet you, your Lyft or Uber driver may get insulted if you don’t sit with them in the front seat. People wear whatever they like, and you’ll come across yuppies, hippies, and hipsters. Just remember that people being friendly doesn’t mean that they have an ulterior motive. It’s normal there to be friendly and walk around with your guard down.

Are There Places Where You Connect With New People Over Brunch

Moving to a big city brings a lot of benefits, such as plenty of top-rated eateries within your reach, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good meal? All of the food and restaurants you’ll find around PDX are high quality and will surely be some of the tastiest you’ve ever tried.

When you unpack after the move, explore the metropolis. You will see that it has a unique food experience as most of the food is organic and grown locally. There are many different cuisines and foods for you to experience all around the place.

Margaritas Portlanders will make you feel welcomed

What Kind of Weather Should You Expect When Moving to Portland Oregon

If you’re from a place where the weather is sort of stable throughout the year, you may need a minute to adjust to the circumstances there and carefully pick the best time of the year to invest in long-distance moving services and move. This metropolis is in such a geographical location that it’s very common to have lots of drizzles for long periods of time. There are many cloudy days, by some estimates, around 220 per year. However, after a while, you will be able to adjust and get accustomed to the weather.

The best moving to Portland Oregon advice is to prepare yourself for winters because they can get gloomy if you’re not already a big fan of the cold and rainy weather, so it can be hard to avoid winter blues and relocation depression. Then some summers can get pretty hot, however, compared to the rest of the country, the summers in PDX are considered mild. And you should use the summer period to do all the activities which won’t be available during the colder and more rainy months.

What Are the Fun Things to Do After Moving to Portland

There are many different things to do and places to see. You can explore the old Pittock Mansion, which was built in 1909, and discover its 46 acres of land on your own. Or you can visit the Living Room, which is the local name for the Pioneer Courthouse Square. It’s 40 thousand square feet located in the downtown, where you can visit many different local stores and shops or just hang out with your friends and family.

Why Should You Never Say No to a Beer or Coffee in Portland

PDX has the largest number of breweries per capita in the US. There are more than 100 breweries in the Greater PDX area, and they offer a wide variety of beers. No matter where you plan to spend your night, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to get yourself a variety of local beer brands.

Besides breweries, this city has a well-established coffee scene. There are more than two thousand cafes, and you would need a separate guide just to get to know them a bit better. When you have enough free time, go on a tour around small cafes and roasters like Sterling Coffee Roasters.

What Outdoor Activities You Can Enjoy

You’ll be surprised by how many outdoor activities there are in PDX. It is home to Forest Park, the biggest urban forest in the country, and is just a part of the more than 11 thousand acres of parks spread all around. If you’re interested in hiking, biking, or mountaineering, you’ve come to the right place.

You can also try your hand at golf, have a nice picnic, or visit one of the many swimming pools. When the weather allows it, you can visit one of the many beaches all across town, or float down the Willamette River. If you’re moving with your pets, the parks and beaches will be a perfect place to visit.

What to Know Before Moving to Portland Oregon With Children

This is one of the best cities to raise a family in the US, so if you are moving with kids, you will be happy to find out that there are many activities across the place. There are many different and interesting museums perfect for kids, like the Museum of Science and Industry. They have many interactive exhibits, and the museum is perfect for the education of kids of all ages. It also hosts After Dark events where you can go with your friends or loved ones. Another very important attraction is the Oregon Zoo, founded in 1888, is one of the country’s oldest. Also, after your zoo visit, the Children’s Museum is right next to the zoo.

Washington Park You can pick and choose different outdoor activities

Is Moving to Portland Oregon a Good Idea?

When it comes to moving cross country, you will have a lot on your plate. From figuring out how to reduce the costs of moving to planning moving during the holidays or just relocating during the winter months or summer. You will also probably be busy finding the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Don’t let the extent of the relocation process scare you, it will be worth it in the end because there are not many cities that offer Portland’s hospitality, tasty food, flavorful coffee, and great neighborhoods. If you want to relocate here, there’s no reason to hesitate or feel relocation anxiety. Hire top-rated and recommended cross country movers who will come with all the packing materials for moving and apply all tips and tricks for packing things like articles of clothing as well as bulky furniture to relocate you. Choose between the most reputable cross-country moving companies.

