Oregon was the top destination to move to in 2013. United Van Lines, the nation’s largest household moving company, released its 37th annual migration study to the Associated Press last month, which tracks the states that the company’s customers move to and from during the course of the year. Oregon has been the runner up for four straight years and has finally made it to the winner’s circle. According to the United Van Lines website, young professionals and retirees are drawn to the Pacific Northwest for its amenities such as public transportation, green space and the local arts and entertainment.
I would add that Portland’s affordability, at least by West Coast standards, and our beautiful summers and mild winters are also significant factors. Summers are green and lush, with daytime temperatures in the low 80s. Winters temperatuers are in the 40s and 50s and it is rare to see snow on the ground in the city. The real estate market had a median price of $325,000 for February 2014 in the city of Portland, which is the lowest cost for any of the large urban areas on the west coast.
