Welcome to Oregon sign along Highway 101

Moving to Oregon from California: The Guide to Why, Where, and How

It’s not news to most Oregonians: Californians are moving to Oregon in droves, and the migration shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s true that some native Oregonians like to complain about folks moving in from out-of-state. California is usually the poster-child.

But if you ask us, being an Oregonian isn’t about where you were born. It’s about where you live and why you choose to live there. People are moving to Oregon from California and elsewhere because they want to add their own individual thread to the fabric of what makes Oregon a unique place. We’re all for that.

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    Portland’s Willamette Week reported a little over a year ago that nearly one in five people in Oregon were born in California. Part of the phenomenon may be that the grass just seems greener on the other side. It goes both ways: there are plenty of Oregonians moving to other states too, 39% of Oregon-born folks to be exact. But we don’t think that’s all that’s going on.

    If you’re reading this article, chances are pretty good you’ve at least thought about moving to Oregon. There are a lot of good reasons to move to Oregon from California–and a few good reasons not to move to Oregon.

    Oregon’s population may not be big, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a diverse place. So the clearer you are about why you want to move to Oregon and where you want to move, the better.

    Each of Oregon’s cities has its own unique flavor. We’ve written already about why people are moving to Eugene and why people are moving to Bend. But wherever you land in Oregon, you’re sure to notice both similarities and differences.

    Finding you a home is a big part of what we do as realtors, but that’s not the only way that we serve our clients, particularly those relocating from out-of-area.

    Our job is first to help you decide whether you’re ready to make the big move or not. There’s a lot of factors that go into that decision, and we want to make sure you don’t make the wrong choice, even if it means we don’t sell you a home.

    If all roads do end up leading you to Oregon, our job then is to welcome you here with gusto, help you get your feet on the ground, and make your move as seamless as possible. We are facilitators of your whole experience.

    So, join us as we give you a bit of a tour of what the journey will be like. Just what are you in for if you’re looking to move to Oregon from California?

    Shore of Sparks Lake in Cascades Mountains near Bend, Oregon
    Sparks Lake in the Oregon Cascades mountain range outside Bend, Oregon.

    Why Move to Oregon: The Benefits of Living in Oregon Vs. California

    Let’s cut to the chase with three simple words: quality of life. Of course, that means different things to different people.

    If you’d like to be able to jump straight into the ocean year-round, Oregon may not the place for you. But consider: all 362 miles of Oregon’s coastline are completely public. You won’t have to fight traffic and crowds or (usually) pay for parking. Just bring your windbreaker.

    That’s just one example of what you’ll encounter in terms of the benefits of living in Oregon vs. California. But it’s quite indicative of the whole flavor of the Oregon life. There’s a lot of room to breathe here and to slow down and enjoy the little things.

    Life isn’t so congested in Oregon (though your sinuses may be when Spring allergies hit the Willamette Valley.) If you’re in the wrong lane and need to merge, people will usually let you in, though sometimes awkward standoffs can ensue at 4-way stops: “No, you first!”

    True, traffic in Portland, Bend, and Eugene is getting worse and home prices are rising across the state, but nowhere in Oregon has anything on L.A. or the Bay Area in those regards. And wherever you are, pristine wilderness is never too far away. Some outdoor destinations are more popular than others, but if you just want to get away from it all, you really can.

    For all these reasons and more, the stress level is just lower here. If you’re coming from most parts of California, the difference is palpable almost when you step off the plane.

    All in al, Oregon is pretty much a mellow place to be. If you’ve lived a long and full life in the rat race and are looking forward to a more hassle-free life, we probably don’t need to convince you that it might be a good idea to retire in Oregon.

    Bend and Eugene, Oregon, where we do most of our business, are definitely two of the best places to retire in Oregon, balancing the lifestyle and cultural perks of city life with the earthy, laid-back vibe of the Pacific Northwest. And if life in the countryside and some acreage to call your own are what you’re after, Oregon has a number of stunning ranch properties, especially in the high desert of Central Oregon.

    Mind you, Oregon is not the place to be if you’re looking to be at the center of the hubbub. We’re well aware: Los Angeles and the Bay Area are home to some of the finest and most diverse cuisine, entertainment, fashion, and shopping in the world. Oregon, even Portland, is not on the cutting edge of any of those.

