What You Should Know About Moving to Portland, Oregon

Moving is a big deal — according to psychologists, it’s one of life’s most significant events. Choosing a place you love can help ease the anxiety, which is why it’s so important to do your due diligence and research your new city before buying a place.

Should you move to Portland, Oregon? That depends on several different factors. Explore the ins and outs of moving to this great city below.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Portland

So, is it really worth it to move to Portland? Asking what matters most to you and your family is key to finding the answer here. Understanding the key pros and cons can also help! Check out the following advantages and disadvantages of living in the City of Roses.

Benefits of Moving to Portland, OR

Those who stay in Portland tend to love their homes, and for good reason — Portland is full of character, and there are plenty of things to do for residents of all ages, especially those who enjoy spending time in nature.

Some of the high points of living in Portland include:

Access to nature: Outdoor recreation is a big deal with people in the Pacific Northwest, and Portland is an excellent place for it! In addition to the various hiking trails within the city limits, you can easily get to many of Oregon’s natural hotspots by car.
Walkability: Portland is an easy city to navigate on foot, with adequate walking paths and plenty of public transportation options available.
Quirky culture: The city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird” for a reason! It’s one of the artsiest cities in the United States, with plenty of museums and galleries to explore and a popping craft beer scene. The locals embrace uniqueness and individuality, and the city is welcoming and inclusive to people from all backgrounds.
Good education: Portland has many reputable public and private schools, so you can ensure your children receive a high-quality education.
Environmental sustainability: Experts ranked Portland as the country’s greenest city in 2024, and the local commitment to sustainability proves it. Reusable bottles and containers are big here, and most residents put a huge emphasis on composting and recycling.
Beautiful summers: While the Pacific Northwest has a reputation for being rainy and dark, the summers here are gorgeous with long days. Temperatures are mild, the sun is often shining and the rain makes the surrounding vegetation lush and green.
Varied architecture: The homes in Portland range from turn-of-the-century Victorians to 1940s ranches — often in the same neighborhoods as modern houses. You won’t find cookie-cutter housing developments here!
No sales tax: Oregon is one of five states that does not impose a sales tax on goods and services. If you need to make a big purchase, you’ll save a little extra by making it here.

Drawbacks of Moving to Portland, OR

As with any other urban area, Portland has some points you might want to consider before house hunting:

Crime: You may be wondering if Portland is safe to live in. While the city of Portland’s crime rates have risen over the past few years, your experience will vary depending on where you are. The suburbs are typically quite safe, especially compared to the downtown area. Checking the police bureau’s monthly crime dashboard can help you understand which neighborhoods would be best for you and your family.
Unhoused individuals: Although the rising number of unhoused people in Portland has been a large issue in recent years, it’s inspired amazing community initiatives and social justice work in the area. For example, the city has spent more than $1 billion on affordable housing initiatives, and plenty of volunteer opportunities are available to those who enjoy helping out.
Cost of living: The median selling price for a Portland home is $490,000 as of 2024, making it one of the most affordable cities on the West Coast. While the city does have a higher cost of living compared to many other parts of the country, this reflects the region’s rapidly expanding technology sector and job market, as well as the major housing boom.

median selling price for a portland home

Gray winters: Portland is beautiful and mild in the summer, and like much of the Pacific Northwest, its winters tend to be gray and rainy with noticeably shorter days. That said, these winters are essential for the lush, green summers that are so unique to the region.

Traffic: Even though Portland is significantly smaller in population size than Seattle, the city’s traffic has increased over the years due to a large influx of people moving to the area. Fortunately, the excellent public transit system and pedestrian-friendly design make it easy to get around despite any busyness.
Hazy summers: Nearby wildfires occasionally blow smoke over the city in the late summer, which can impact air quality and leave a noticeable haze in the air. Following the local government’s safety recommendations can help you stay safe and healthy during these times.

Buying a House in Portland, Oregon

There’s one very important question you’ll have to answer before moving on in the process — are you planning on renting or buying your new home? According to the most recent available data, the median rent in Portland is just over $1,500 per month. This number is lower than rents in many of the surrounding areas, including:

For most families, buying a house is the most sustainable option. If you’re specifically planning on buying a home in Portland, following these steps can help make the process a little easier.

