America’s 9th largest state, Oregon is home to over 3.6 million people enjoying a quality of life unparalleled by any other. One of the nation’s most stunning collections of natural beauty, the state also boasts several fine educational institutions, a fertile economical environment and no sales tax.
      Oregon is best known for its extremely diverse and well-preserved natural landscape. Almost half of the state’s 98,386 square miles is covered in lush forest. Those 30 million acres of pristine wilderness, along with the rugged Pacific coastline, numerous lakes and rivers, prairies, deserts, waterfalls and mountains make the state of Oregon a favorite amongst nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
      Oregon’s plentiful landscape makes for a wealth of recreational opportunities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the countless hiking, biking, running and walking trails, whether they meander along a cliff’s edge, traverse a deep canyon, wind around a mountain or simply connect their backyard to the nearby shoreline. With oceans, lakes, ponds and rivers abounding, fishing is another popular pass time. The nation’s best spot to windsurf is said to be in the Columbia River Gorge, and the northwest’s premier skiing facilities are at the end of a short scenic drive. From whale watching to camping, there’s something in Oregon for the outdoorsman in all of us.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Beaver State State Capital: Salem State Flower: Oregon Grape State Bird: Western Meadowlark

      The magnificent Cascade Mountain range forms two distinct climates in the state. Regions to the west of the mountains enjoy a mild marine climate extending to coastal rainforest in the far north, while those to the east make up the state’s high desert region, where the weather ranges between extreme heat and cold.

The state’s only national park, Crater Lake in beautiful Klamath County, features the nation’s deepest lake and mystical Wizard Island. Plenty of cultural entertainment is available, including the world-famous annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland or the Jacksonville Peter-Britt Music Festival.
      Oregon enjoys a flourishing state economy based largely in agriculture, lumber and tourism. Area farms and ranches, chiefly located in the Willamette Valley just west of the Cascades, specialize in producing Christmas trees and a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, wheat and dairy products. The weather and fertile soil in this area is also ideal for the many vineyards that thrive in the valley and produce quality wine. The food processing and paper product industries also employ many Oregonians, as well as certain technology companies like Intel and clothing manufacturers such as Nike, headquartered in Beaverton. Oregon’s gross state product was figured at $145.35 billion last year.

      The Oregon Department of Education includes nearly 200 school districts, which serve over 550,000 K-12 students, with additional specialized schools for the sight or hearing impaired. For continuing education, Oregon boasts 17 community colleges and seven state colleges and universities, including the popular University of Oregon at Eugene.
      Portland is passionate about education, culture, sports and nature. Its modern buildings stand proud against the gorgeous backdrop of snowcapped mountains. A perfect blend of economical progress and environmental fortification gives Portland a “best of both worlds” lifestyle which appeals to people from all walks of life. At just a little over $250,000, the median price of a home in Portland is still surprisingly affordable compared to national averages.
      When relocating to Oregon, you have a variety of locales to choose from. Some of these include the energetic city of Portland, the beautiful coastal regions, the verdant Willamette Valley, the raw open land of eastern Oregon, the nature-lover’s breathtaking backdrop of Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge’s residential area or the array of central and southern Oregon communities. The communities of Eugene, home of the University of Oregon and the historic town Corvallis are spread out on rolling green hills and pastures, with patches of fragrant vineyards and sprawling ranches. Those living along the 400 miles of pristine Oregon coastline in towns like Astoria and Florence enjoy year-round ocean breezes, glorious views and the quaint, laid-back resort-style life popular with retirees and successful professionals. Homes in these eclectic seaside villages range from $200,000 cottages to sprawling multi-million dollar waterfront estates.