**The Best Thing About Portland?**  No “housing farms”

Portland neighborhoods were not built in clusters so you don’t see houses clumped together that look similar.  The homes on a given block were often built in different time periods and in different styles. The results are genuinely charming.

**The Worst Thing About Portland?**  Lack of diversity

Portland is 78% white. And there’s a homelessness problem and a congestion problem (even though 7% of the population travels by bike.)

**How You Living?**  In a Funky old house

Among the green patches, Portland has lively neighborhoods that cater to arts, breweries, coffee, veganism, books and handmade goods. All very walkable. But Portland is no longer the place a millennial can move to get on their feet. It’s not the gem of affordability it once was. Nevertheless, plenty of homes that can be turned into stars with some TLC. And perhaps some AC if you think you need it (which you really don’t.)

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Smaller than Seattle, more relaxed than San Francisco

It’s green, there’s proximity to nature, there’s no sales tax (new Macbook anyone?) easy, breezy airport, a lot of big name employers in town and the summer is worth the winter.


Portland

Beervana

**The Best Thing About Eugene?**  It’s the land of the free

Eugene earns its spot as a classic hippie playground. It’s very laid back, full of lush greenery and extremely liberal (though the city is surrounded by some more conservative communities, making for an interesting and sometimes combative mix.) There’s a dispensary on practically every corner, and an extremely pro-health vibe. 

**The Worst Thing About Eugene?**  The allergies

The beautiful forests and hiking trails in Oregon come with a price, and that price is devastatingly bad allergies for those that are sensitive to grass. The worst of it runs from February to April, but for those who suffer, it can be murder. 

**How You Living?**  Simply

Eugene is consistently named one of the best small cities in the United States. Situated by the beautiful Willamette River, Alton Baker Park offers a scenic respite and there will be hiking -- lots of it. It doesn’t have great public transportation, but it’s a small town and it’s relatively easy to get around -- particularly on bike. Locals flock to the many farmer’s markets, including the renowned Saturday Market and enjoy good schools, plenty of open spaces and a moderate nightlife.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Eugene is reliably consistent. It’s a comfortable place to live and offers a great quality of life. And if you tire of small city life, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco aren’t really all that far away.



Eugene

Hippie Haven

**The Best Thing About Bend?**  The Great Outdoors

There are other places in the great northwest and mountain states with great outdoor lifestyle experiences. We’re just saying Bend is better than any of them. To start, you’re on the Deschutes River so canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and just walking the shores are 10 minutes away. Next, Mt Bachelor, a world class ski resort, is LESS than 10 minutes away. Add to all of these things an amazing biking scene, hiking trails everywhere you look, and 160-165 days of sunshine per year (the most of any city in Oregon) and you’ve got the premier northwest spot for outdoor lovers. 

**The Worst Thing About Bend?**  Hmmm

This is a tough call but perhaps a tie between population growth and not much of a local business economy. Most of the newbies pouring into Bend are either retirees or those who can work remotely. If you’re looking for a job, other than in the service sector, it’s going to be tough.

**How You Living?**  In A Bigger Home With More Land

Given most people are moving here from cities along the west coast it is extremely likely you’re going to live in a bigger home with more land than you’re used to. There are plenty of cool condo buildings as well, that a ton of empty nesters and retirees enjoy. We’ve never seen a healthier boomer population than in Bend and given it has a 91 Walkscore, you can expect to be a short walk or an extremely short drive from downtown and tons of breweries, restaurants, boutique coffee shops, and everything else you need. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Pandemic Nirvana

When people talk about escaping their city lives and moving to a new roomier, healthier, happier place they might as well just pack and head to Bend. Central Oregon is ridiculously beautiful and Bend is right in the middle of that beauty plus it has a really cool town you get to enjoy.


Top LOOKS for Oregon

Portland, OR

Beervana

90

Eugene, OR

Hippie Haven

85

Bend, OR

Farewell Bend

90

Salem, OR

Cherry City

80