    But none of this is to say that there’s nothing going on in Oregon. Oregonians are, by well-earned reputation, physically active, creatively-engaged, and community-minded. But whatever makes your clock tick, you’re likely to find a way to plug in here. If your passions involve the great outdoors, all the better.

    All of these qualities make Oregon a great place to raise kids too. We’d definitely count Eugene and Bend among the best places to live in Oregon for families, with high-quality parks and schools, safe neighborhoods, and great access to recreation.

    Is it Cheaper to Live in Oregon or California?

    You probably already know the answer to this question already. California is pretty much the most expensive place to live in the country. 

    So, let’s add “cost of living” to “quality of life” when it comes to the benefits of living in Oregon vs California. 

    On balance, Oregon’s lack of a sales tax and (relatively) less expensive real estate probably do a lot to alleviate the stress. The overall cost of living in Oregon vs. California is significantly lower.

    According to bestplaces.net, the cost of living in San Jose is 64% higher than living in Portland as of publication. Similarly, the cost of living in Santa Rosa is 41.5% higher than living in Eugene. That’s not even getting into much pricier SoCal cities.

    Oregon is certainly not the cheapest place to live. Its state income tax is the highest in the country, and home prices have been on a steep upward trajectory. We’ll have more on that later. Still, Oregon’s cost of living in less than California’s on balance. 

    Portland Oregon Skyline with view of Mount Hood on sunny day
    Portland, Oregon skyline with a view of Mount Hood.

    Where to Move in Oregon: Mountains, Forests, Cities, Ocean or Desert?

    Oregon is a place of staggering geological diversity. That won’t necessarily be anything new to you if you’re moving to Oregon from California. Still, it’s nice to have some different options to explore.

    Each of Oregon’s distinct geographical regions has its own unique vibe. The Oregon Coast is a quiet, peaceful place to be, dotted from north to south with small towns no larger than 16,000 people. The mighty Pacific Ocean kind of overwhelms everything else, which may be just your speed if you’re looking to escape the bustle.

    The Willamette Valley, on the other hand, is home to the vast majority of Oregon’s population, with cities like Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and Portland stretching from north to south along the I-5 Corridor. In between, you’ll find vast stretches of farmland, orchards, and vineyards. Oregon has its own wine country, and it’s quickly growing to rival even the finest that Sonoma and Mendocino County have to offer.

    Portland is an obvious choice if you’re looking for the city life. You can expect, perhaps, to find some of the things that may have driven you from California in the first place, like traffic jams, expensive housing, and a rapidly growing population. But Portland still maintains a slower pace of life, a willingness to ignore what’s trendy elsewhere and occupy its own unique niche.

    Southern Oregon is kind of a lot like Northern California in terms of climate and general vibe, without of course the sales tax. Medford is the population center, and Ashland is a gorgeous place with a bit of a new age flavor. Its Oregon Shakespeare Festival is internationally-renowned.

    Eugene brings to the table a lot of what makes Portland a special place, but in a much smaller package. We write extensively about Eugene, having an office here and all, so we won’t repeat ourselves too much. But suffice to say, we love it here. If you’re moving to Oregon from California looking for a breath of fresh air, it should be near the top of your list.

    Coming from California, you may have your own PAC-12 team that you’re used to rooting for. But don’t overlook the excitement of being able to see the Ducks on the gridiron at Autzen Stadium or at the brand new Matthew Knight Arena and renowned Hayward Field, all among the nation’s finest collegiate sporting venues. It doesn’t hurt that Duck athletics consistently rank near the top in football, basketball, track & field, and others.

    Going east from the Willamette Valley takes you over the majestic Oregon Cascades and into the high desert and open blue skies of Central Oregon. Here, Bend is the lodestar, the center of gravity, attracting visitors, adventurers, and transplants from all over the globe. We’ve been in business in Bend longer than anywhere else, and needless to say, we love it here too.

    More than perhaps anywhere else in Oregon, Bend has grown into what it is today from the outside in, quadrupling in population in the past 25 years. Californian transplants make up an outsize portion of its population, and it’s easy to see the appeal.

