8 Things To Know Before Moving To Portland, Oregon
Portland, a gem in the Pacific Northwest, is increasingly attracting newcomers. Moving to Portland is about more than just changing your address - it's about understanding the city's environment, culture, and lifestyle. Portland is home to a vibrant society characterized by pet-friendly attitudes, embracing the rain, an accepting inclusive attitude, and more. Here is your guide to get to know the key things that make Portland unique.
Pet-friendly: Portlanders love their pets. Itʼs not uncommon for dogs to be present in public at bars, shops and co-working spaces. Most parks have designated areas, while some pet-owners prefer the themed events around town like the annual “corgi-walkˮ in downtown Portland.
Pick your team: Although the city doesnʼt have an NFL or MLB team, Portlanders are passionate about their sports teams. Real community is built around the Portland Thorns, Timbers and Trailblazers. Fans are enthusiastic at games and youʼll enjoy the genuine camaraderie.
Fashion: While Portland does have a thriving fashion scene if you look for it, the dress code is very casual in everyday scenarios. Youʼll see casual wear quite commonly even in the nicest establishments in town. You may feel overdressed at times, but itʼs that much easier to stand out!
Rain City: We won’t lie to you, it rains - a lot. It can stay consistently gray, cloudy and damp for seemingly months on end. But, when it stops, even just for a day, it is pure glory. The greenery is vibrant, the people are ecstatic and the restaurant patios across town are bustling. Get yourself a hardy raincoat, Vitamin D supplements and buckle up.
Inclusive and accepting culture: One of the best parts about living in Portland is the inclusive spirit of its residents. Tattoos, piercings and “outside-the- normˮ personal expression is largely accepted. You will find it quite enjoyable to be part of the spirit of acceptance within your community living here.
Cost of Living: While Portland is more affordable than many major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco, the cost of living has been increasing and taxes are some of the highest in the country. Be sure to budget accordingly and read up on what some recent articles claim is the “thriving wageˮ in the city.
Coffee Culture: Portland is known for its coffee culture. There are countless local coffee shops where you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup and some great people watching.
Small-Town Vibe: Although Portland is one of the biggest metropolitans in Oregon, it still has a very “small-townˮ feel. People often stick to their little neighborhood pockets. People build strong community ties within their areas, getting to know their neighbors, and becoming regulars at the establishments around their homes.
We hope this has brought some light to what its like to live in Oregonʼs largest city. We would love to hear what you think of Portland and tell us what makes the city unique!