Living in Oregon certainly comes with its challenges, but when you look at the big picture, I’d say we’ve got it pretty damn good here. As someone who fully acknowledges the many challenges our state is currently facing and is certainly not thrilled with some of the recent changes, I still wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. Just hear me out on this.
Yes, it’s true that Oregon was recently ranked among the top 10 worst states to live in, according to a new report from WalletHub. The report, published Monday, compared 50 states across various factors like housing costs, income growth, education rates, and healthcare systems. Oregon landed in the ninth spot for overall livability, with the state’s housing situation playing a major role in the ranking.
Oregon was ranked 48th in housing costs and 42nd in homeownership rates, which certainly isn’t ideal. But it's important to note that the rising cost of housing isn't unique to Oregon—it's a trend we're seeing across the entire country. In fact, according to data from Zillow, the median home value in the United States has risen by over 40% in the past five years alone. States like California, Washington, and even Texas have seen similar, if not higher, increases in housing costs. When you compare Oregon's median home price of around $502,000 to California's $780,000 or Washington's $600,000, it becomes clear that while Oregon's housing market is challenging, it's certainly not an outlier.
And sure, other states like Florida, Nevada, Hawaii, and California share similar struggles with high housing costs, but we’ve always known that Oregon, especially places like Portland, doesn’t come cheap. Yet, despite these costs, it’s worth remembering that what we get in return is something uniquely Oregonian.
I mean, where else can you find the same mix of lush green forests, stunning coastlines, and a quality of life that, while not perfect, is pretty exceptional in many ways? WalletHub also noted that Oregon ranks 14th in Quality of Life, which, in my opinion, is a testament to what makes this state so special. Yes, affordability is an issue, but you have to consider the broader context.
For instance, WalletHub’s report pointed out that Oregon ranks 32nd for the percentage of adults in fair or poor health, 26th for the percentage of the population in poverty, and 19th for the percentage of people who are insured. These aren’t stellar numbers, but they show that, despite the challenges, there’s a solid foundation here. Our healthcare system, while not perfect, is far from the worst.
And let’s not forget one of Oregon’s standout strengths: food. WalletHub ranked Oregon 16th for restaurants per capita, and if you’ve ever wandered through Portland’s vibrant food scene, you know what a big deal that is. From farm-to-table dining to some of the best craft beer in the country, Oregon offers culinary experiences that you simply can’t find elsewhere.
Sure, the report also highlights concerns about safety, with Oregon ranking 47th in that category. But when you’re out there exploring the vast natural beauty of this state or enjoying a quiet afternoon in a quaint coastal town, it’s hard to argue that the pros don’t outweigh the cons.
Yes, living in Oregon isn’t the cheapest or the easiest, but for those of us who call this place home, we understand that the rewards far exceed the challenges. There’s something truly special about this corner of the country, and while reports like WalletHub’s may focus on the negatives, we know there’s so much more to the story. So, even with its flaws, I’d say Oregon is still one of the best places to be.
Do you agree? Or do you feel Oregon is as bad as the study shows? Let us know in the comments, we'd love to hear your thoughts.
