Moving to Portland, Oregon
Quick insights
- Portland neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District, Hawthorne, Sellwood-Moreland and St. Johns offer many craftsman bungalows, historic four-squares and older condos that can appeal to first-time homebuyers looking for character and walkability.
- Daily life often centers around food cart pods, farmers markets like Portland State University’s year-round market and local hubs like Powell’s Books and Forest Park’s trail system.
- Cost of living in Portland is higher than the national average, with housing, groceries and transportation among the expense categories reported above average.
If you’re considering moving to Portland, Oregon, you may be wondering what it’s like to live there and become a homeowner. In this guide to moving to Portland, we’ll describe features of the city and need-to-know insights for homebuyers.
Living in Portland, Oregon
Nestled along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, this eco-friendly city in the Pacific Northwest has a quirky, hand-crafted reputation. Residents can explore microbreweries, brunch spots and the city’s many parks for leisure activities. Here are some key aspects of living in Portland, Oregon.
Portland’s climate and geography
Less than 100 miles from the Pacific coast, Portland has an oceanic climate with wet, cool winters and dry, warm summers. Temperatures in the coldest months can drop to the mid-30s. In the summer, it’s typical for the hottest days to peak in the low-80s. To the east, the city faces Mt. Hood, a towering volcanic mountain. Nearby access to the Mount Hood National Forest, Tillamook State Forest and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest makes Portland attractive to hiking and camping enthusiasts.
Things to do in Portland
Whether you ultimately move to Portland or simply stop by for a visit, there’s much to see and do. Consider checking out these landmarks, museums and events in Portland:
- Inner-city landmarks: The iconic Portlandia statue and historic Pittock Mansion provide glimpses into the city’s artistic inclinations and pioneering past. The International Rose Test Garden features hundreds of varieties of roses and gives Portland its nickname, “Rose City.”
- Museums: The Portland Art Museum has a large international collection of classic and modern works, including decorative art and photography. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) has kid-friendly interactive exhibits, lecture series and special evening events.
- Sports teams: When it comes to professional sports, residents of Portland can root for the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) or the Portland Timbers (MLS). Providence Park is a popular venue to catch an MLS or college football game.
Getting around Portland
The city is known to be uniquely pedestrian, cyclist and transit-rider friendly. The city’s TriMet system provides extensive bus, light rail and streetcar services throughout the Metropolitan area. Drivers should take note of Broadway, Burnside Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, three major streets.
Pros and cons of living in Portland
Keeping potential homeowners in mind, here are some of the aspects to consider when moving to Rose City.
Potential pros of moving to Portland, Oregon
- Proximity to natural beauty: Portlanders have good access to multiple natural forests for hiking and camping, proximity to the Pacific Ocean and stunning mountain views.
- Less car-dominant: The city’s variety of transportation options, including a focus on pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, makes it easier to get around without a car.
- Vibrant food and beverage scene: A strong brunch culture, food cart pods (vending collectives), farmers markets, and beer brewing and wine making enhance Portland’s flavor.
Potential cons of moving to Portland, Oregon
- High cost of living: Portland’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average. Housing, groceries and transportation are among the expense categories reported above the national average.
- Income taxes: Oregon does not impose a general state sales tax, but it does have a progressive personal income tax. Depending on income, residency and work location, some Portland-area taxpayers may also be subject to Metro or Multnomah County personal income taxes, as well as Portland’s Arts Tax. Review the applicable state and local tax rulesOpens overlay for their circumstances.
- Natural hazards: Portland is somewhat prone to earthquakes and occasional flooding. Homeowners may want to consider examining flood maps and investing in quake retrofitting.
Neighborhoods in Portland
Wondering what the best neighborhood in Portland may be for your lifestyle? Here are a few options to start your search.
Downtown Portland
Downtown Portland living is characterized by visits to trendy shops, restaurants and cultural fixtures including city museums. The downtown area also provides access to public transportation. Properties in this area include high-rise condominiums, contemporary waterfront constructions and a smattering of historic buildings.
Laurelhurst
This residential neighborhood near downtown is known for its charming twentieth-century homes, lush lawns and activity-packed public parks. Laurelhurst has a small group of eateries offering French cuisine, a movie theater and a historic K-8 school which opened its doors in 1918.
Sellwood-Moreland
This family-oriented neighborhood is located three miles south of downtown Portland. There are some modern homes. However, properties in this area tend to be older (some dating to the early 1900s) Craftsman-style homes with unique character. Residents can take advantage of the nearby Springwater Corridor for biking and jogging.
Alameda
This residential area north of the downtown area also features older homes, lush greenery and cozy eateries. Three parks are within walking distance for residents, including a challenging 4-mile loop hike with hidden staircases and views of historic homes. While Alameda is a short drive to the city center, the neighborhood is also connected by multiple bus stops.
Portland job market
Portland’s job market is often driven by healthcare and research, semiconductor and hardware tech and the sportswear and outdoor apparel industry. Many roles cluster around hospitals and university medical centers, suburban tech and manufacturing campuses west of the city. First-time homebuyers moving here also may find opportunities in education, professional services, clean energy and remote-friendly software roles. The job options could be spread across downtown, the westside suburbs and across the river in Vancouver, Washington.
Housing resources in Portland, Oregon
If you’re buying a home in Portland, you may qualify for certain programs. The following are offered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) that can help offset costs (information and availability subject to change).
- The Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DPA): OHCS-supported down payment assistanceOpens overlay may help eligible first-time or first-generation homebuyers with down payment and closing costs. Program amounts and requirements vary. Separately, down payment assistance paired with an eligible OHCS Flex Lending mortgage may cover up to 100% of a borrower’s required cash at closing, subject to program and lender requirements.
- Flex Lending: The Flex Lending programOpens overlay includes two mortgage loan products, FirstHome and NextStep, each intended to provide favorable terms for buyers. Credit, income, property and borrower-contribution requirements vary by product and participating lender. Review current requirements with an approved Flex Lending lender.
When mapping out what’s affordable for you around Portland, you can estimate scenarios and explore potential assistance options with our homebuyer assistance calculator.
In summary
For those who prioritize dining, nature walks and unique homes, moving to Portland may be a good option. Before committing to a move, it may be helpful to estimate your cost of living in this city and compare income tax rates with where you currently live. You can use our mortgage calculator to estimate what your monthly payment might look like in the Portland area by plugging in different home prices, rates and down payments.
If you’re ready to begin exploring your mortgage options, consider reaching out to an experienced Chase Home Lending Advisor.
