Seattle and Portland. Two popular cities not only in the Pacific Northwest but throughout America. While Seattle boasts a robust economy, lavish lifestyles, and sophisticated entertainment, there’s something modest about Portland that never fails to attract a good crowd. Both cities boast certain features that make one more desirable over the other. But if you’re already drawn to Portland, Oregon, here are some tips and tricks to help you make your move easier.

Portland is just as wonderful as Seattle.

Do Your Research First

If you read lots of moving guides, you’ll notice that this tip never fails to show up on top. That’s just how crucial research is. See, moving is not cheap, and you want to avoid costly mistakes as much as you can.

And like any other city, Portland has several cons that might not appeal to you. So before hitting the road, why don’t you take some time to figure out what your needs and desires are?

• Are you looking to buy a home, or will you settle on renting an apartment in the meantime?
• What amenities are within the proximity of your potential neighborhood?
• How safe is your new location?
• How well do the school districts around your area perform?

These may sound trivial but knowing what to expect actually braces you up for various scenarios in Portland.

It’s best to do your research before deciding on what you want.

Know the Portland Economy and Living Costs

To be blunt, Portland isn’t cheap at all. In fact, it’s 30% more expensive than the U.S average. But on the bright side, it’s still more affordable than other cities in the Pacific Northwest, like Seattle and Bellevue. Hooray! You can expect to take some time off from the sky-high expenses in Emerald City. Here is some additional info about Portland to get you going:

• Health care is much more affordable, being 15% cheaper than the median for the country.
• The average price for home listings is around $544,136, while rent averages $1,565 per month for a single-room apartment. 
• Energy bills and other utilities combined cost 20% less than the U.S average.

As promising as the figures above seem, the unemployment rate in Portland sits at 6.9%. This is a little bit higher than the rest of the country. But no worries! The job market is pretty diverse, with manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services leading the economy.

Keep Your Umbrella!

It’s understandable if you’re sick of the gloomy skies and drizzly weather in Seattle. However, don’t think you’ve escaped the cold altogether by moving to Portland. It still rains, but not just as much. Although the city doesn’t make it to the top ten cities with the heaviest rainfall, it ranks third as the place with the rainiest days. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring your umbrella when you move.

Buy Adventure Equipment and Explore

Compared to the bleak wet atmosphere surrounding Seattle, the air around Portland feels fresh and warm. Fortunately, the city is surrounded by different kinds of natural attractions. Having said that, it would be a waste to spend most of your time indoors. Buy some camping gear, trekking equipment, prepare to head out, and get some action! Below are some great places to look forward to:

• Washington Park: Located three miles west of the city, this place is natural eye candy. Meet the animals at the zoo, take your kids around the Children’s Museum, and stroll the premises of the beautiful Japanese Garden.
• Forest Park: One of America’s largest natural reserves, this park immerses you with its relaxing shades and rich wildlife. Explore more than 5,000 acres of forest across tiny streams, small caverns, and hundreds of different trails.
• Willamette River: Feast your eyes on breathtaking views of the Portland skyline as you kayak along this river that runs across downtown. Get the chance to paddle along colorful dragon boats. Make sure to greet every smiling face you meet!
• Sauvie Island: Just 30 minutes north of Downton Portland, this scenic chunk of land offers miles of exciting trails for cyclists and joggers alike. As you weave along the paths, make sure to etch the vast plains and colorful flora into your memory.

There’s No Sales Tax

If you’re moving to Portland with hopes of starting your business, prepare for some good news. The government doesn’t impose any form of sales tax. And this also works to your advantage as a consumer since every good you buy will be tax-free, making you save on expensive purchases!

Relocating from Seattle to Portland

Moving is not something you should execute at the last minute. The best Everett movers suggest that you plan your move ahead of time. Allocate the right resources, prepare your budget, be informed, and keep calm throughout the entire process. Most importantly, hire a licensed interstate moving company that you can entrust to walk you through your relocation from start to finish.

Okay. So you’ve decided to relocate. Make sure you know what you’re getting into!