Relocating to Portland

The Perks of Living in the Largest City in Oregon

With the abundance of craft beersinnovative cuisinelush outdoor spaces and bike-friendly cities, it’s no wonder that Oregon was the top destination for people moving out-of-state in 2017, and has been a top contender for years.

Proximity

Whether you’re in the mood to hike, ski, camp, fish or perhaps even spend a day in wine country sipping on Oregon’s finest Pinots, Portland’s location offers easy access to a plethora of activities.

Multnomah Falls

Forest Park – 10 minutes – One of the largest urban forests in the United States, with more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads. The park stretches for more than seven miles along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, overlooking Northwest Portland and the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.


Columbia Gorge – 1 hour – a popular destination for hiking, biking, sight-seeing, fishing, and watersports. The area is known for its high concentration of waterfalls, with over 90 on the Oregon side of the Gorge alone.

Wine Country – 45 minutes – A short drive from the city, the Willamette Valley wows with lush scenery and delightful wines.


Mt. Hood – 1 hour –Hang out at the historic Timberline Lodge year-round and enjoy some skiing with gorgeous views. Forests and valleys fill with lavender and wildflowers in the spring, and apples and pears and berries in the summer and fall. 

High Desert – 3.5 hours – This 127-mile eastern byway ventures out among Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert, linking to three other tour routes for an awe-inspiring look at Oregon’s Wild West.


The Coast - 1.5 hours - We have easy access to the beach! There are numerous spots to check out, anywhere from the Columbia River all the way down to California. Breathtaking views of cliffs, coves and the gorgeous shoreline.

Fun, Unique Neighborhoods


NW 23rd – Discover boutique shopping, great food choices, and an eclectic mix of shops and services to satisfy any need.


Alberta – Independent and diverse, this Northeast Portland neighborhood is full of art, shopping and a plethora of dining options.


Laurelhurst – A neighborhood of vintage homes and undulating streets surrounding a park of the same name, straddling the NE and SE sections of Portland.


The Pearl – Reclaimed warehouse spaces house The Pearl’s many bars and restaurants, from craft breweries and artisan coffee shops to fine dining mainstays.


Downtown – From the theaters and museums of the Cultural District to parks that play host to festivals and farmers’ markets, downtown puts a wide range of entertainment within easy walking distance.


East Moreland – An early-twentieth century, tree-lined quiet neighborhood in inner Southeast.


Food / Beer / Wine

Portland is a no-brainer when it comes to popular destinations for beer lovers. The city has the Pacific Northwest advantage of access to the best ingredients (we’re talking water, hops, malt and yeast…all of them), and houses close to 60 breweries. Popular spots include Hopworks Urban Brewery, Breakside Brewery and Cascade Brewing. It’s hard to walk anywhere in Portland without seeing a fun spot to grab a nice craft beer.


As for food, the list of fun, delicious and innovative restaurants could go on forever. Notable Portland favorites, though, come from John Gorham, one of Portland’s most celebrated restaurateurs. His restaurants are well known for their American-European and Middle Eastern flair, as well as their party-like atmosphere. Each is a unique experience and well worth a visit! You can learn more about the chefs and the restaurants here.


Shopping


There is no Sales Tax in Oregon so… go for it!! Whether you’re in the mood for boutiques (NW 23rd , or The Pearl, to name a few), or mall shopping (outdoor: Pioneer Place; indoor: Lloyd Center), you will not be disappointed by all of the awesome Portland shops.

Sports

Portland loves its sports!


Men’s Professional Soccer: Portland Timbers – 2015 MLs Champs. Sit in the Army section if you’re feeling energetic! 


Women’s Professional Soccer: Portland Thorns – Throw on some red, grab a beer and cheer on the 2017 champions.


Men’s Professional Basketball: Portland Trail Blazers – Always great energy at the Moda Center when the Blazers are in town!


Weather

The Rose City’s reputation as a dreary place where it never stops raining is often the only frame of reference non-local candidates have when we first talk with them about Portland.


While there are a few rainy months in Portland, the average annual rainfall is about 36 inches, which is about half of the average annual rainfall for the top 10 rainiest states. And the weather is getting better every year, with mild winters and summers that make enjoying the spectacular outdoor landscapes surrounding Portland even easier.


We still recommend that candidates pick up a sturdy rain jacket when they relocate to Portland, but the weather should not be a barrier to getting here.


Portland locals have a saying – “there is no such thing as bad weather…just bad rain gear”.


Cost of Living

Along with the question about compensation often comes a follow-up about the area’s complete cost of living. At 10% above the national average, Portland’s cost of living has earned a bit of a bad reputation, especially among candidates from Midwestern cities.

Compared to other metropolitan areas on the West Coast, however, Portland is still one of the most affordable options.


The median home price in San Francisco, for instance, is $774,500 more than the median home price in Portland. And, towards the end of 2017, Portland was knocked from the top three metros for rising home prices, getting overtaken by Las Vegas and San Diego. 