While long-distance movers are doing the grunt work, you can get familiar with the area. You will soon learn that living here means that you will probably have to take the umbrella with you all the time. However, you can power through a little bit of rain so that you could enjoy colorful neighborhoods, cool bars, and delicious food. Relocating to PDX is not only a good idea, it is the one that will change your life for the better.

FAQ

What Is It Like to Live in Portland, Oregon?

Portland, Oregon is a lively city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving arts and culture scene. Portland has a mild, temperate climate with wet winters and dry summers. It is known for its lush greenery and mild temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s Fahrenheit. It is home to many parks and nature reserves, including Forest Park, the largest urban forest in the country. Additionally, Portland is a hub for arts and culture, with a thriving music scene, numerous theaters and performance spaces, and many museums and galleries.

What Are Some of the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Portland?

Portland has many great neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique personality and amenities. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods:

  • Pearl District – The Pearl District is a trendy, upscale neighborhood known for its art galleries, high-end shops, and luxury condos. It’s also home to several parks and is located near the Willamette River.
  • Alberta Arts District – The Alberta Arts District is a diverse, artistic neighborhood known for its vibrant murals, galleries, and street festivals. It’s also home to many locally-owned shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Hawthorne – The Hawthorne neighborhood is a lively, bohemian area known for its vintage shops, record stores, and hipster vibe. It’s also home to many restaurants and bars, as well as several parks.

What Is the Cost of Living Like in Portland Compared to Other Cities in the United States?

The cost of living in Portland, Oregon is generally considered to be above the national average, particularly in terms of housing and healthcare costs. However, it is still considered more affordable than many other major cities on the West Coast, such as San Francisco or Seattle.

How Is the Job Market in Portland, and What Are Some of the Major Industries?

The job market in Portland is generally strong, with a diverse range of industries contributing to the local economy. Some of the major industries in Portland include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education, and professional services. The city is home to a number of large employers, including Intel, Nike, and Providence Health & Services, as well as many small and medium-sized businesses. The unemployment rate in Portland is generally lower than the national average, and the city has experienced steady job growth in recent years.

How Is the Public Transportation System in Portland, and Is It Easy to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland has an extensive public transportation system, and it is generally easy to get around without a car. TriMet is the main public transportation provider in Portland, and it offers bus, light rail, and streetcar services throughout the city. Fares are reasonable, and there are many options for passes and tickets. Bikes can be taken on most TriMet buses and trains, and there are many bike rental options available. Also, it has many car-sharing services, including Zipcar, ReachNow, and Car2Go, which can be useful for occasional trips or errands.

What Are Some of the Must-Visit Attractions and Places to Go in Portland?

Voodoo Doughnut is a quirky, must-visit doughnut shop in downtown Portland, known for its unusual flavors and creative toppings. Washington Park is a large urban park in the heart of Portland, with many attractions including the Oregon Zoo, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit The Portland Art Museum. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the Pacific Northwest, with a wide-ranging collection of art from around the world.

How Is the Weather in Portland Throughout the Year?

Portland’s climate is known for being mild and temperate, with four distinct seasons. Winters in Portland are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. It can be rainy and cloudy during this time of year, with occasional snow or ice storms. Spring is typically mild and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit. The city’s parks and gardens come to life during this time of year.

What Are Some of the Best Schools and Universities in Portland?

Portland is home to many excellent schools and universities. Some of the best schools in the area include Lincoln High School, Wilson High School, and Grant High School. The best universities in Portland include Portland State University, University of Portland, and Lewis & Clark College. These institutions offer a wide range of programs and have strong reputations in their respective fields.

What Are Some of the Unique Cultural Aspects of Portland, Such as Food and Entertainment?

Portland is known for its unique cultural aspects, particularly in terms of food and entertainment. Some of the most notable cultural features of Portland include its food cart culture, craft beer scene, and live music venues. Portland is also known for its thriving arts and culture scene, with many theaters, galleries, and museums. The city has a reputation for being environmentally conscious and progressive, and is home to many festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate its unique culture and community.

How Can I Prepare for a Move to Portland, and What Should I Expect During the Moving Process?

Portland has many diverse neighborhoods to choose from, so research the area and choose a neighborhood that suits your needs and lifestyle. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear. Also, Portland’s  job market is strong, but it’s still important to line up employment opportunities before you move. Whether you’re renting or buying, finding a place to live  can be competitive. Start your search early and be prepared to act quickly.

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