Moving from Portland, OR to San Francisco, CA

Craft a life you’ll love in one of America’s most unique cities 

According to the real estate website Zillow, Portland, OR is among the top 10 origin cities for moves to San Francisco. CA. The similarities are striking. Both cities are located in urban forests near the Pacific Ocean and share influences from Pacific Rim countries. Both have been ranked among the top 15 Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report. And each one flows on a current of creativity, individuality and innovation. 

Here are some important questions to ask as you plan your move from the Pacific Northwest to the Bay Area.  

Did you know there’s a company that specializes in affordable long-distance residential relocation? Learn about that here, as well! 

What’s bringing you to the City by the Bay? 

Are you moving for your career? Your family? Or simply for a new adventure? While Portland tends to be more family-friendly, many are drawn to San Francisco because of the job opportunities and salaries (about $22,000 per year above the national average), which help offset the high cost of living. The largest economic sectors are technology and tourism, but San Francisco is also home to more than 30 financial institutions. Opportunities are also plentiful in healthcare and education, and like Portland, San Francisco embraces the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Where do you see yourself living? 

Like Portland, San Francisco is filled with a collection of eclectic neighborhoods. It’s worth taking the time to research and explore them to find your perfect fit. Just know wherever you land, that the housing crunch is real, and the prices reflect that. High prices and limited availability drive many newcomers to more affordable neighboring cities like Oakland, Hayward, Vallejo and Walnut Creek. 

How will you navigate the area? 

Driving in San Francisco can be a challenge and parking is expensive and scarce. The city is smaller geographically and denser than Portland. Fortunately, like Portland, San Francisco has highly functional and plentiful mass transit options. Muni (Municipal Transportation Agency) and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), a light rail system, operate throughout the region. Walking and bicycling are popular as well but be prepared for lots of hills. 

When you’re ready for a getaway, San Francisco International Airport offers quick and affordable flights to Los Angeles, among many other destinations. 

What are your favorite recreational activities? 

If you enjoy being outside, you’ll appreciate the jaw-dropping landscapes and temperate climate of San Francisco. All told, there are 14 national parks in or near San Francisco! Of course, there’s the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which overlooks the 82,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There’s great hiking and biking right in the city and on the outskirts with rock climbing and the Pacific Ocean nearby. Skiing options are closer in Portland, but there are several popular spots within a half-day’s drive of San Francisco. 

Want an easy, stress-free long-distance move? 

Conserve energy and cash by moving with U-Pack®. Pass on truck rental and receive a lot of the benefits of a full-service mover at a DIY price. With our nationwide network, we can transport your belongings from Portland to San Francisco in less than a week. Get your free quote today and let our expert consultants design the perfect move for you!