Candidates may have to pay more for a cup of local coffee or a slice of pizza if they move to Portland, but after speaking to someone who actually lives here, people quickly realize that the city is more affordable than some statistics seem to imply.


When the topic of compensation arises, often in the context of concern, we ask candidates about how they invest in their quality of life.


Portland often ranks among the top cities to live in based on quality of life, with good reason: It’s one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world with one of the best public transportation systems in the country. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, with mountainsforest trails and coastal beaches only a short drive from the metro area. And with flourishing foodbeermusicarts and sports scenes, there really is something for everyone.


Once non-local candidates hear about the lifestyle in Portland, compensation becomes less of an obstacle to bringing them out here.


Tax Structure

While Oregon has an income tax of 8.5%, it is offset with ZERO sales tax and lower property taxes as compared to its peers on the west coast. In a variety of studies, Oregon has ranked in the top 3 fairest tax systems. 


The national average for state and local taxes as a share of income is 10.4%, where Oregon sits below the national average at 10%. 


Property taxes are based on assessed value of the property and based on voters passing Measure 50, when a home sells, the value is not reassessed. In addition, Oregon does not have an excise tax on homes sales as compared to its neighbor to the north with an average tax of 1.28% of the sales price.


Exciting & Growing Businesses

Despite the small-city, Portlandia-inspired perception, Portland is home to thousands of thriving businesses that span a variety of key industries, including software, technology and manufacturing. Recently, Portland has developed a reputation as a “no-brainer” city for big tech companies such as eBaySalesforceAutodesk and Airbnb to open up satellite offices.


Many footwear and apparel companies call Portland home including Nike, and Columbia Sportswear, along with Adidas’s North American headquarters.

The tech scene has never been more promising, with organizations such as Puppet LabsWacom TechnologyJama Software and Exterro choosing to remain in or move their operations to Portland. New start-ups are garnering the attention of investors every day, and growth opportunities abound.


In addition to footwear and technology, Portland has a reputation for fostering premium food brands such as Kettle ChipsTillamook Cheese and Dave’s Killer Bread that are quickly becoming household names around the country.


In Conclusion…

With its mild climate, beautiful seasons, and easy access to a variety of topographies, Portland has so much to offer, and we are lucky to call this city home!


Check out 180one’s other posts about Portland!

