Moving from Portland, OR to Los Angeles, CA

Head south: It’s your time to shine in the City of Angels 

From entertainers to entrepreneurs and everyone in between, many come to Los Angeles chasing a dream. The city’s population continues its steady growth despite those who are driven away by the crowds and high cost of living.  

If you’re moving from Portland to take your swing in the City of Angels, congratulations! We’ll point out some things to consider and explain how your long-distance relocation can be easier than you may think. 

 

Embrace diversity and opportunity 

With 4 million residents sprawled across nearly 500 square miles, L.A. offers many flavors. Beyond its concrete shell lies some of the nation’s largest urban parks (don’t miss Griffith Park and its epic views), wild canyons and miles of public beaches. Looking to live somewhere with a vibe similar to Portland’s? You can! Comparable areas around Los Angeles include Pasadena, Venice, Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Echo Park and Downtown. These creative spaces are filled with artists, delicious food options and interesting scenery.    

 

Brace yourself for higher prices  

Portland isn’t the cheapest place to live, so that could soften some of the sticker shock you may experience in Los Angeles. Overall, the cost of living in L.A. is about 33 percent higher than Portland and it’s the third-most expensive city in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. 

 

You’ll want to be outside 

While Portland has four distinct seasons, L.A.’s weather tends to be mild year-round, though temperatures can vary by 20 degrees between coastal and inland areas. They don’t describe Los Angeles as “sun-kissed” for nothing. With 284 sunny days per year — twice that of Portland — Angelinos love to soak up that Vitamin D. Also, with less than 6 inches of rain per year (compared to 43 in Portland), your umbrella might gather some dust. 

 

Going somewhere? It’ll take a while 

Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest air transportation hubs in the country, which leads to constant traffic congestion on nearby streets and freeways. More urban sprawl (500 square miles) plus no true city center equals longer commutes — the average one in L.A. takes 31 minutes. Though the Metro rail and bus system offers a public transit option, a car is practically a necessity here. 

 

There are many ways to make a living 

With the ever-changing demographics of Los Angeles, there’s no single dominant economic sector. If you’re an entrepreneur or technology professional coming from Portland, you’ll find L.A. is filled with opportunities. Many creative professionals work in multiple areas like business, manufacturing and hospitality. Transportation is also a major employer. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which include cruise and cargo terminals, are the nation’s busiest. 

 

Move long-distance and stress-free with U-Pack® 

However you choose to travel from Portland to Los Angeles, it’s much easier if it’s not behind the wheel of a large rental truck. Go U-Pack® and take long-distance driving out of the equation. With our unique blend of DIY and full-service moving, you load into our equipment at your residence — or at a nearby service center — and we’ll drive it to your new home in less than a week. Plus, if you need help packing, loading or unloading, we can arrange it. 

Contact one of our experts today, learn more and get a free quote.