    Bend is a quintessential mountain town, but it’s also full of people who are just living their best lives and making the most of the city’s natural beauty and many amenities. We’ve written a primer of the Bend Life which summarizes what makes Bend an attractive destination.

    Property in Bend is expensive relative to the rest of Oregon, but Californians used to much steeper prices could be pleasantly surprised by the quality of homes that are available. Some of the finest builders in the Northwest do their work here, and at certain price points, stunning finishes, architectural flourishes, and mountain views are almost the norm.

    Bend gets plenty of sun, and unobstructed views of the Oregon Cascades are definitely the norm. But this being the mountains–Bend sits at approximately 3,600 feet of elevation–there’s going to be some snow.

    Some years, we don’t get big snowstorms and the main roads stay pretty clear. But in February of 2018, Bend had a record four feet of snow, and during the heaviest snowfall, things pretty much shut down.

    You may have experienced plenty of snow before and loved it, but there’s not much that can prepare you for shoveling it day in and day out, making sure your roof stays free of ice dams and trying to get to work every day on icy roads. For these reasons and more (read further below) we sometimes recommend that people spend a year renting in Bend before purchasing a home here.

    We’re sure you’ve heard about the rain in other parts of Oregon, the Willamette Valley and coastal region included. It’s a thing, sure, but most people get used to it. You may even grow to love the cool, damp weather of early spring. But if Seasonal Affective Disorder is a factor for you, note that the skies remain overcast through much of the winter, and the wet cold of the Willamette Valley takes some getting used to.

    Beach, ocean waves and rocks on the Oregon Coast
    Majestic beaches like this one are par for the course on the Oregon coastline.

    Getting from there to Here: Making the Big Move from California to Oregon

    Just jump in a U-Haul, throw your stuff in the back, and drive on up here, right? Oh, if only it were that simple.

    The DIY route may be a fine way for you to go, but there are a number of moving companies out there who can make the trip as easy and worry-free as possible. Investigate your options. To start with, we recommend taking a look at consumersadvocate.org’s Guide to the Best Moving Companies.

    Before you even get to that point though, you’re probably going to want to find a home. At the very least, you’ll want to find a temporary rental while you search for your dream home. We think the latter option is actually a solid way to go.

    If you’ve visited whichever city you’re considering a few times during different parts of the year and have some flexibility in what you’re able to spend, you may be ready to buy a home in Portland, Bend, Eugene, or elsewhere. But we’d recommend that you spend at least a few solid days looking at properties with an experienced realtor who knows all of the neighborhoods and knows just what to look out for.

    Property search websites have, in many respects, made finding a home from afar a much easier prospect. But photos or even 3-D virtual tours rarely ever tell the whole story.

    Technology has come a long way, and listing agents know that people virtually always get their first impressions through the web. So you can bet that their photos will present things in the most flattering way possible. Then again, sometimes photos don’t really do a home justice. There’s just no way to know until you set foot inside a property.

    When you walk into a home with all of your senses engaged and have an experienced realtor with you to point things out you might miss, it’s just that much easier to picture yourself in a home–or not. You’ll be that much better equipped to pull the trigger or run to the door, especially if you’ve looked at a couple dozen other homes that haven’t quite done it for you. You’ll know at least a little bit about the neighborhood and have some kind of feeling for what it’s like.

    Again, while technology has come a long way, real estate isn’t as simple as putting a snazzy-looking home in your online shopping cart and then sending it back to Amazon if you don’t like it. Once you’re in contract, things can get sticky.

    Before you hit your property search in earnest, learn as much as you can about the Oregon real estate market. We’re happy to give you a helping hand there: check out our 2020 Bend Real Estate Forecast or our 2020 Eugene Real Estate Forecast. We also offer freshly-updated quarterly reports on the Bend and Eugene markets.

    View from a dining room in Bend, Oregon overlooking the Sisters Mountains
    View of the Oregon cascades from a townhouse in Bend, Oregon.

    Important Differences between Real Estate in California and Oregon

    Oregon real estate practice has plenty of idiosyncrasies that you’ll need to be aware of, even if you’ve been through plenty of transactions in California or elsewhere.