By Greg Togni April 23, 2025
180one is pleased to announce our recent partnership with Pike Street Capital and the successful placement of a new Board Member for Superior Duct Fabrication, a Pike Street portfolio company!  Superior Duct Fabrication is a leading provider of commercial and industrial HVAC duct systems, known for its high-quality fabrication, reliability, and customer service. The company serves a wide range of industries, delivering complex ductwork solutions with precision and speed. In 2023, Pike Street Capital, a Seattle-based private equity firm focused on industrial growth companies, acquired Superior Duct Fabrication as part of its strategy to invest in scalable, high-performing manufacturing businesses. Pike Street partners with management teams to accelerate growth and build long-term value through operational improvements and strategic leadership. As part of this effort, Pike Street Capital partnered with 180one to recruit a new board member to help guide Superior Duct’s continued expansion and success. Congratulations to Pike Street Capital, Superior Duct Fabrication, and the 180one Search Team on a successful board placement!
By Greg Togni April 7, 2025
Let’s face the music, or the new reality that attracting executives to move across the country for an opportunity has become increasingly difficult for a variety of circumstances. As businesses look to recruit top talent at executive levels, understanding the shifts in migration trends before you launch a search, better yet, as you plan a position, might be the difference of landing a great candidate in a reasonable amount of time, or dragging out a search for the unicorn who can’t be found. Let’s look at some of the factors and trends together that might shape how your organization moves forward in conducting a national executive search. Understanding the 2024 Relocation Landscape The 2024 Allied Migration Report paints a picture of a U.S. population increasingly seeking affordable living spaces, a better work-life balance, and more favorable economic conditions. Despite a 20% overall decrease in interstate relocations from 2022 to 2024, the main driver of those relocating is the alignment of their personal and professional goals. The report also underscores the shift toward midsize cities and suburban areas as more desirable destinations. This trend is being driven by a combination of rising housing costs in major cities, economic uncertainty, and a greater demand for improved quality of life. Companies looking to relocate candidates must consider a range of factors to ensure that they are not only attracting talent but also providing a work environment that matches these evolving preferences. Here are 5 key aspects that companies should score themselves against to determine how desirable their location is for the market. Depending on how one scores, it can help highlight the probability of relocating or needing to adjust the candidate profile to match candidates in the current geographic market not needing relocation. 1. Housing Affordability and Living Costs One of the most significant motivators for relocation in 2024 is housing affordability. In 2023, soaring housing costs in urban centers like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago pushed many people to consider smaller cities and suburban areas where the cost of living is lower. When relocating candidates, it's crucial for employers to consider how the cost of housing in their city or region will impact the candidate’s overall financial well-being. If your company is in a higher cost area, providing a sign-on bonus towards housing can be one lever to pull to cover the gap. 2. Remote Work and Flexible Work Arrangements The rise of remote work in the wake of the pandemic continues to shape relocation patterns. With many employees now able to work from anywhere, some candidates are looking for jobs that allow them to live in more affordable or attractive locations while still benefiting from a competitive salary. The ability to work from home (or a hybrid model) has made relocation less about proximity to the office and more about finding a place that offers a better quality of life. For employers, it’s essential to evaluate whether the role can be offered remotely or with flexible work arrangements. If the company is headquartered in a high-cost city but allows employees to work from anywhere, the business might be able to attract candidates from more affordable regions while offering competitive salaries. On the other hand, if the position requires in-office attendance, it’s important to highlight the benefits of relocating to that city—such as lifestyle factors, community offerings, and career advancement opportunities. 3. Job Market and Industry Opportunities Candidates are increasingly moving to regions where job markets are thriving, particularly in industries like technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and finance. The 2024 Allied Migration Report noted that states with growing job markets are experiencing strong inbound migration. How would classify your region’s overall job market? Candidates want to know that if they were to relocate, and for some reason down the road they leave the organization – what other opportunities exist for them locally. If there are no other reasonable and likely options related to their industry, or expertise - this can pose another hurdle that needs to be addressed. It’s essential to evaluate whether the region offers the kind of industry opportunities that will keep the candidate’s career trajectory on track. 4. Tax Policies and Financial Incentives Tax policies are a key factor influencing relocation decisions in 2024. States with no income tax have seen an increase in inbound migration, with people moving to these states in search of more disposable income. The economic uncertainty and high inflation rates in 2024 have made individuals more conscious of their financial situations, and tax-friendly states are becoming increasingly attractive. Employers looking to relocate candidates should consider the tax implications of moving employees to specific regions. 5. Quality of Life and Lifestyle Considerations Beyond financial factors, candidates are also considering lifestyle factors when deciding where to relocate for work. According to the 2024 Allied Migration Report, many people are moving to regions that offer a better balance of work and life, which includes access to quality healthcare, good schools, recreational activities, and a desirable climate. For employers, this means understanding the lifestyle preferences of potential candidates and emphasizing how the region supports these needs. What’s the Score? So how did your region score? How will it impact how you go to market with the position? Did you adjust the candidate profile to mirror what exists in the local candidate market, or is your region highly desirable to attract the unicorn? As migration patterns evolve, companies that adapt their candidate profiles and expectations to these shifting dynamics will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly mobile workforce.
By Christine Kennedy March 12, 2025
Corporate Development Manager About the Company Impel is a family of companies that offer comprehensive flow management solutions in partnership with each other and the best manufacturers in the world. Each of Impels branches represent individual brand cultures and span the West Coast. Impel serves customers in water, wastewater, agriculture, industrial, manufacturing, energy and mining. Impel was founded in 2021 with a vision to build a “one-stop shop” to serve municipal and industrial fluid management needs by acquiring complementary capabilities in contiguous geographies. The platform launched with the first acquisition of PumpTech , a premier distributor of high-quality pumping products and systems serving the Pacific Northwest. Subsequent acquisitions have grown Impel to over ten fluid management companies throughout the US. Impel is backed by Pike Street Capital , a private equity firm based in Seattle, WA. Recently, Pike Street successfully raised capital to fund additional acquisitions. Impel is actively pursuing growth opportunities and remains focused on acquiring and partnering with family-owned and operated companies in the sector. About the Role This is a key position managing the acquisition process within Impel. You will participate in all aspects of the investment process including industry/market research, deal origination, strategy and execution, and relationship building with acquisition target owners, executives, investment bankers and other intermediaries. This is a great role if you’re looking to own the deal process and progress your skillset as a deal professional. This role will give you deep insight into the entire acquisition process while closing multiple deals a year. We are a fairly lean team and believe in cross functional work so come with a growth mindset and you will develop a skillset across each business function; Our team believes in developing our team members. Primary Responsibilities Perform company analysis, including initial screenings, financial modeling and valuation, due diligence, consultation with external advisors, and preparation of materials for internal investment meetings. Responsible for M&A project management processes to include, but not limited to, valuations, letters of intent, due diligence analysis, financial planning, and business case development. Analysis of risks and opportunities of M&A activities, translate this into fact-based and well-reasoned insights on the valuation and structural impact of various acquisitions. Drive market research and strategic fit analysis. Conduct research on prospective sector opportunities and market trends and develop and present data-based opinions to inform decision-making and price transactions. Participate on deal teams to help structure and execute transactions, including coordinating the deal process and legal and transactional documentation. Special projects working directly with C suite, functional leads, and regional vice presidents. Qualifications 2-6 years experience in private equity, consulting, financial DD/QoE, investment banking, accounting, or corporate M&A Exposure to other diligence areas including commercial, operational, market sizing, risk analysis, customer and supplier, agreement review, etc. Excel and PowerPoint expertise Value oriented Strong communication skills Commitment to high professional standards Credentials: CPA preferred Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Impel to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley /503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com
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