1. Understand Your Financial Health

It’s a good idea to make sure you’re financially ready to buy a home, especially in higher-cost areas like Portland. Some important steps to take here include:

Checking your credit score: Your credit score directly influences your mortgage interest rates. If you’re worried about your check affecting your score, try running a soft inquiry — regardless of your findings, a soft inquiry will not impact your credit score like a hard inquiry would.
Providing work history: Lenders are more likely to approve your mortgage if you can prove you have a steady history of employment. Improve your chances by being ready to answer any questions about gaps in your resume.
Calculating home affordability: You can use free online calculators to determine what kinds of costs you might be facing when buying a new home.

2. Plan for Associated Costs

Once you know what’s in your budget, it’s time to start preparing for your down payment. The specific amount will vary depending on what type of mortgage you choose and whether you opt to purchase private mortgage insurance.

While down payments traditionally come to about 20% of the home’s price, the average U.S. down payment hovers closer to 15% today. You may even be able to name your own down payment price, depending on your lender.

Closing costs are also important to plan for, as many first-time buyers don’t expect to pay anything else after closing. Typically, you’re looking at a closing cost of about 2% to 5% of the listing price — but it’s important to remember that your costs may vary.

3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Applying for a mortgage pre-approval is important for two reasons — it helps you understand how much you can borrow to finance your new home and demonstrates your seriousness about homeownership to potential lenders.

Understanding what types of mortgages are available to you is essential for navigating this step, as you will need this information to determine which arrangement is best for your situation. Your options will vary depending on several factors, including but not limited to:

Income
Occupation
Credit score
Location
Lender

Looking for lenders with the best rates can help new homebuyers afford a new home much easier.

4. Start the Home Search

You can work with an agent or browse listings on sites like Zillow and Redfin. You could also do a combination of the two if you already have a solid vision of what you’re looking for.

Once you find some homes you’re interested in, try to visit them in person to ensure you like what you see. You have several options to do this:

Attend open houses: Open houses are great opportunities to see the house, ask any questions you have and show your interest. Use this time to explore the neighborhood and make sure you feel comfortable with the location beyond your property.
Tour with an agent: Working with a real estate agent allows you to use their connections to find great listings you may have been unable to find online. They can then arrange tours for you — all you have to do is make sure you have enough time to show up!
Tour online: If you live far away and can’t make an in-person visit, you can always ask to tour the property via video chat. The seller or their agent can walk you through the home and point out any details you need to know. The biggest issue with this arrangement is that you won’t be able to inspect everything with your own eyes.

Remember, having a shortlist of homes you like is best in case your first choice doesn’t work out.

5. Make an Offer and Schedule an Inspection

Once you’ve found a home you want to move into, it’s time to make your offer. The key is to make it as attractive as possible for the seller so they’re more likely to accept — but you want to avoid going overboard to make sure you win in the end.

The seller might make a counteroffer, which you can accept or reject. You can also negotiate for a better deal if you feel comfortable.

If your offer gets accepted, you’ll sign a purchase agreement. This is the perfect time to schedule a home inspection and appraisal with an expert, as this information is necessary for securing a good mortgage. Note that you may need to make some adjustments to your budget if the appraiser finds something objectionable.

Also, consider any upgrades you’d like to make, such as a new garage door, to your new property.

6. Closing the Sale

After you’ve gone through all the above steps and you’re ready to call the house your home, you’ll close the deal. This step involves:

Paying closing costs.
Signing necessary paperwork.
Obtaining your new keys.

After meeting with all the relevant parties, you’ll sign the closing agreement and make the first payments on your new home.

What to Expect When Moving From Seattle to Portland

Portland is less than three hours from Seattle by car, but the cities are quite different. When you know what kinds of changes you might be facing, you’ll be able to minimize the culture shock.

Some of the biggest differences between the two include:

Better public transit: Portland has a more connected public transit system than Seattle, where there are often gaps between routes. It’s also a smaller city, making it significantly easier to navigate.
Smaller city vibes: Seattle is a significantly larger city than Portland, with approximately 759,915 people in 2024. While Portland’s population is only a little smaller, many people who move there from Seattle find that it has a more laid-back, small-town atmosphere.
Accessibility: Portland is generally more walkable than Seattle, with a human-centric design that provides plenty of space for safe walking. You can easily get by in Portland without a car, while a vehicle is a necessity in Seattle.
Lower cost of living: Although prices in Portland have risen over the past decade, it’s still more affordable than in Seattle. Just compare the current median home selling prices — at $883,000 in Seattle and $519,000 in Portland, it’s clear the latter is more manageable for most people.