    In California, it’s a common practice for the seller to pay for a home inspection before they put their home on the market. That’s great if you’re a buyer and don’t have to pay for it, though you may be left with questions about the partiality of the inspector. But in Oregon, it’s almost always the buyer’s responsibility to get an inspection during a period stipulated in the purchase agreement.

    Don’t let your agent or anyone else tell you that you don’t need an inspection, even on new construction. Plenty of things can slip under the radar, though it certainly helps if your agent knows who the most reputable builders are.

    In order to recommend a proper inspector and set of inspections, your agent needs to know the different building concerns relevant to Oregon’s various regions. For instance, many homes in the lowlands of Eugene are built on expansive clay soil, so foundation issues are common and need to be investigated.

    Likewise, Eugene homes of a certain vintage often have sewer line materials that are inferior and prone to failure, necessitating a sewer line inspection. Because of the high moisture level in the Willamette Valley, pest and dry rot inspections are important.

    Over in Bend, there are pockets where radon gas has been identified, so getting that inspected is important in certain areas. For rural properties in Central Oregon, the well and water quality issues specific to different areas need to be known. Septic issues are common in homes in La Pine, south of Bend. You can’t assume that all agents who do business within a specific area know all of these nuances and idiosyncrasies. So when considering an agent, be sure to ask these kinds of tough questions.

    These are just a few examples of the many ways that buyers need to be well-represented when choosing which types of inspections to have. Items that do come during an inspection–and it’s rare that nothing comes up–are often the subject of negotiations between the seller and buyer. So your agent also needs to know who has the leverage in the situation and how to apply it when it comes to requesting repairs.

    Generally speaking, sale price negotiations have a different flavor in Oregon than they do in California. In many markets in California, agents routinely overprice homes in an effort to set neighborhood records and earn themselves more clout. But in Oregon, that’s not so common.

    By and large, Oregon realtors price homes at whatever point they think they’ll be able to sell them for. At in-demand price points, it’s actually more common for agents to under-price a home in the hope of setting off a bidding war.

    Homes that are overpriced tend to stay on the market until their sellers issue a price reduction. But in most cases, you can’t necessarily assume that starting low and meeting ’em in the middle will be a good way to go. By the time you’ve made your lowball offer, somebody else may very well have made an offer at or above list price.

    If you’re coming from a market like San Francisco, where the cost of home renovations tend to be astronomical, you may be more inclined to purchase a turnkey property than deal with a fixer-upper. But in Oregon, expect remodel prices to be a fraction of those in the Bay Area.

    Although Oregon’s construction labor market is tight, there are still skilled carpenters to be found here who charge quite reasonable rates. So when you’re house hunting, it’s good to keep in mind that what you see doesn’t necessarily have to be what you end up with in the end. So if you’re in love with a house but just wish it had quartz countertops and a gas fireplace, there’s no need to fret.

    In Conclusion: What to Know Before You Relocate to Oregon

    To summarize, before you dive into Oregon’s real estate market–and ideally, before you’ve committed yourself too deeply to making the move–you’ll want to find a skilled agent who can represent you through the whole process of relocation. You need someone who can really educate you on the idiosyncrasies of the area.

    Then, if and when it comes time to buy a home, you need someone who can help you view properties with a trained eye, negotiate a sale, and handle all the myriad logistics of closing a transaction.

    Uprooting your life and transplanting it somewhere else won’t happen overnight. There will be ups and downs and plenty of tough choices to be made. Stress and anxiety are par for the course, but doing your homework can definitely help alleviate a lot of that.

    We’re pretty confident that a skilled agent can also help ease a lot of the anxiety of buying a home out-of-state. We’re here to help, but how we help depends on your own unique situation. We’d love to start a conversation: contact our Bend Office or our Eugene Office today.

    52 thoughts on “Moving to Oregon from California: The Guide to Why, Where, and How”

      1. Thanks so much, Rhonda, for the compliment! If you’re thinking about moving to Oregon yourself, of course feel free to contact us anytime.

