Lots of people make the choice to live in the Pacific Northwest, and this makes sense, because it is regularly included in discussions about the best places to live in the United States. With that being said, Oregon is a state that is solid for a number of different reasons. The major cities in this state are Portland and Eugene, but Oregon does offer a nice mix of urban possibilities as well as more rural locations. Looking at a map of Oregon, you'll see that it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, which presents the state with prime beachfront. The Tramway is a great way to take in the beautiful blue waters of Wollowa Lake, as riders ascend to 4000 feet to the top of Mt. Howard.
Across the state, safety is just not an issue for most cities in Oregon. Not having to worry about crime, makes life that much easier. The job markets have been struck a bit, but depending upon what field you work in, there are still plenty of opportunities. Oregon cities are seen as a top notch option for relocation purposes, as it offers many different things that might appeal to people who are nearing retirement. Though the tourism industry is not a booming one, travel still comes into play for the state's economy at least a little bit.
The cost of living in Oregon is steep compared to the national average. Across the board, residents can expect to pay almost 20% more in Oregon, compared to all other cities. Housing is the biggest culprit, with costs being more than 50% higher than the average.