Of course, you’re still in the Pacific Northwest, which means you’ll recognize a lot of similarities between Seattle and Portland. Some key examples include:

Coffee culture: Although the coffee scene is a little more relaxed than in Washington, Portlanders take their coffee just as seriously. You’ll find plenty of national and local roasters, cozy cafes and coffee carts to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
Outdoor activities: People from Washington and Oregon generally love being out and about in nature — and Portland is no different. If you love hiking, biking, kayaking and more, you’ll find an abundance of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors here.
Weather patterns: Because they share the same longitude,Seattle and Portland experience similar weather throughout the year. Seattle natives will feel right at home.

Does Your New Portland Home Need a Garage Door Upgrade?

Should you move to Portland, Oregon? If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and you’re looking for a small city with a vibrant culture and friendly people, Portland might just be the place for you.

Wherever you find your new Portland home, you’ll probably want to add some finishing touches to make it 100% yours. That’s where we come in. At Oregon City Garage Door, we carry a wide variety of residential garage doors to suit any aesthetic or garage size. We also back all our work with a strong warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case any issues arise.

How to Build a Pole Barn Garage

pole barn garage with white garage doors

Are you considering installing a garage on your property? You could opt for a traditional stick-built garage, which involves laying a foundation and constructing a wood-framed structure on top of it. You could also choose a pole barn, a type of post-frame build consisting of wood or metal poles and crossbeams.

Pole barn construction offers several benefits. This type of garage typically takes less time and costs less to build — it doesn’t require a lengthy framing process, and there’s no need to lay a concrete foundation and grade the surface. Extensive separation between the posts facilitates larger wall openings, which are ideal for installing a garage door. Finally, pole barns are highly durable. They can withstand strong winds and other forces.

How to Build a Pole Barn Step-by-Step

Follow this process for DIY pole barn construction:

Build a base. Choose a flat, well-drained surface and add fill to create a raised base area. Crushed rock screenings work well because they’re small, inexpensive and easy to rake.
Install the posts. Standard pole barn plans show posts at 8-foot intervals, although you can place them up to 12 feet apart if you need more access for machinery or other wide objects. The post holes should be 5 feet deep and rest atop pre-poured concrete footings.
Put braces and beams in place. Install horizontal beams on top of the poles that span the distance between each pole. Secure the beams by notching each post approximately 12 inches from the top, setting them in the notches and bolting them together. Another method is to place the beams atop the poles and use bolted metal plates to secure the connection.
Add roof framing. Ready-made trusses will support the roof, eliminating the need for interior support posts.
Install the roof. Metal roofs tend to work best with pole barn construction. They’re quick to install, and there’s no need for full sheathing on top of the trusses.

Don’t Forget the Pole Barn Garage Door

Oregon City Garage Door is the best choice for your pole barn garage door project. We’ll help you choose the right product for your needs and budget and perform a professional installation that fits your timeline. We also provide warranty coverage for your protection and peace of mind. Contact us to request an estimate today.

How to Fix a Stuck Garage Door

Owning a garage is so convenient, as long as the garage door is running smoothly. You rely on your garage door to go up and down on demand multiple times each day. If your garage door was installed properly, you’re used to it working without any issues. But, perhaps today, it got stuck.

Garage doors rely on a series of interconnected parts to function properly. Their complex design can sometimes malfunction without warning. Regular garage door maintenance can help avoid these issues, but breakdowns can still happen.

A stuck garage door can cause inconveniences in your daily routine. Sometimes there is a simple fix, and other times you may need professional repairs. These tips can help you avoid frustration and identify the root of the problem so you can get your garage back to normal right away.

Causes of Sticking

The first step toward fixing your garage door is to figure out why it got stuck. Garage doors are powered by many different parts, which can malfunction for a variety of reasons.

Here is a list of common problems that cause garage doors to get stuck:

1. Dead Batteries

The first thing you should check if your garage door is stuck is the batteries in your remote. Batteries die all the time, and this is often the problem. If you swap in fresh batteries and it doesn’t help, you can start checking out other likely causes.

2. Locked by Accident

This may seem obvious, but have you checked the lock? Garage doors can often become locked by mistake by a child or an automatic locking system. If your garage door won’t open, take a second to check the locks before trying other solutions.

3. Cold Weather

Oregon winters are cold and wet, and water can collect and freeze around the springs of your garage door. A buildup of ice can put pressure on your springs, making your garage door latch stuck. Try removing the ice from the springs and see if your door becomes unstuck. Clearing the ice from your springs may be a simple fix unless they have become damaged. Use a heat gun on a low setting or a hair dryer to gently melt the ice away.

