Packing for Portland: A Relocation Guide
If you're moving to Portland, Oregon and looking for information on your new home, you're in luck. Here's a handy guide to help prepare you for your move to Portland. Located on the Pacific Ocean in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is known for its quirky neighborhoods and sincere love of unique and progressive culture.
Fast Facts
People moving to the city of Portland may find these facts interesting:
• Portland's nickname is "Rose City."
• Living green is a priority in Portland.
• Powell's Bookstore is the city's main attraction.
• Biking is the preferred method of transportation.
• There is no sales tax.
• There is excellent public transportation.
Employment and Cost of Living
Portland is home to heavy-hitters Intel and Nike and is enjoying a growing job market. There are also plenty of jobs available in the food services industry. The diversity of Portland's job market makes it inviting to executives, entry-level workers, and everyone in between.
The cost of living in Portland is 47% higher than the national average. Rents have a median value of $1,120 for a one bedroom and $1,330 for a two bedroom. The median salary is $53,230.
Portland Attractions
Portland is home to the world's largest independent bookstore, Powell's. People take vacations to Portland just to browse the shelves there. Of course, Portland has its share of museums, a zoo, beautiful gardens, and the usual tourist spots. But where Portland stands out is in its unique collection of craft breweries, boutiques, food trucks, restaurants, and music venues.
Portland is a town with a thriving night life and diverse, inclusive culture. There are festivals and events for all ages and musical tastes, and the food scene cannot be beaten for variety.
Neighborhood Guide
Portland has a plethora of diverse and unique neighborhoods.
Downtown
You'll find Powell's here. Pioneer Square boasts 40,000 square feet of open park space right in the heart of the city and is known as the city's living room.
Nob Hill/Northwest Portland
This area offers trendy shops and restaurants and is known for its sophisticated urban living. Dotted with Victorian homes and collectible shops, this area is home to those with upscale tastes.
Pearl District
Known as "The Pearl," this is one of the city's mainstays. It has a hipster vibe, and its warehouses have been renovated into a live-work-play area teeming with bars, restaurants, galleries, and other businesses.
Eastmoreland
Tree-lined streets, lush landscaping, and the Crystal Springs Rhododendron can be found here. Popular with families and young professionals, this neighborhood blends urban amenities with suburban sensibilities.
Goose Hollow
This lively neighborhood was named because early residents who allowed their domestic geese to run free. You'll also find Providence Park, where the local pro soccer team plays.
Old Chinatown
This neighborhood once housed the city's Chinese immigrants but is now home to an eclectic group of people who love the convenience of urban living. As one would expect, there are a lot of Chinese restaurants along with a vibrant night life in Chinatown.
Buckman
Across the Willamette River from downtown you will find beautiful Craftsman and Victorian homes. Professionals and young families love to walk, bike, and scooter their way around to the neighborhood's quirky shops and restaurants.
Arlington Heights
Grand houses are home to residents enjoying Washington Park, the home of the city's celebrated Rose Gardens, Portland’s Japanese Gardens, and zoo. This area offers residents a quieter residential life than other Portland neighborhoods.
Richmond
This neighborhood is home to the "Hawthorne District," a conglomeration of eateries, boutiques, galleries, and colorful Craftsman homes.
West End
Peppered with food carts, small shops, and galleries, this neighborhood is home to the Port City Music Hall and the Crystal Ballroom.
Sellwood-Moreland
You will find the Oaks Amusement Park and Westmoreland Park in this laid-back neighborhood. There are antique malls, restaurants, and funky flea markets. You can also find the 168-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
Central Eastside
Portland's Central Eastside was once a crumbling warehouse district that has been transformed into a vibrant hub for art and design. Mixed-use buildings and revitalized warehouses line the streets, along with specialty coffee shops and local craft breweries.
Alberta Street
Alberta Street offers shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants, along with a monthly street fair. Up-and-coming designers hawk their latest styles. The Alberta Cooperative Grocery sells vegan and local products. Local and global artists sell their works in the many galleries located here.
Tips for your Move
• If you're relocating to Portland, pick up a subscription to The Oregonian to begin your house and/or job hunt.
• Turn packing into a party. Invite your friends to a different kind of BYOB (Bring Your Box). They can say goodbye and help you pack all at the same time.
• Donate or sell any items that are no longer used. There is no reason to pay to move things you don't need.
• Choose to find professions to pack and to move your goods. This helps reduce your overall stress levels.
• It's always smart to rent before you buy. You can't learn about a new city in a few days or weeks. Take time to learn the traffic patterns, the places you enjoy hanging out, and the neighborhoods of any friends you make. Then you can buy with more confidence.
If you’re planning to relocate to Portland, be prepared to never want to leave this hip but cozy Pacific Northwest city.