        1. Is Cannon Beach the nicest place to buy a house with a view of the ocean? I’m definitely on a budget. I’m making a life changing decisions. I’m coming from Los Angeles. And would be by myself is there one beach area that’s not so isolated? And how does it work if I had an electric car? And I wouldIdeally be an hour away from the big city airport. And be close to hospital and doctors? Thank you Rebecca

          1. Hi Rebecca,
            Did everything work out for you? I’m in a similar situation and want to be close to the beach there. Any info would help. Hope all is well.

        2. Wow, I was not expecting the wealth of information regarding Oregon. My husband and I who live in Northern Ca. are seriously thinking of moving to Oregon. My husband suggested Prineville or Redmond. I was looking at the crime data and it doesn’t look too good. Can you tell me more about that area? We will be driving up sometime in September and would like to see some property’s with a bit of acreage. 2 acres or so. Are you an agent also? Thanks for your response. Susan

          1. Hello Susan,

            I’m glad you’ve found our site helpful! Looking at the statistics, Redmond’s crime rate is on the high side, but anecdotally, there aren’t many people saying they feel unsafe there. If you’re looking for acreage, you’ll be outside of town and away from any crime that does happen. I am indeed an agent, and though I work more on the Eugene side, our Principal Broker, Kip Lohr, would be totally happy to show you around in September. Maybe we can set up a time for you to chat?

    1. Hey thanks for taking the time to write this article! I’m a 33 y/o self-employed chef with a young family living in Iowa–we have been dreaming of moving West (CA or OR) for some more surfing in our life, among other things! I own my own food truck catering business and operate out of a kitchen at my home (converted two car garage). This has been an AMAZING lifestyle but we need to escape the poisons of Iowa Ag. We would love some help identifying OR coastal income properties that would allow us to work from home and offer our food to the local community a long the 101 perhaps. We love CA but don’t see any real changes of affording land close to surf-able swells. Some searching online is showing that this dream still may be possible in Oregon. Budget $200k ish. Please reach out, thanks! Chef Kyle

      1. Hi Kyle, thanks for reaching out. I sent you an e-mail–sometimes they end up in peoples’ spam folders, so check there if you didn’t get it. Look forward to helping you look into coastal properties!

      1. Thank you Malinda! None of us have spent too much time in Medford, but Southern Oregon is certainly lovely. Medford doesn’t have a reputation for having much going on culturally, but there’s a lot of cool stuff going on in neighboring Ashland. Deserved or not, Medford has reputation for being somewhat higher crime than other places in Oregon. Best of luck in your research, and let us know if you’re interested at all in Eugene/Springfield or Bend/Redmond.

    2. Ryan you seem nice to welcome people..I am thinking of moving to Oregon I would transfer within my job which is Costco …I have no idea where to start..maybe write the chamber of commerce for information where to live…sure wish I knew someone there.

    3. Really nice article, i am looking to buy condiminium in Bethany area near springville elementary , the condo is going for 285K now , what do you think a fair pricd should be for 2B2B condo in bethany , portland area ?

    4. Well written article!
      Great job.

      Is there still an appraiser shortage in Oregon? How many days did appraisals require in 2019?

      Happy New Year

    5. Hi, nice article! I am a single mom planning to move to Oregon from California. How is the job market over there? What kind of jobs are available there?
      Also what is the average rent?

      1. Hi Maddie, thanks for commenting. The job market of course depends on the area and what kind of work you’re looking for, but Oregon’s economy as a whole is on the healthy side. One bedroom apartments average around $1,100 in both Bend and Eugene, though it’s certainly possible to find cheaper. Rental homes are scarce, though 2 bedroom homes or duplex rentals can be found in that range, depending on the neighborhood.

    6. Hi, thank you so much for this article. This is a good starting point for me. I am thinking about moving to Oregon from Taiwan, but I have been a lifelong Californian prior to my move to Taiwan in 2019. I am concerned about the cost of living compared to Sacramento, but I’m thinking about trying to find perhaps a condo in the suburbs of Portland that would be affordable and allow me access to things I enjoy like nature and cultural events and coffee houses and such. I would also need to find employment in public schools and I am unsure what the job outlook is for that. Any suggestions?

