Heading up the West Coast from Los Angeles to Portland

Are you planning a move from Los Angeles to Portland? You’re sure to miss things like the great weather, the endless entertainment and the glamour of living in the City of Angels. But as you leave L.A. for Portland, look forward to the new memories you’ll make there! Though Portland is smaller than L.A., there are many perks to living there. Read more to learn about life in Portland and see how a “you pack, we drive” moving company like U-Pack^® can handle your long-distance move. 

How the cost of living compares

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of living in Portland is that it’s cheaper to live there than it is in L.A. The median cost of buying a home in Portland is about $427,000, which is about 57 percent cheaper than it is in Los Angeles. Portland residents also find themselves spending less on things like gasoline, health care, rent and child care. 

Outdoor activities

L.A. offers some great outdoor activities, but if you’re thinking you’ll miss out on those while living in Portland, don’t worry. Portland offers some great outdoor experiences for active families. For example, you could go fishing, floating or kayaking on the Willamette River. If you’re into hiking, check out one the many iconic Portland hiking spots like the 658-acre Tyson Creek State Park, which has several hiking, biking and horse-riding trails. Runners and cyclists may also take advantage of the city’s 20-mile paved multi-use path around the Springwater Corridor.

Things to do

When you’re not enjoying outdoor activities, immerse yourself in the city’s cultural scene by visiting an art museum or a crafts festival. The city also has a number of historical sites and local hot spots like the Portland Japanese Garden, the World Forestry Center and the Hoyt Arboretum. If you’re a sports fan, the city is home to three major sports teams, the NBA’s Trail Blazers, the MLS’s Timbers and the Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.  

Prepare for rain

The biggest adjustment you may have to make by moving to Portland is getting used to the weather. The city gets a lot of rain — it averages 43 inches of rainfall a year — and the temperatures are usually much milder year round than in L.A. Average Portland winters are cool, cloudy and rainy, while summers are warmer and sunny — though you’ll still need a light jacket and your rain gear.

How to move from L.A. to Portland

Getting to Portland from L.A. is pretty simple. It’s a straight shot up the West Coast through California into Oregon, but it is a long, 15-hour drive. If you’re planning out your move and don’t want to bother with the hassle of driving a moving truck, consider U-Pack! When you move with us, all you have to do is pack, load and unload your belongings into the moving equipment and we’ll handle the rest. And with many locations across our network, we can deliver your household goods from L.A. to Portland in 2-5 business days. See how much your move will cost by getting a free quote online, or call us at 877-453-7274 to get more details.