If the ice has broken the springs on your garage door, call a repair service right away. Replacing a spring yourself is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.

4. Broken Pulley or Springs

A pulley and spring system lifts your garage door up and down. These mechanisms pull the door along the track to open and close it. If a spring is broken or the pulley is obstructed, the garage door will not be functional. These parts can break even while the door is in motion, causing it to be stuck halfway or fully open.

Springs are not designed to last forever. After a while, they need to be replaced. If you believe this is causing your door to be stuck, call a professional garage door repair service. They can fix the broken spring or pulley system to get your garage door running smoothly.

5. Track Issues

Your garage door’s track is an essential part of the opening and closing mechanism. But it’s also one of the most delicate. Rollers guide your garage door along the track to lift it up and down. If the track is disturbed, your door can easily become stuck.

Common track issues include:

Blockages: Objects like rocks and leaves or even a rubber ball have been known to weasel their way into garage door tracks. Examine your tracks for any items that could be blocking the rollers from moving. Only try to clean these blockages if your garage door is in the down position to avoid the risk of injury.
Dislodged rollers: If your garage door opens halfway and stops, your rollers may have jumped off of the track. A professional is needed to fix this problem safely.
Damage: Regular wear and tear can add up, causing the tracks to become bent and misshapen. They can also be broken by an impact from a car or harsh weather conditions. Call a professional to make sure your garage door is fixed properly.

6. Sensor Malfunction

Sensors are designed to keep your garage door open if they sense an obstruction. Sometimes, sensors register a blockage like dust and other debris as an object, causing the garage door to be stuck open. Try wiping them off and test if that works. If problems persist, consult a professional for help.

7. Inadequate Lubrication

Proper lubrication is required for your door to function smoothly. If your garage door has been making a lot of noise lately, you may not have enough. Poor lubrication will cause your door to get stuck, but the solution is simple. Apply lubricant to the tracks, hinges, rollers and springs after cleaning the components. Do this when the door is in the down position.

Stuck up, Down or Halfway?

The spot where your garage door is sticking can help you troubleshoot the cause of the problem. You can rule out certain malfunctions depending on where it is jammed.

Stuck Up

Common causes for a garage door that is stuck in the up position include:

You have malfunctioning garage sensors.
There’s a broken spring.
There’s an electrical issue with the garage door opener.
Remote batteries need to be replaced.

Stuck Down

Common causes for a garage door that is stuck down include:

There are broken parts, like hinges, cables or rollers.
The garage door is locked.
Rollers are out of the tracks.
Remote batteries need to be replaced.

Stuck Halfway

Common causes for a garage door that is stuck halfway include:

An obstruction is blocking the rollers on the tracks.
There’s a jam in the spring and pulley system.
The pressure on the garage door opener needs an adjustment.

Contact Oregon City Garage Door to Fix a Jammed Garage Door

If your garage door is stuck, you can look at the areas listed above to identify the problem. Check the locks, clean out the tracks, apply lubricant and attempt a few other easy fixes. However, making major repairs to your garage door can be dangerous if you do not have experience. Trust your garage door to the professionals for a quick and easy fix.

At Oregon City Garage Door, our professionals provide high-quality prompt and friendly service. Our experts are available to inspect your residential or commercial garage door and find the right solution to make your garage fully functional again. We also offer garage door maintenance and tune-up services to prevent your garage door from getting stuck again in the future.

If your garage door is having issues that you can’t seem to fix, call in the experts. Schedule a service with Oregon City Garage Door today!

How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Garage

Like any other part of your home, your garage is vulnerable to mold. In fact, garages can be even more susceptible because mold thrives in dark, damp spaces.

Even if you aren’t in your garage much, mold can still pose health risks to you and your family — you may be bringing it into your home on shoes and backpacks without even realizing it. Exposure to mold can lead to symptoms such as skin and throat irritation, coughing and nasal stuffiness.

Preventing and eliminating mold in your garage can prevent lasting damage to your home as well as keep your family safe, happy and healthy.

How Does Mold Get Into the Garage?

Garages are prone to mold because they are relatively dark and damp. Your garage is probably not as insulated as the rest of your home. Additionally, many older garages are made from materials like wood that don’t provide much resistance to moisture.

If your garage is attached to your home and used as an entrance, the risk for mold is high because it is open so much, allowing moisture inside. However, you can find mold in detached garage spaces as well, and you might not be as likely to notice it right away, allowing for continued growth.