    7. I cannot wait to call you! I’ve applied for jobs in Salem, but after reading this I need to find the perfect place for me and my family before I find my next job. Any recommendations for neighborhoods in/near Salem? Or should I be looking elsewhere?

      1. Hi Max,

        We’d be totally happy to discuss the market here and the pros and cons of Salem versus other parts of Oregon! Send us an e-mail and Kip or I can find a time to chat on the phone.

    8. Hello Ryan,

      My name is DeAnne I work for San Diego Unified School District as a School Clerk.
      I’m interested in Oregon and thinking of looking into your School Districts. My goal is smaller town but that might not work if needing school job. Any thoughts or suggestions? I’m am 53 and need to continue working.
      Thank you,
      Deanne

      1. Hi there Deanne,

        I’m sorry to have somehow missed this earlier and am totally happy to connect. I grew up on a small town on the Oregon coast (North Bend) and am a product of the public schooling system. My sense is that jobs are out there, and I have some connections who work/have worked in Eugene-area schools, so I can get the inside scoop from them. If you’d like to just chat about Oregon, feel free to send me an e-mail – [email protected] .

    9. Hi Ryan,

      Very helpful article. Thank you for the information. I’m planning on moving to Oregon from California within the next year. We’ll keep in touch.

    10. Hi Ryan,

      Very helpful article. I’m planning on moving to Oregon from California within the next year. We’ll be in touch.
      Thank you for the information.

      1. Hi Walter,

        You’re more than welcome. Please do get in touch whenever you’re ready to chat, and also feel free to shoot us any questions you might have.

    11. Evaluating relocating from CA to OR in search of cooler weather due to a medical condition. Would like to be somewhat close to medical faclities. Also hoping for “earlier” retirement, and slower pace, less stress. We do have two teenagers that plan on going to Community College before transfering to a 4 year Uni. and it’s our dream to live on the coast. What do you think of Newport? Any suggestions? Thanks for your feedback!

      1. Hi Allison,

        You will certainly find the cooler weather and more relaxed pace you’re looking for on the Oregon coast! I spent a number of years living in North Bend/Coos Bay. As you probably know, Newport has Oregon Coast Community College, and both Oregon State and the University of Oregon should have programs to make that transition seamless. A new hospital is being finished in Newport. So it sounds like it could be a good choice.

        We’d be happy to send property updates or any other information–just send me an e-mail ([email protected]).

    12. Hi Ryan.

      Wonderful article. Very informative and useful since my wife and I are also planning to more to OR from CA.

      Our current plans are to relocate to Coos Bay to retire. My wife has always wanted to live on or near the ocean so we have been researching homes from Florence to Bandon. But Coos Bay prices seem good right now so we are leaning in that direction.

      One concern I have is Coos Bay’s crime rate. I was alarmed to read the rate is higher than most of the rest of Oregon. Do you know why that may be? Any thoughts about that?

      Thanks Ryan.

      Bob

      1. Hi Bob,

        Thanks for dropping by! I actually grew up in North Bend, the town next to Coos Bay. I did not feel unsafe. With that said, there are certainly good neighborhoods and not so good neighborhoods. The causes are economic–the area was dependent on the forestry industry, which dried up for various reasons, and the ensuing economic depression was hard on the area.

        I’m happy to answer more questions over e-mail ([email protected]). Look forward to hearing from you!

    13. Hi Ryan, We are looking in Oregon near the coastline. We liked Bandon, Florence, Newport, and Lincoln City! My husband is in construction and fabrication and he will still need to work. What areas would be good to relocate if he needs to work in construction? Note: We have friends that live in Bonanza, Oregon as well, and would consider Klamath Falls. As long as we can drive to Northern Ca for family time we could possibly make the move! Any info would be greatly appreciated! Sandy

      1. Hi there Sandy, thanks for dropping by. Construction jobs are certainly available on the coast–you might also consider North Bend/Coos Bay. With more people living there, could be more job opportunities. At the same time, being there means not living -right- on the coast, so if that’s what you’re looking for, the places you mentioned would be best. Klamath Falls is of course pretty different climate-wise… Sounds like you have an adventure ahead of you! Just let us know if we can be of any help.

