(866) 513-3359 Request A Quote

If you are moving to Oregon, you are not alone. According to the recently released United Van Lines' 38th Annual National Movers Study, Oregon remains the country's Top Moving Destination.

Findings of the study showed that 66 percent of the state-to-state moves to or from Oregon in 2014 were inbound. That percentage increased about 5 percent from the previous year, when Oregon replaced the District of Columbia as the top state-to-state moving destination.

Why are so many people moving to Oregon?

Michael Stoll, economist, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles believes many people move to Oregon for the state's outdoor recreational opportunities, arts and entertainment, and protected green spaces.It could be the state's diversity. Oregon offers the ideal place for virtually anyone: from coastal to forest, flat desert to mountains, remote to metropolitan areas, farming to high tech.It could be the state's natural beauty, or job opportunities. The state's unemployment rate fell to its lowest in years. And, there is no denying the natural beauty of Oregon. Check out this photo tour.

Moving to Oregon Tips: What You Should Know

For reasons likely as diverse as the state, many people are moving to Oregon. If you are among them, the following tips will help you become more familiar with this Pacific Northwest state:

Don't Delay Changing Your License & Registration

There are strict laws regarding when you need to change your driver's license and vehicle license and registration after moving to Oregon. You only have 30 days.

No Handheld Devices when Driving

Texting and using handheld mobile devices is illegal in Oregon. You could be fined up to $500 if you are caught violating the law.

No Sales Tax in Oregon

Oregon is one of only a handful of states with no sales tax. The price you see is the price you pay. The state relies mainly on personal income tax for revenue, with local government and schools primarily funded by property taxes.

Self-Service Gas Ban

Oregon is also one of only two states in the country with a ban on self-service gas. You can pump fuel for a diesel engine or gasoline for a motorcycle, but not gasoline for vehicles with more than two wheels.

Oregon is Bike Friendly

A state that loves bicyclists, Oregon was the first state to create a Scenic Bikeways program and a Bike Friendly Business program. The state's two most populated cities, Portland and Eugene, are two of the country's most bike-friendly cities. Both cities have for years participated in the annual World Naked Bike Ride, so don't be surprised if you see a line of naked people riding through the streets on a June day in Portland or Eugene.

Open Beaches

There are no private beaches in Oregon. By law, all are free access, open to everyone.

Leave Your Fast-Paced Life Behind

Oregon is more of a slow-paced lifestyle, especially outside the major cities. Slow down, relax and enjoy your new life. Take time to meet people and form friendships.

Where's the Sun?

You probably heard the weather in Oregon can be gloomy, but experiencing it is quite different. If you move from a more sunny state, you could easily become depressed. Consider buying a light therapy lamp and using it. It helps.

Should You Carry an Umbrella?

You may also have heard that real Oregonians don't use umbrellas, and if you use one you will look like a tourist. Some say it is because Ducks like the rain (in reference to the Oregon Ducks, the University of Oregon's sports teams). Many people pull a hoody or cap over their head, and consider those who use umbrellas as outsiders. Most of the time it won't rain enough to need an umbrella, but if you happen to be in a downpour, don't be afraid to use one.

Know Your State

How do you establish residency in Oregon? Read the Oregon Blue Book to learn more about your new state. Through the forums at City-Data.com you can read comments, view photos of and join in discussions about Oregon and its diverse areas. Learn from long-time residents and make a few new friends before arriving.

Find Your Perfect Place in Oregon

Unless you know what area you plan to move to in Oregon, do some research to select the region best suited to you and your lifestyle. If you prefer urban living surrounded by young professionals and the arts, consider moving to Portland, one of the country's most popular cities.  Estimates put the number of people living in Portland at over 600,000, with more than 2.3 million in the metropolitan area.  The second most populated city is Eugene with about 157,000, followed closely by Salem.

Those who prefer to live in a more small-town atmosphere and commute into a city may prefer to find a new home in nearby smaller cities or rural towns. With a population of less than 52,000 Corvallis, home to Oregon State University, is one of the country's best college towns. It is also well-suited to the older generations. The AARP named it one of the best places to live and retire.

Help with Moving to Oregon

When moving to Oregon from another state, your list of things to do will seem overwhelming. With a full service mover such as Chipman Relocation & Logistics, that list becomes more manageable.

Moving families like yours since 1939, Chipman knows how to take the stress out of a state to state move. We can provide complete door to door relocation, including professional packing and unpacking, or customize your move to meet your specific needs.

Read about our state to state movers and contact Chipman for a free, no obligation quote. We can help make moving to Oregon a breeze!

How Chipman Relocation & Logistics Can Help

Whether you're looking to move from city to city or state to state, Chipman offers a unique and personalized moving service. Our expert staff of relocators, movers, and drivers will handle all your packing, moving, deconstruction, and reconstruction from start to finish. To find out more about what all we can do to help for your next move, explore our services below.

Related Resources

Desktop Tablet Mobile