You Might Be Surprised By These Unexpected Things When Moving to Oregon or Washington

Apr 4

Moving to the Pacific Northwest? Here's What You Should Know

If you're considering buying a home in Oregon or Washington, you're about to embark on an adventure filled with unexpected discoveries. As a newcomer to the Pacific Northwest, there are several unique aspects of life here that might catch you by surprise.

Cultural Quirks and Lifestyle

Life in Vancouver and Portland comes with its own set of cultural norms:

Casual dress is the norm - even in upscale restaurants (seriously)
Strong emphasis on environmental consciousness and recycling. You may get odd looks for using plastic water bottles, or driving a gas-guzzling car.
Locals strongly encourage outdoor activities when the sun is out—"inside on a sunny day" shaming is real. Whether it's active pursuits like hiking, biking, and exploring nature, or leisurely activities such as meeting friends at a local park, café, or bar patio, there's something for everyone.
Local food and craft beverages are taken very seriously. The food and beverage scene celebrates creativity, and locally sourced ingredients are held in the highest regard.
The OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission) enforces strict rules. You must have your ID with you when ordering alcohol—bartenders won't make exceptions. On the bright side, bars are required by law to serve food, so you'll always have snacks available!
If you're not a dog person, you might want to keep that to yourself—this is one of the most dog-friendly areas in the country. Well-behaved dogs are welcome almost everywhere: restaurant patios, shops, parks, and hiking trails. Rather than resist it, it's better to embrace this part of the culture. And if you're a dog lover? Congratulations! You've found your perfect match.

The Weather Isn't What You Think

While the Pacific Northwest is famous for its rain, newcomers are often surprised to learn that summers are incredibly dry and sunny. Portland and Vancouver experience some of the most beautiful summers in the country, with long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures. Though winters aren't as cold as many other regions, you'll still need a warm, waterproof coat. The winter months bring persistent gray skies and drizzle - it's more about frequency than volume of rain. Get ahead of the SADs (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as the locals call it and start your Vitamin D supplements in early fall!

The Real Estate Market Has Its Own Personality

Working with a local real estate agent is crucial when buying a home in this region. The housing markets in Portland and Vancouver have unique characteristics:

Homes often receive multiple offers within days of listing
Many buyers waive contingencies to stay competitive
Properties frequently sell above asking price
Environmental factors like flood zones and seismic considerations play a bigger role

Transportation Surprises

When moving to Oregon or Washington, you'll discover:

In Oregon, you can't pump your own gas (except in rural areas). Though some folks do, it is not customary to tip the attendant.
Bike culture is huge, with extensive urban bike lanes. Get to know how to drive safely with bikes on the road.
Public transit is well-developed in major cities and surrounding suburbs but it almost completely halts any service from 12am-4am.
The bridge traffic between Portland and Vancouver is notorious. What should be a 5-minute drive can stretch to over an hour during rush hour due to the severe bottleneck.
Drivers must stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks—both marked and unmarked (including street corners). When you're driving, remember to extend this courtesy to others.

The Cost of Living Reality

Before buying a home, consider these financial factors:

Washington has no state income tax, but higher sales tax
Oregon has no sales tax, but higher income tax
Property taxes vary significantly between neighborhoods
The cost of living is generally higher than national average, with average wages lower than most other major cities.

The region offers unprecedented access to nature:

Mountains, ocean, and desert all within a few hours' drive
Abundant hiking trails and camping opportunities, but get on top of reservations early because they book up!
Year-round outdoor activities. A little snow never stopped a true PNW local from enjoying the fresh air.
Urban green spaces and parks are plentiful. Many urban initiatives have brought green spaces, waterfront areas and playgrounds to most urban and even rural areas.

Tips for a Successful Move

When planning your relocation:

Research neighborhoods thoroughly - each has a distinct personality
Consider your commute carefully - traffic patterns can have major implications for your day-to-day life
Connect with a local real estate agent who knows the area well. Having insider knowledge is key to settling in somewhere that you are thrilled to live.
Visit during different seasons if possible. While experiencing the glorious spring and summer is important, it's vital to know what you're getting into during late fall and winter.
Join local community groups to meet people with similar interests. There is a group for everyone! Hobbies, business networking, or connecting with like-minded folks - Pacific Northwesters like to stay busy. No matter what you love doing - you’ll be to make connections with others who enjoy the same things.

Whether you're moving to Portland, Vancouver, or another part of the Pacific Northwest, understanding these regional quirks and characteristics will help you adapt more quickly to your new home. Remember to embrace the local culture, invest in good rain gear, and prepare for an adventure in one of America's most unique regions.

➔ If you want to dive deeper into the various areas and neighborhoods, check out our custom guides: Portland Neighborhood Guide Vancouver Neighborhood Guide to learn more.

Looking for a real estate agent who gets the ins and outs of relocating to Oregon or Washington? At Urban Nest Realty, our agents aren't just about selling houses – they're about becoming solid partners in your life’s transitions.

➔ Head to our Agents page to learn more about the fantastic humans waiting to help you!