    14. I live in Shasta Lake,CA. And it gets brutally hot in the summers. I want to move someplace where nature is beautiful and the summers are more pleasant and comfortable. And the people are nice.

      1. Hi Ronda, Eugene could definitely fit the bill. We might have a few days in the high 90s/low 100s but upper 80s are much more common throughout the summers. And, well, most of us are pretty friendly here. Just let us know if we can help with anything.

    15. Hi Ryan,
      We’re planning to move in Oregon from 45 minutes away in LA. I’m a nurse and checking in where is the best place to live in Oregon. With a kid going to high school soon. I’m just so done living in California with the hot weather and almost every summer we have fire.

      Aleli

      1. Hi Aleli,

        I may be biased, but I think Eugene could be worth looking into. It has a good balance between city ammenities without the urban feel, great access to the coast and mountains, and good public high schools. The tricky thing in Eugene is finding a house! Just let us know if we can help in any way.

    16. Greetings,
      We are so glad to find this site. It has been an education for us as we look to the north for our retirement home. What can you tell us about Coquille? We have been looking at a range of areas from Tillamook to Mapleton and Coquille just came up on our radar. Any thoughts are appreciated.
      Dave

      1. Hi Dave, as you probably already know, Coquille is a quite small town, and rural Oregon is culturally very different from areas like Eugene, Portland and Bend. I’d hesitate directing most folks to homes in Coquille itself, but if you’re looking relatively low prices on rural acreages, it could certainly be an option. Proximity to Bandon (very nice little seaside town) and Coos Bay (more shopping, dining, etc) is a plus.

    17. Hi, my Wife and I live in L.A. Calif.
      We are planning a move up within a year+. We too found this
      site very helpful and straight-forward. We are def.
      looking for something away from city sprawl, crime and around
      3-5 acres. Wow. So many other variables, too.
      We’d love a reply and info.
      Thank you!

      1. Hi Fred,

        We’d be totally happy to start a conversation about what you’re looking for and see if we can help you find it here in Oregon. There are some very nice acreages available in both Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley. We can communicate by email ([email protected] ; [email protected]) or plan to chat on the phone/Zoom to get started. Will look forward to connecting!

    18. This article made me feel so much better! We finally decided to make the move from LA to OR after years of saying “one day.” Now where to begin?! We are thinking Salem. We are a family of 4!

    19. I am a retired lady living in the Bay Area. I have a friend living in Central Oregon and would love to live close by. I have heard that Californians are not welcomed there, and that Bend housing prices have skyrocketed due to so many Californians moving in. My friend says long time locals are no longer friendly to out of state transplants because they are being priced out of their home town. Knowing that, I guess I can’t blame them. She also said the crime rates are climbing, COVID cases are soaring, and the outdoor areas she used to enjoy are now so flooded with people that she can’t even find parking to get to a trail or a park. She also says it is not exactly true that Bend has 300 days of sunshine, and that they get much more snow than she ever imagined. I have arthritis, so need a realistic view of the climate there. She also claims the traffic is getting unmanageable, and there have been many fatal crashes in the past few months due to crowded roads. I don’t want to make a move this big just to find out that I will be not welcomed there. I am also not healthy enough to shovel the 4-5 feet of snow she says she’d had each winter since moving there in 2016. I also don’t want to leave an area to get away from crime and traffic, just to wind up in the same situation. I live on a very limited income and not sure I can even afford to live there given what she’s told me. I’ve looked all around the area, and home prices have gone up 3-4 times compared to just a few years ago. Why are so many Californians and people from all over the country moving there?

      1. Hi Kim,
        Thanks for your message, and you’ve brought up a number of points. The population of the Bend area has been growing pretty rapidly for a while, and it isn’t just people from California but from all over the country. Housing prices have definitely gone up, particularly in the past half-year, and it’s getting harder and harder to find a home. Next year, we expect to see somewhat of a correction, with more new construction easing the burden a bit. Bend is really on the map now though, and there are a small but vocal group of people who resent that, while overlooking the positive ways that Bend has developed.

