November 13th, 2007 by dirkknudsen
Oregon
is well-known for its spectacular coastline, public beaches, diverse natural resources and its safe, friendly environment. In 2000, Portland was rated the “Most
Livable
City in
America.” By maintaining the city’s forest, farm and green space, residents strive to keep it livable with an impressively clean downtown, stellar public transportation and a vibrant and attractive
waterfront.
Oregon’s desirable cost of living is just one of the many reasons why the state appeals to residents and businesses alike. The cost of living is significantly lower than that of many other west coast cities with similar high-tech bases. The state ranks 5th in the nation in job growth and boasts an exceptionally diverse economy with abundant opportunities in a variety of occupational fields, including a robust technology market. Oregon residents are attracted to
Oregon’s vibrant arts community, thriving music scene, amazing array of restaurants and entertainment options as well as an incredible range of natural beauty unsurpassed in most states. Additionally, students of all ages and interests attend the Oregon University System, which has an outstanding selection of high-quality programs and opportunities. Affordable housing prices continue to attract new residents, particularly those purchasing new single-family homes. Locals also enjoy the fact that there are no retail sales or automobile tax, low personal income tax and relatively low utility rates. America’s 9th largest state,
Oregon is home to over 3.6 million people enjoying a quality of life unparalleled by any other. One of the nation’s most stunning collections of natural beauty, the state also boasts several fine educational institutions, a fertile economical environment and no sales tax.
Oregon is best known for its extremely diverse and well-preserved natural landscape. Almost half of the state’s 98,386 square miles is covered in lush forest. Those 30 million acres of pristine wilderness, along with the rugged Pacific coastline, numerous lakes and rivers, prairies, deserts, waterfalls and mountains make the state of
Oregon a favorite amongst nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
Oregon’s plentiful landscape makes for a wealth of recreational opportunities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the countless hiking, biking, running and walking trails, whether they meander along a cliff’s edge, traverse a deep canyon, wind around a mountain or simply connect their backyard to the nearby shoreline. With oceans, lakes, ponds and rivers abounding, fishing is another popular pass time. The nation’s best spot to windsurf is said to be in the Columbia River Gorge, and the northwest’s premier skiing facilities are at the end of a short scenic drive. From whale watching to camping, there’s something in
Oregon for the outdoorsman in all of us. The state’s only national park, Crater Lake in beautiful
Klamath
County, features the nation’s deepest lake and mystical
Wizard
Island. Plenty of cultural entertainment is available, including the world-famous annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival in
Ashland or the Jacksonville Peter-Britt Music Festival.
Oregon enjoys a flourishing state economy based largely in agriculture, lumber and tourism. Area farms and ranches, chiefly located in the
Willamette
Valley just west of the Cascades, specialize in producing Christmas trees and a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, wheat and dairy products. The weather and fertile soil in this area is also ideal for the many vineyards that thrive in the valley and produce quality wine. The food processing and paper product industries also employ many Oregonians, as well as certain technology companies like Intel and clothing manufacturers such as Nike, headquartered in Beaverton.
Oregon’s gross state product was figured at $145.35 billion last year. The Oregon Department of Education includes nearly 200 school districts, which serve over 550,000 K-12 students, with additional specialized schools for the sight or hearing impaired. For continuing education, Oregon boasts 17 community colleges and seven state colleges and universities, including the popular
University of
Oregon.
Portland is passionate about education, culture, sports and nature. Its modern buildings stand proud against the gorgeous backdrop of snowcapped mountains. A perfect blend of economical progress and environmental fortification gives
Portland a “best of both worlds” lifestyle which appeals to people from all walks of life. At just a little over $250,000, the median price of a home in
Portland is still surprisingly affordable compared to national averages.
When relocating to
Oregon, you have a variety of locales to choose from. Some of these include the energetic city of Portland, the beautiful coastal regions, the verdant
Willamette
Valley, the raw open land of eastern Oregon, the nature-lover’s breathtaking backdrop of Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge’s residential area or the array of central and southern
Oregon communities. The communities of Eugene, home of the
University of
Oregon and the historic town
Corvallis are spread out on rolling green hills and pastures, with patches of fragrant vineyards and sprawling ranches. Those living along the 400 miles of pristine Oregon coastline in towns like Astoria and
Florence enjoy year-round ocean breezes, glorious views and the quaint, laid-back resort-style life popular with retirees and successful professionals. Homes in these eclectic seaside villages range from $200,000 cottages to sprawling multi-million dollar waterfront estates.
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