If you’re considering a move to Portland, you’ve probably heard how great it is to live in the City of Roses. With a vibrant outdoor culture, a hip food scene and great proximity to beaches and mountains, Portland has become a desirable destination for homeowners.
But before loading up your moving truck and hitting the road for Oregon, there are a few things you should know. Our friends at Great Guys Moving have put together a top four list, as well as the following infographic with all the basics about this trendy and happening Oregon city.
Four Key Things You Should Know
1. Make Sure You Pack Your Rainboots
While year-round temps are moderate, Portland does get its fair share of rain. While the average U.S. city gets around 39 inches of annual rainfall, Portland gets around 44 inches. On average, there are 100 precipitous days, which would explain all the lush greenery found in this verdant city. The silver-lining to the rain clouds? Though Portland is on a more northerly latitude than Minneapolis, MN, unlike its Midwest counterpart, it doesn’t get much snow or ice thanks to temperatures moderated by the coastal air.
2. Home Ownership is Attainable
Though higher than the national average, home prices in Portland are still cheaper than most other West Coast cities. Here, the average home will set you back around $477K, while the average home price is $577K in Seattle and over a million in San Francisco. The relative affordability of Portland real estate explains why more residents choose to own homes than rent. If you crave the West Coast life with the attainability of home ownership, then Portland may be the place for you.
3. Groceries are Pricey, But No Sales Tax!
From steak to milk to bread, groceries are more expensive here than they are across the rest of the country. But if you’re like a lot of Portlanders, you’ll probably be okay with paying a little extra to get fresh produce, meats, and cheeses from your local farmer’s market. Thankfully, there’s no sales tax in Portland, which helps offset some of the cost.
4. Income Taxes are Through the Roof
While Oregon has no sales tax, the state income tax is a whopping 9%, almost double the national average.