        With growth comes more property crime, but there are not areas I’d say feel unsafe at all. Outdoor areas within Bend’s city limits and just outside will have a fair amount of people, but there’s so much wilderness just a short drive away. It does look like “300 days of sunshine” is not quite accurate even though it gets repeated many places, and we will correct that on our website. It definitely does snow, some years moreso than others, and more in LaPine, Sunriver, and Three Rivers than in Bend/Redmond. That could certainly be a dealbreaker. While COVID is making travel difficult right now, we’d just encourage you to pay a visit when that feels right and feel it out for yourself. Please just let us know if you have any other questions!

    20. Great article! Well-written and very informative!!
      I am retiring and have been looking around Eugene – Springfield . . . only to find that the market is slipping away from me. What are the most affordable areas near the Coast . . . am looking for a 3/2 in the the $350 K range . .
      Also – can your office represent buyers on the Coast Line . . (Astoria – Tillamook – Newport).
      Appreciate your response

      1. Thank you very much, Jack, for the feedback! Eugene and Springfield are definitely gettting more expensive, and we’re at the time of year when inventory is the lowest. More homes should come on the market in the spring, and I’d say Springfield especially is still a possibility at your price point. But if you’re leaning more toward the coast right now, we certainly do represent buyers in coastal markets. Generally, homes get more expensive as you go further up the coast, and then south closer to the California border. Florence, North Bend/Coos Bay and Bandon are relatively inexpensive. It depends what you’re looking for. If you’d like to ask more questions, we can definitely connect via e-mail or phone.

    21. Hello,
      My husband and I are looking into moving from Socal to Oregon. We will be renting an apartment first while saving for a house. We would really love to move somewhere that has small-town vibes, is quiet, but is also not in the middle of nowhere. I do not want to have to drive for a long time to get to medical facilities/groceries. Any suggestions? I haven’t been but my husband loves Tillamook. What do you think?

      1. Hi Savannah,

        The Oregon coast is beautiful, and there are a few good choices for small towns with access to medical facilities. Other than coastal towns. Florence, Newport, Lincoln City are worth visiting, and North Bend/Coos Bay is a little bigger and not so much of a tourist town but could be one to look at. Apart from that, Cottage Grove is a lovely little town just 15-20 minutes south of Eugene. In Central Oregon, Redmond, La Pine, or Sisters could be options. Just let us know if you have any other questions.

    22. Wow, so much great information! I currently live in Long Beach, California and have been wanting to make the move up to Oregon for years. I have visited many different areas of Oregon, and have enjoyed all of them, however, I am unsure about the area that is right for me to live. I am retiring this September and the opportunity to move will be perfect some time after that. I am a single woman who loves to be outdoors, mainly hiking and nature photography. I would like to live either in or very near to the mountains, in a place with a small town vibe…but not too far from a larger city, with good restaurants, medical facilities, etc. Being on my own, it is important to have a sense of community wherever I move. I also enjoy gardening and art. I have acquaintances in both Eugene and Bend, both of whom seem to love their chosen cities. Someone suggested Sisters, OR to me the other day and it does sound appealing. Just wondering about any other places I should look into. I plan on taking a road trip this October to explore different areas.

      1. Hi Sandy – Congrats on your upcoming retirement and your plans to move to Oregon! Sisters is certainly a great choice for all of your criteria – the only thing is that it does have a very expensive housing market (2nd most expensive in Oregon). But the area is totally lovely, and I think that it could offer the sense of community you’re looking for. While Sisters has more of a tourist-y vibe, Redmond is more of a typical smaller American city. The only question is whether it will grow to be significantly larger in the coming years. The Sunriver/Three Rivers area south of Bend could be one worth considering. Sunriver does have some restaurants and a small shopping area, which could work for many of your day-to-day needs. Just let us know if we can help with anything else in your exploration.

      1. Craig, We plan on moving to Texas. I have lived in Oregon my entire life but my kids and grandkids are moving so we decided to follow. We live in Southern Oregon in a small town called Merlin. If you like rural areas with mountain views and a few acres check out Southern Oregon. give me a call if you have any questions, I know most of Oregon pretty good. 503 888 6925
        https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/721-Wildflower-Dr-Merlin-OR-97532/60768477_zpid/?view=public

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