How to Eliminate Mold in Garage Spaces

So you’ve checked your garage and found mold. How can you get rid of it?

If the mold is on a non-porous surface like concrete, you can remove it by following these steps:

Before you get started, be sure to wear protective clothing, especially gloves and a mask.
Some household agents such as bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia can kill mold. Spray one of these agents onto the area.
Let it sit for an hour or so.
Scrub the area with hot water and a stiff brush.

Depending on the materials in your garage, you may be able to remove mold from a garage door, wall or floor on your own using these techniques. If the problem persists, however, you may need to consider professional mold removal.

If you find mold on a porous surface like a wood garage door, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to eliminate it, especially if the mold has been there for a while. You’ll likely have to replace it with a mold-resistant material like polyurethane steel.

How to Prevent Mold in Garage Spaces

Once you’ve gotten rid of mold in your garage, you’ll want to ensure that new mold doesn’t develop. Here are a few ways to prevent mold in your garage:

Get a dehumidifier. This will cut down on the moisture in your garage. Proper ventilation (like vents and fans) will also help lower humidity.
Upgrade your storage from cardboard to plastic. Do you have any cardboard boxes of odds and ends lying around in your garage? Switch to a waterproof material for storage. It doesn’t have to be fancy — plastic tubs will work just fine!
Remove standing water. You might notice pools of water on your garage floor after a heavy rainstorm, or if you wash your car in the garage. If there’s standing water in your garage for any reason, mop it up or use a squeegee to get rid of it.
Let in some sunlight. Mold thrives in dark spaces. If your garage has windows, make sure they aren’t obstructed so that sunlight can get in. Fresh air is good for your garage as well, so if you can, leave your garage door open for a few hours a week to let in some light.

Following these steps can go along way toward preventing mold in your garage. If the problem persists in spite of your efforts, you might want to consider remodeling your garage with moisture-resistant materials.

Act today to keep your home and family safe from mold. Check out the selection of moisture-resistant doors at Oregon City Garage Door and contact us for installations and repairs in the Portland area.

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Garage

Spring is the perfect time to declutter, clean and organize your home — including your garage. After all, there is nothing better than starting the year off right with a clean space. Along with removing all the dust and dirt, you can go through your garage, get rid of any items you don’t need and replace any old or broken belongings.

Garage Cleaning Tips for the Overwhelmed

If it’s been a while since you last cleaned out your garage or you have a lot of items, the thought of tackling such a task can feel overwhelming. While it may feel like there are many challenges ahead, here are a few tips you can try to make the process run more smoothly:

Come up with a goal so you have something specific you are working toward.
Break tasks down into a checklist that you need to complete to reach your goal.
Gather your friends and family and assign tasks to each person.
Pace yourself and focus on your end goal.

5 Tips on How to Clean Out Your Garage

Ready to start? Here are five tips and tricks for cleaning and organizing your garage this spring:

1. Remove Everything From the Garage

To make the entire cleaning and organization process easier, start by removing everything from your garage. If there’s no rain in the forecast, you can move all your items out to your driveway so you have a blank slate to work with.

2. Dust, Wipe and Sweep

Starting from top to bottom, begin sweeping and dusting away any cobwebs, dust and dirt on the ceiling, walls and shelves. Then, give the floor a quick sweep to get rid of anything that has fallen down.

3. Clean the Floor

Once your garage is dust-free, you can create a simple DIY cleaning solution of distilled vinegar and water to clean the floors. If there is a lot of grime, you might need to use your hose or a power washer to clean it. Once the floors are sparkling clean, you can also use this solution on your garage door windows.

4. Sort and Organize

As your garage is drying out, you can start sorting and organizing everything you have in the driveway. Create separate piles for the things you want to keep, sell, throw out and give away.

If you don’t have any storage units, shelves or wall organizers, now is a good time to install those. Having a designated place for your things keeps everything organized and prevents your garage from becoming too cluttered in the future.

5. Check Your Garage Door

Now is also the perfect time to check your garage door and see if it needs any maintenance. Ensure everything is working as it should and has no loose parts or rust.

Keep Your Garage Operating as It Should With Oregon City Garage Door

When it’s time for your yearly garage door maintenance, Oregon City Garage Door has you covered. Along with our collection of functional and stylish residential garage doors, we also offer maintenance and repair services to keep your garage running as it should throughout the year.

Have any questions about our services or want to schedule an appointment? Fill out our contact form or contact us at 503-632-3070 and we’ll be in touch with you soon.