Moving from Portland, OR to Austin, TX

Connect with kindred spirits across the country

Though separated by 2,000 miles, Portland, OR and Austin, TX could be cut from the same cloth — and not just because both cities have been ranked in the top 10 on the U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live list. They’re cities that embrace progressive ideals and share a passion for creative expression through food, art and overall lifestyle.

That’s why it should be easy to find your niche in the capital of Texas. Find out why Austin is among the fastest-growing U.S. cities, see how it stacks up to Portland, and learn about a company designed for stress-free and affordable long-distance moving.

Youthful energy drives a hip culture

Portland and Austin are two of the most popular U.S. cities for millennials, who make up about 30 percent of each population base. For Austin, that means more than 300,000 people. What draws them? Key elements include the music scene (Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World), the food (don’t miss the Tex-Mex and the barbecue), the state’s flagship university (UT-Austin is one of the largest universities in the country) and the outdoor recreation (lakes and trails in and around the city).

Warm climate makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors

If you struggle with Portland’s rain and overcast skies, you’ll be glad to learn that Austin is one of the country’s sunniest cities. With an average of 228 sunny days per year and mild winters, Austin is a prime location for lovers of the outdoors. The flip side of that is about five months of elevated heat and humidity, with summer temperatures routinely reaching triple digits.

It’s a good place to find work

Austin’s job market is predicted to grow by 47 percent over the next decade. The city’s diverse economy is experiencing a technology boom and many corporations are headquartered there, including Dell Technologies, Samsung Austin Semiconductor and National Instruments. The top employers include the University of Texas at Austin, Apple, IBM and the city, state and federal government.

Traffic can be a challenge

The average commute time in Austin is over 27 minutes, so locals rely heavily on their vehicles. Austin is more spread out than Portland, with heavier traffic and a growing infrastructure. If you use public transit in Portland, keep in mind that Austin’s system isn’t as robust. Buses run throughout the city, but there isn’t a full rail system. Ride-sharing services are available, though.

Let U-Pack simplify your long-distance move

Renting a moving truck and driving it yourself doesn’t always save you money — and it definitely doesn’t reduce your stress. Choosing U-Pack® for your long-distance move could do both! We blend DIY with full-service moving, which means you load into our equipment (at your residence or at a nearby service center) and we drive it to your new home. Free yourself up to handle other parts of your move while we take care of the driving.

Moving can be hard, but U-Pack makes it easy. Get a quote and let's get moving.